Clifton Anthony "Clif" Orphal
Clif, or “Cliff” depending on how you knew him, entered this world in the wee hours of the morning on 24 November 1946 and passed in his sleep in the wee hours of 11 November 2023.
Clif was born in Milwaukee where he attended school and was a member of the Milwaukee Turners. He had a long and successful career …read more
Clif, or “Cliff” depending on how you knew him, entered this world in the wee hours of the morning on 24 November 1946 and passed in his sleep in the wee hours of 11 November 2023.
Clif was born in Milwaukee where he attended school and was a member of the Milwaukee Turners. He had a long and successful career in the automotive industry which took him from Wisconsin, to Illinois, to Florida, and then back to Illinois. After his retirement, he settled in Milwaukee where he enjoyed engaging with his neighbors. Outside of his career, Clif was proud to say that he still owned his first car and that he had been a private pilot. He also enjoyed boating and spending time on the Illinois and Mississippi River, with family and friends. Clif was the type of person that was able to work on just about any do-it- yourself or repair project. Being able to use his mind and hands on everything from car repair to remodeling a bathroom, to painting a house. More notably, he was an avid and extremely talented woodworker. He used his creativity to envision, design, build, and/or restore many pieces of furniture, games, and classic boats to perfection. His craftsmanship will continue to provide smiles and great memories for many generations to come.
In recent years, Clif expanded his love of woodworking into the living wood world as a member of the Milwaukee Bonsai Society where he served as Treasurer until his passing. He used his woodworking talents there and became known for producing unique bonsai tables.
Survived by his son Chris (Julie) Orphal of Sugar Grove; his sister, Christeeda (David) Mies of West Bend; and his grandchildren Collin and Claire Orphal. He was further survived by his nieces and nephews: Daniel (Maggie) Mies, Jonathan (Maureen) Mies, Andy (Lia Garekis – fiancée) Mies, former spouse Lyn Orphal whom he maintained a lifelong friendship with, special friend Mary Ellen Rinaldi, along with numerous cousins from the Green Bay area, extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Elizabeth Orphal, and sister Jeanine (Tom) Jankowski.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, 1 December 2023, at Krause Funeral Home located at 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM. Those who wish to share a story of Clif are encouraged to do so from 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
In lieu flowers, Clif would tell you to grab some tools and work on a project with someone you love – it’s time well spent.
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Gathering Information
Krause Funeral Home Brown Deer
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Date: Friday, December 1, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Memorial Information
In lieu flowers, Clif would tell you to grab some tools and work on a project with someone you love – it’s time well spent.
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Sarah Mumm posted on 11/17/23
Clif always welcomed us to the dock on the weekends with a smile or a fun story. He was willing to jump in, fix things, and help out! We enjoyed many laughs in n the river. He will be very missed. Sending hugs and love to The Orphals.