Jeff Wallis

Jeffery Wallis, 56, of Watervliet, died Tuesday night at his home after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer. Jeff was born on January 8, 1949 in Ypsilanti, MI to Alfred & Ardis (Caylor) Wallis. He graduated from Ypsi High School in 1967 and enlisted in United States Army in 1968. Jeff was a member of the Military Police until his Honorable Discharge in 1971. In 1972, Jeff entered the Michigan State Police where he retired as a Detective Sergeant after 25 years. Following retirement, he loved playing golf and enjoyed delivering flowers for Crystal Springs Florist. He was very active in the community, serving as President of the St. Joseph F.O.P., volunteering at Sts. John and Bernard Community Center and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center. Jeff was a lifetime member of F.O.P. #96, and also belonged to St. Joseph Elks, South Haven Moose Club, Stevensville American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Visitation and a prayer service will be held on Friday, February 11th from 5-8 P.M. at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 12th at St. John?s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Avenue, Benton Harbor, of which he was a member, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Burial will take place in North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Jeff is survived by his wife Terry (Murphy) Wallis, son, Patrick (Shaya) Wallis of Crown Point, IN, daughter Julie Wallis of Chicago, Il, and beloved grandchildren, Madalyn and Jack. Also surviving are his twin sister, Jan (Dennis) Wiedmeyer of Ann Arbor, MI, his brother, Patrick Wallis of Livonia, MI and many dear family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. In keeping with his kind and generous spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to SS John and Bernard Catholic Community Center, The Readiness Center, or Hospice at Home of Stevensville.