Dorland L. Cliff

BLOOMINGTON – Dorland L. Cliff, of Bloomington, Wisconsin passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024, in his home.  He enjoyed being independent and self-sufficient throughout his 95 years.   Dorland was born February 12, 1929, in Little Grant township, Grant County, Wisconsin the son of Elmer and Leona (Hickin) Cliff.  His father Elmer passed away when Dorland was 1 year old. For the next 4 years, Dorland and his mother lived with his mother’s parents.  Leona married Kenneth Loney in 1934.  Kenneth was a good father to him.  Dorland enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1953.  During his time of service, he was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict.   Through friends, Dorland met his future wife, Joanne A. First and on November 27, 1954, they were united in marriage in Prairie Du Chien.  This marriage was blessed with six children.  Dorland was a hard worker and started working at a young age mowing lawns. He picked tomatoes 10 hours a day at age 14.   Dorland started working for U. S. Railroad, raising track at age 16.  He worked at Burgess Sponge for about 6 months.  Dorland was employed at John Deere in Waterloo for about a year.  In 1963, he started working at the University of Wisconsin State Experimental Farm west of Lancaster, until his retirement in 1990.  Dorland enjoyed classic automobiles and traveled to different car shows over the years. He dearly loved being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   Just recently, he watched his six year old great grandson play hockey. On February 12, Dorland was able to celebrate his 95^th birthday surrounded by his loving family. 

He is survived by children: Linda (Chester) Hilton, Kerry (Mary Lou) Cliff, Tamie (Gary) Uting, Becky (Jeff) Roskos and Jan (Sara Easland) Cliff:  15 grandchildren: Christopher (Sarah) Hilton, Joanna (Jacob) Benrud, Dylan (Lauren) Cliff, Casey Cliff, Justin Uting, Chad (Megan) Uting, Shayla (Alec) Pankow, Kylie (Nick) deWerd, Amanda (Joel) Ziehme, Cassie (Corey) Weber, Whitney (Jason) Miller, Brian (Anja) Cliff, Ethan Cliff, Alannah Cliff and Austin Cliff and 21 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Rita (Duane) Amundson, Juanita and Linda, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Joanne, his son Kim, and sister, Marlene (Bill) Steiner. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday February 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home, 1234 South Madison Street in Lancaster, Wisconsin.  Burial with military honors will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Bloomington, Wisconsin.  Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers memorials will be given to the Southwest Opportunities Center for individuals with disabilities.

Online condolences: martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com