Clifford Ernest Israel

Clifford E Israel (Cliff) changed his residence to Heaven on November 13, 2025. He died at his residence at Bickford Senior Living in Cedar Falls, lowa. Cliff was able to celebrate his 98th birthday with his family this September.

Cliff was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 18, 1927. He was proud of his 9/18/27 birthday with this numerical pattern. During his life, he lived in Chicago, then the family moved to Warrenville, IL, Melrose Park, IL, Waverly, IA, and then back to Warrenville, IL. In 1945, he graduated from high school at Concordia Teachers College High School in River Forest, IL. He stayed at the college as a manager of Buildings and Grounds.

 It was at the college that he met Janice Diercks, who became his wife in 1947, and they moved to Warrenville, where they raised three sons: Larry, Rick, and Daryl.

His work life ended at Downer's Grove, IL, after working his way up from building inspector to being the first purchasing agent for the City of Downer's Grove. After retirement, Cliff and Jan moved to Hazelton, IA, and then later to Waterloo, IA.

 Both Cliff and Janice enjoyed chaperoning day trips on buses to various casinos and talking with everyone. Cliff enjoyed a clever story, Model T and Model A cars, playing cards, and was a very good bowler. He was active at his church, printing bulletins and making pies as a fundraiser.

Janice passed away after five years with Alzheimer's Disease in Memory Care in Traer, IA on January 4, 2017, at the age of 88. Their son Daryl passed away on January 26, 2012, at age 58 (the same day as Janice's birthday).

Cliff is survived by two sons: Larry (Carol) Israel and Rick (Judy) Israel; grandchildren: Todd (Bryan Bieser) Israel, Lindsey (Tyler) Benning, Justin (Mary) Israel, Rebecca Israel, and Laura (Andrew) Lessman. He is further survived by great-grandchildren: Ellianna, Mason, Jack, Lyla, Calvin, Rylan, Grayson, Brynleigh, Caden, Vivian, Isabelle, and Edison. Also surviving are his brothers: Herb Israel, Don Israel, Ken (Sue) Israel, Marv (Mona) Israel, Dean (Jane) Israel, Brother-in-law Bud (Sharon) Diercks, Sister-in-law Janice, and many nieces and nephews. Daughters-in-law Twyla Israel and Peggy Israel, and Jean Moore (a special friend and companion) are also his survivors.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Parrott and Wood Funeral Home, 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo, IA 50701. Visitation from 10:00 - 11:00. Service at 11:00. Lunch will follow after the service.