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Clifford Clinton Hoover, age 96, formerly of Mendon, died Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at Thurston Woods in Sturgis. He was born in Harrietta, MI on Sep. 21, 1912 the son of George and Edna (Engler) Hoover. The family moved to Mendon when he was very young, and he attended Mendon Schools. Cliff served in the U.S. Army in Europe during WWII with the 2nd Armored Division, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with 7 Bronze Stars.
Cliff was married to Joan P. Kolthoff on Aug. 28, 1945 in Heerlen, Netherlands. They returned to Mendon in 1946 where they resided for the next 50 years. Joan died on Oct. 1, 1999. Cliff worked for the Rheam Corporation in Kalamazoo for 18 years. He was a member of the Mendon Schools custodial staff for over 30 years and provided cleaning services for the Mendon Bank. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching Mendon High School sports.
Cliff is survived by 2 children and their spouses George & Kathy Hoover of Mendon, and Dixie & Gary Kain of Sturgis; 5 grandchildren including his special care-giver, Debbie Herman of Bronson; 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Irvin, Leon, and Lyle; and by 2 sisters, Edith and Lela.
Cremation has been conducted. A military committal of ashes will take place 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2009 at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI with Rev. Paul Delmark, Pastor of the Sturgis Baptist Church officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Sturgis Baptist Church. Online register is available and condolences may be left at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
