Ernest LeRoy Califf's Obituary
Ernest LeRoy Califf, age 89, passed away Friday evening at the Harbor Hospice-Poppen Residence following a long illness. He was born in Muskegon on May 22, 1921 to Ernest F. and Edith (McClain) Califf. Ernie was a US Army veteran of WWII serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Mr. Califf married the former Fern M. Steele in Joplin, MO on November 2, 1942 and after 52 years of marriage, on January 1, 1994, Fern preceded him in death. Prior to his retirement, Ernest worked as a machinist at Teledyne-Continental Motors for 34 years. He was an avid hunter, bowler and golfer. He was a former member of the VFW 8846, Don Rea Post and the D.A.V. Mr. Califf is survived by: six sons, Robert (Norma Hennessy) of Muskegon, Richard (Lorraine) of Muskegon, Henry (Susan) of Fruitport, Ernest (Norma) of Twin Lake, Perry (Barbra Albright) of Muskegon and Carl (Pamela) of Holton; brother-in-law, Robert Hanke of Holton; sister-in-law, Alice Tiff of Muskegon Hts.; special friends, Tom Olson and Rhonda Puffer; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lenore Abbott and Emeline Hanke. The funeral service will be held at:
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
231-726-5210
11:00 A.M., Wednesday, Pastor David Cadle officiating and Military Honors: under the auspices of the VFW 8846 honor guard.
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