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Clifford Joseph Geris
01/24/1924 — 06/29/2009
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Carlos, MN
Clifford Joseph Geris
Clifford 'Cliff' Joseph Geris died peacefully on June 29, 2009 at the Hospice at the Chaplaincy in Kennewick, WA.
Cliff was born January 24, 1924 in Carlos, Minnesota, to Joseph Geris and Anna Housen Geris.
After graduating from Alexandria High School in 1942, Cliff enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was a member of the 13th Air Force, 307th Bomb Group 372nd Bomb Squadron. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Cliff was a waist gunner on a B24 Liberator. Cliff reached the rank of staff sergeant when honorably discharged in 1945.
Cliff married Lydia Reger, the mother of his four children. They later divorced. Cliff worked for Chevron Oil Company, was a field rep for Westinghouse, sold insurance for Prudential Insurance Co. and drove a bread truck for several years for Snyders Bakery until he retired.
He lived in the Tri-Cities for 51 years Cliff married the love of his life, Esther Cain, whom he affectionately called 'Hon.' Cliff loved the Seattle Mariners, win or lose.
Cliff is survived by his children Allen Joyce Picicci, Julie Mabry Marvin, Douglas, stepchildren Mark Cain Sarita, Vickey Hunt, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister Margaret sis, nieces Bea Covel Jerry and Mary Overlie Ray and his little yorkie, Cappy.
Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his baby daughter Linda Kay, his parents and brother Ves.
Dad was very loved by all of us and will be fondly remembered. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Memories at Sunset Event Center, behind Einan's Funeral Home. 915 Bypass Highway Richland, WA.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may make contributions to the Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave. Kenn. WA. 99336.
Today you are in our thoughts and prayers as Cliff will be laid to rest. We will miss our phone calls with him and our visits. He was VERY special to us.
For the Family of Clifford J. Geris
From the Kennewick Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
There are no words to express the sorrow of losing a loved one. It is a pain that only time will heal. While we did not know Clifford personally, as DAR members we honor his commitment to our country and his service in its defense. The DAR strongly supports our nations’ military, and we recognize the personal sacrifice that each member gives, as well as their families.
To that end, we offer you our heartfelt condolences, and prayers of comfort. We thank you for Clifford’s service, and his sacrifice to our country.
May God bless you as you remember just how very special Clifford was to his family, and his country.
In grateful remembrance,
The members of the Kennewick Chapter DAR
We send our thoughts and prayers to all of Uncle Cliff’s family – our times together were few and far between, however, we hold fond memories of the times we shared. He was my Godfather – I have always had a special place in my heart for him. With Deepest Sympathy we send our Love and Prayers,
Ellie and Walter
We have enjoyed our many memories of our visits with my Uncle Cliff. We especially remember his stories and enjoyed his humor. We were there, when after his mother’s Anna Geris funeral in Osakis, he went over to the nuns home across the street and got one of the candles from the altar and was so happy to have it. We enjoyed the story of “ how he never made mistakes, so when he took a wrong turn to go to Vancouver, they ended up in Nevada!” Also when asked what he was going to do after his retirement, he stated “For the first month, he was really going to tell all his customers what he thought of them!” On his delivery routes he would often stop and visit the farmers and he would drive the farm machinery while they ate lunch. Always came home with a sack of produce!
We’re sorry we couldn’t be there for his burial service but felt blessed that we had spent the afternoon of April 17, 2009 with him. We talked about how much he missed Esther and how everyone in his family were always checking up on him and taking such good care of him. It was the first time he talked at length about his war experiences to us. He told us the WWII B-24 Bomber Crew he flew with kept in touch for many years and he was the only living survivor. Unfortunately, at this time, we’re unable to find the notes we wrote about this. We’ll always remember how he waved and had a big smile on his face as we were leaving.
You have our Sympathy and we hope your memories will give you comfort. We hope to visit with you on our next trip to Pasco.
Ray and Marge Ensign Overlie
Wichita, KS
July 18, 2009
Guestbook for
Clifford Joseph Geris