Clifford Paul Ungerecht

Cliff was born in Pasco, Washington on March 26, 1958 to Clifford & Monna Ungerecht. He lost his battle with cancer on April 26, 2012 in Walla Walla, Washington with his family& friends by his side.

Cliff graduated from Burbank High School in 1976. He graduated from Spokane Community College with a technical engineering degree in 1981 and attended several universities. In 1983, Cliff began his new position as an engineer working for Nelson Irrigation Corporation in Walla Walla. Many of the innovative products that he designed have received patents. He loved his job. Cliff met his wonderful wife, Cathy, at a surprise party in 1987 and they were married on April 29, 1989. Cliff stepped into the role of dad with Cathy’s son, Eric, without hesitation.

Cliff loved to travel with family & friends to any destination. He enjoyed camping, boating, wood working, gardening, home improvements, chess, backgammon, card games and designing irrigation products. Cliff enjoyed physical challenges such as triathlons and biking, especially the Seattle to Portland bicycle event. One of Cliff’s many special gifts was he never met a person he did not talk to, listen to and share his stories with.

In 2006, Cliff was diagnosed with a non cancerous pituitary tumor followed by Thyroid cancer which he conquered. In April 2010, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. In September 2011, Cliff started the tandem stem cell transplant procedures in Seattle to continue his strong courageous fight. Cliff overcame several obstacles with his battle against cancer and he always had a positive “we will be okay” attitude. Bart Nelson always told him that he was “tougher than a boiled owl.” On April 6, Cliff came home to continue to fight the Multiple Myeloma and to be with his family and friends.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Cathy, at the home; daughter, Lynette; sons, Eric Johnson & Kevin; brothers, Craig & sister-in-law, Theresa, Carl & sister-in-law, Mary; his mother, Monna and preceded in death by his father, Clifford. Also survived by a sister-in-law, Jeanne Bergevin and Dave; brother-in-law, Tom Shea and Teresa; brother-in-law, Matt Shea & Kristi; sister-in-law, Liz Alleman & John; his extended family at Nelson Irrigation Corporation and numerous nieces & nephews.

The Rosary will be recited on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla with Deacon Mike Breier officiating. The Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Patrick Kerst, Celebrant. There will be a private family interment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle or St. Mary Regional Cancer Center through the funeral home.