Robert “Jerry” Califf, 84, of Hamilton, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at his home in Hamilton, Illinois.

 

Jerry was born on January 19, 1937, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Harry A. and Maxine (Jacobs) Califf. On June 3, 1958, he was united in marriage to Julia K. Holtsclaw Califf in Macomb, Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2018. 

 

A lifelong resident of Lima and Hamilton areas, Jerry retired from Roquette after working there for almost forty years. He was also a former owner/operator at Califf/Harnetiaux Custom Combining. Jerry truly loved being outdoors, whether he was just tinkering or working in his garden. He gave away most of the produce he grew to local individuals and businesses. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. 

 

Jerry is survived by his daughter Cindy S. (Tim) Hempen of Hamilton, Illinois; his son James S. Califf of Hamilton, Illinois; his brother Harry “Bill” Califf of Hamilton; his sister-in-law Judith A. Bolton of Hamilton; his brother-in-law Elbert Allen of Quincy, Illinois; five grandchildren: Heather N. (Rob) Huntley of Surprise, Arizona, Hillary B. Hempen of Hamilton, Haleigh L. (Nicholas) Bell of Hamilton, Tiffany D. (Jason) Baxter of Hamilton and Robert Brock Califf of Fort Madison, Iowa; and seven great-grandchildren: Robert G. and Hayden N. Huntley of Surprise, Arizona, Jazlynn K. and Jada D. Huston of Hamilton, Justice M. Baxter of Hamilton, Harbor S. Hempen of Hamilton and Bahnon D. Bell of Hamilton. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, cousins and his dog, Buddy.

 

Jerry is preceded in death by parents, his sons Rex B. and Robert A. Califf, his sister Patricia Allen and brother-in-law Lavern Bolton.

 

Jerry’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 1 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm directly before the service. The funeral service will be available for livestreaming on Jerry’s obituary page at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

 

Memorials may be directed to Lee County Hospice or Always Home Senior Services.

 

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

 

Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.