Eugene “Gene” Henry Cliff

Eugene (Gene) Henry Cliff, age 89, of Dubuque, IA completed his earthly journey on June 21, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Grand View Methodist Church, 3342 John Wesley Dr in Dubuque, IA, with a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. The service will also be live-streamed at www.grandviewdubuque.org. Private interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster, WI at a later date. Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gene’s family.

Gene was born on February 1, 1937, on the family farm in Bloomington Township, WI to John Thomas Cliff and Wilma Elizabeth (Croft) Cliff. He graduated from Bloomington High School and attended La Crosse Vocational School (now known as Western Technical College) in La Crosse, WI. Gene then worked for Allis Chalmers in West Allis, WI and Decorated Metals in Prairie du Chien, WI before getting hired at John Deere Dubuque Works in Dubuque, IA. He retired from John Deere after 36 years in 1995.

Gene was united in marriage to his soul-mate, Deanna I. McGill, on May 19, 1962, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien, WI. The couple settled in Dubuque where they started their family. They had six children together. Gene and Dee were married for 58 wonderful years before Dee’s passing.

Gene’s few words were oftentimes either witty or wise, and sometimes both. He treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren as well as with extended family. You could frequently find him tinkering in his workshop on a woodworking or mechanical project. Gene was generous and always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed it.

Gene was strong and resilient, surviving two separate cancer diagnoses and graduated from hospice care twice before his most recent admittance.  He frequently said the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque gave him excellent care and attention, which he appreciated greatly.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Dee; his parents, John and Wilma; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edna and David McGill; his brother, Carson Cliff; his sister-in-law Marcella Cliff; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Murray.

Surviving to honor his memory are his children: Barbara Cliff of Dubuque, IA; Sandra Cliff of Reedsburg, WI; Brian Cliff of Madison, WI; Gary (Lea) Cliff of Marion, IA; Laura Cliff of Palo, IA; and Teresa (Tim) Dalsing of Grinnell, IA; his grandchildren: Kelly Cliff, Rylee Cliff, Jillian Cliff, Samantha Dalsing (Brandon King), Megan Dalsing, Scott Dalsing, and Owen Dalsing; and his sister, Norma Murray of Worthington, OH. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, and in loving memory of Eugene H. Cliff, cards, memorials, and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family. Donations will be generously distributed among Gene’s favorite charities.

Online condolences may be shared with Gene’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com