Clifford "Cliff" F. Abbott

UWGB Professor Emeritus and linguistics scholar Clifford Frazer Abbott passed away at his Green Bay home on January 20, 2026 at the age of 78. 

He had struggled stoically with cancer for many years. This last time, the illness had finally become too virulent to resist. His family takes comfort in the exquisite medical care he received; and in the gift of dying in his own bed, peacefully, and fully present in the moment, knowing he was with someone with whom he had shared a lifetime of love.

A celebration of Cliff’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to: University of Wisconsin Foundation UW Patient Assistance Fund, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Foundation, The Green Bay Botanical Garden, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com

The Lyndahl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clifford "Cliff" F. Abbott, please visit our floral store.