Hal Stiff "Dadeo" 1941-2008

Who knew that we would lose my dad before this adoption journey would be over. I know he would have doted over our little China girl. She'll know of him someday, if only through pictures and stories. And I'll take it as a sign that he's with us somehow every time the Cardinals score a homer! :)

Here is the text of the obituary that ran July 13.

Harold "Hal" Stiff
MATTOON - Harold "Hal" Stiff, age 67, of Mattoon, IL passed away at 5:30 P.M., on Friday, July 11, 2008 at the Odd-Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. A private family graveside good-bye will be held at 1:30 P.M. Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. There will be no visitation. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Hal was born February 6, 1941 in Trilla, IL, the son of Merle and Rosa (Stewart) Stiff. He married Deana Jackson on June 11, 1982 in Charleston, IL. She survives. Surviving children include two daughters; Kacey Lynn Stiff of Mattoon, IL and Krista Myer and her husband Brent of Columbia, MO; one brother, Lew Stiff and his wife Patty of Mattoon, IL; two sisters, Barb Bridges of Mattoon, IL and Shirley Goudie of Mahomet, IL; one sister-in-law Diana Beck and her husband Jim of Mattoon, IL. Several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents and mother-in-law. Hal worked for thirty two years at Ameren CIPS in Mattoon, IL. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1967. He also served in the Army Corps of Engineers in 1968. Hal truly loved his family and enjoyed traveling with them. He had a passion for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and never missed a game, either by watching and listening at home or by actually being there at Busch Stadium, surrounded by all of the excitement. He also loved the game of golf, NASCAR, old westerns and reading books about military history. Hal was a very down to earth, simplistic man. His goal in life was to make sure that his family felt loved and comfortable. He had the ability to make everyone feel special with his warm smile and wonderful sense of humor. Memorials may be made to Lincoln Land Hospice of Mattoon, IL. To share a memory or light a candle, please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com. Obituary written by family members.