Clifford "Cliff" Hoedebecke

Clifford William Hoedebecke, 57, of Bethalto passed away on April 11, 2019, surrounded by the love of his immediate family. But no one called him “Clifford;” he was known as Cliff by his family and friends. So many memories come crashing back. So little time to reminisce of past joys, past loves, past successes. His friends knew him as kind, gentle, and honest. His family knew him as sweet, intelligent and funny. Early in life, Cliff possessed an impressive vocabulary that belied his age. Heads would turn when he used words (correctly) that most toddlers couldn’t even pronounce. And heads continued to turn as he grew into an extremely handsome young man. Cliff enjoyed anything that walked on four legs and was at his happiest when surrounded by dogs and cats that depended upon him. With a love for the great outdoors, Cliff found peace while fishing at some of his favorite local ponds. (But he kept the best locations a secret.) From the time Cliff was a little boy he had to keep up with his older brothers and sisters (two of each). Being the youngest meant he got the cheap seat in the back of the station wagon every time the family went on road trips. But he never complained. In fact, that seemed to be a theme in his life. He never complained about the obstacles he faced, and unfortunately there were many. He preferred to focus on the simple pleasures in his life… a good dog, a good ballgame, a good laugh with friends, and the love of his Mother. Cliff was preceded in death by his father Clifford Edward Hoedebecke. He is survived by his mother Jeannette Hoedebecke of Edwardsville, and his four siblings: Mark (and Jan) Hoedebecke of Galena, Ken (and Marjorie) Hoedebecke of Charleston, IL, Nancy (Hoedebecke) Gilmore of Glen Carbon, and Maureen (Hoedebecke) Worthen and Maureen’s husband Cory. Cliff is also survived by six nieces and nephews, six great nieces and nephews, and many cousins in the surrounding area. The family would like to thank Integrity Healthcare of Wood River and Hospice of Southern Illinois for providing care and comfort in Cliff’s final days. Their compassion was much appreciated. A private family celebration of Cliff’s life will take place later this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cliff’s honor to the Hospice of Southern Illinois.