Clifford Phillip “Phil” Hallberg, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Ripon, CA, on February 10, 2009.

Phil was born in Ottumwa, IA, on March 10, 1932, to his late parents, Clifford and Ruth Hallberg.  He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1949, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Chapman College.

Phil faithfully served his country in the Navy and the Air Force, and was a decorated Vietnam veteran, retiring in 1970.  After the military, he became a social worker for the County of Merced, retiring in 1989.  He lived in Ripon the last 12 years of his life, and was an active member of the Ripon Volunteers in Police Services.  He was a voracious reader and loved politics, e-mailing his numerous friends, and most especially, golf.

Phil was a devoted husband to his wife of 43 years, Audrey, a beloved father to his five children:  Danny Erb of Manteca, CA, Teresa Kistler of Salinas, CA, Kathy (Dave) Ringot of Walnut Creek, CA, Suzanne (Keith) Shepherd of Battleground, WA, and Stephen Hallberg of Ellisville, MO, and a loving grandfather to Kyle, Katie, Corey, Kassidy, and Mariah.  Also surviving Phil are two sisters, Irene McNamara of Cheyenne, WY, and Suzanne (Mike) Hoskins of Colorado Springs, CO, and many nieces and nephews.  Phil was known for his wonderful sense of humor and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Private services have been held.