Philip Neil Cuff

 

RIO -- Philip Neil Cuff, age 70, passed away on February 1st, at home on his family farm, Creekplace, with his family at his side. He fought a courageous battle with CLL. Even when the fight got tough he kept on working on projects.

Phil was born on April 27, 1942 to Geneva (Claxton) and Clifford Cuff. He attended Rio Schools and he spent his whole life in Rio, except for a three year enlistment in the Army when he was stationed in Texas and Germany from 1960-63. He was married to Judith (Bradley) in 1968 and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage. 

After he got out of the Army, Phil worked at many jobs; he built silos and was a cement mason. Later, he worked at Gisholt Machine Company in Madison and drove Milk Truck. He ended his working career by retiring from Peoples Telephone Company after working as an installer, repairman for 29 years. Phil's dream was always to be a farmer, so upon retiring he went to work at Hahn's Farm in Cambria, a dream finally come true.

His enjoyment in life came from farming, reading western stories, and spending time with his grandchildren. He really enjoyed watching his granddaughters play sports. He believed in working hard and enjoyed it. Phil always had a project in mind; cutting wood, building fences or constructing sheds. One of his favorite things to do, was to visit with people and tell stories. He enjoyed listening to Country Music, especially songs by the Oak Ridge Boys.

Over the years his menagerie of animals on the farm included: cows, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, llamas, cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and peacocks.

He was on the Columbia County Fair Board for a few years and he worked with the Rio FFA for 10 years. FFA kids showed the Creekplace Farm market steers and lambs. He was also a member of the Rio American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Cindy (Mike) May of Rio and Todd (Amy) Cuff of Poynette; his granddaughters, Amanda and Nickie May, and Lucy and Georgia Cuff; a brother, Marvin (Salley) Cuff of Rio; and a sister, Virginia (Robert) Mays of Cambria. Mother-in-law, Arline Bradley of Cambria; brother-in-law, Steve (Carolyn) Strauss; and sisters-in-law, Sandy (Jim) Slepicka of Rio and Dianne Bradley of Randolph. A special niece, Jennifer Tomlinson; lots of nephews and nieces and many friends. He was preceded in death by: an infant son, Troy; his parents, Clifford and Geneva Cuff; father-in-Law, Merlin Bradley; sister-in-law, Shirley Strauss and his special friend Bob Bernander.

Phil believed in the AFS Exchange program. Our Family has seven foreign children. Three AFS children, each lived with us for a school year: Sanna Simonsson, Sweden; Ferran Garcia Miracle, Spain; Melis Zorlulou, Turkey. Four summer students: Juan Romero, Spain; Takumi Koshida, Japan; Maria Puente, Spain; Paula Velasco, Spain. Hosting students made our small world larger. Phil's wish is for all the Granddaughters to visit another country.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9th at 11 a.m. on, at First Presbyterian Church, Pardeeville, conducted by Pastor Julie Waterdu. The family will receive friends two hours before the service from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in a private service. We are asking for no flowers because of allergies in the family, memorials can be made to the family.

Thanks to all the doctors and nurses at the Columbus Community Hospital. A special thank you to both Dr Frontiera and Dr Sam Poser and staff for your dedication, friendship and watchful eye over the years.

There will never be enough words to tell you how much we all love you and miss you. Rest easy.