Obit: McCoy, Clifford “Cliff” R. (1948 - 2017)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: McCoy, Riley, Sutton, Brody, Heath, Meicher, Tschumper, Weiers

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/20/2017

McCoy, Clifford “Cliff” R. (30 August 1948 – 19 June 2017)

Clifford “Cliff” R. McCoy, age 68, Neillsville, WI died on Monday, June 19, 2017, at his home. Cliff was born on August 30, 1948 in La Crosse, WI to Clifford Sr. and Muriel (Riley) McCoy. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School, and Western Wisconsin Technical Institute.

Cliff was married to Jane Sutton in 1968, they later divorced. He later married Gloria Brody on January 14, 2005. He was assistant manager of A&P Grocery Stores in Des Moines, IA, and Hayward, WI. He also worked for Frelks Tree Farm of Merrillan, WI, Grassland Dairy of Greenwood, WI, and the Rooster Bar and Grill in Neillsville, WI. Cliff was happiest when he was drumming with the several different bands that he was a member of: The Crescendos, Tranquils, Lineman, Misfits Country Road Show, Nite Life Express, and Barroom Buddies. He was known throughout the area for lighting up his drums on fire during Wipe Out. He loved music and enjoyed a variety of styles but his favorite was Willie Nelson because of his creativeness.

Cliff served as Brat Master at the la Crosse October Fest for approximately 6 years in the 1970s. He also had the opportunity to assist in driving a 6-horse hitch pulling a Circus Wagon in the Ringling Brother’s Circus parade in Milwaukee, WI for many years. Cliff loved the color Blue; horses, women, hot rods, traveling, the night sky in the desert, rock & roll, drums and trains.

He also stepped in to assist Santa in Humbird, Loyal, Neillsville NH and surprise visits to those he knew needed a visit from Santa. He always had a joke and a smile, and was goofing around to make others happy. He lived a simple life, and always appreciated the little things.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Gloria of Neillsville, WI, a daughter, Jennifer (James) Heath; grandchildren, Justin, and JoAnna Heath; and step-children, Charles (Linda) Brody, Lisa (Jeff) Meicher, Chad (Marchelle) Brody, and David (Crystal) Brody; 7 step-grandchildren; and 1 step-great-grandchild. He is further survived by a special niece, Cindy, nephews, and other family and many, friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Mark McCoy, sisters: Carol McCoy, and Connie Tschumper.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 23, 2107 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Joe Weiers will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday morning prior to the service.

Honorary pallbearers are: James Heath, Just Heath, Charles Brody, Chad Brody, and David Brody.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Cliff’s family.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Clifford’s family with funeral arrangements.