Clifford John Simske

Born: 5-26-1937. Called to eternal life: 9-05-2025 Clifford Simske was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dawn (nee Schaepe), father of Cathryn (Hank) Canitz and Jeff (Heather) Simske, Loving son of Clifford Robert Simske and Marcella (Goetter) Simske, Brother of Dorothy and Robert, and grandfather of Steven, the late Brian, Natasha, and Shannon. 

Clifford was a physician for 55 years, and was board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and addiction medicine. in the 1980’s, Dr. Simske served as the head of the Dewey Center at the Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and was also the Clinical Director at the Utah State Hospital. He treated, cured and taught all his career. 

In his younger years, Cliff was an outstanding athlete, particularly in baseball and basketball, once as a teen striking out 19 in one game in a company league, including adult players years older than him. He could shoot an unblockable hook shot with either hand, could swim across large lakes, and once even ran a mile. Cliff was involved in various ministries in multiple churches: He led both child and adult Bible study classes, confirmation classes, and served with the Knights of Columbus. He formed or belonged to several groups dedicated to protecting the lives of the pre-born, and lectured to all ages regarding the sanctity of all life. Cliff believed that the foundation of morality could be found in the biblical principles emanating from God creating man in His image (Genesis 1:27) and in the incarnation and sacrificial gift of Christ (John 3:16), thus having a transcendent authority as the source of absolute values and unchanging Truth. 

Cliff believed strongly in finding, promoting, and enjoying Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in God’s creation. To this end, Cliff spent much of his life searching for and expounding on these principles in literature, philosophy and the arts. Cliff lived a long, large life filled with service to his fellow man; he cared about people and he cared for people. Even in his last year he was preparing to teach Latin at Classical Christian Academy. Philippians 4:8 tells us “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

In lieu of flowers, donations accepted to Marquette University High School, Milwaukee, WI 53208, or the Classical Christian Academy, Shaker Heights OH 44122 www.caa-shaker.org.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 9th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 18000 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH, 44122 at 5:30 PM. FRIENDS MAY CALL ONE HOUR BEFORE THE SERVICE AT CHURCH AT 4:30PM.