Gary W. Clark, a good man passed away at home on September 24, 2019 surrounded by his family at the age of 84.

Born in 1934 in Amery, WI to Walter and Violet (Gustafson) Clark, Gary was the oldest of two and started his education in the one room schoolhouse of Apple River Valley. Living the closest to the schoolhouse, Gary would sometimes start the fire to warm the building on those frigid winter mornings. He graduated from Amery High School in 1954 and in 1958 he enlisted in the Army, 46th Field Artillery, Redstone, as a radio operator. In 1960 he married his sweetheart, Shirley Frost and moved to California for a time. They traveled and lived in various states as Gary’s job took them where needed. In 1976 the family moved back to Amery and built the family home on the banks of the Apple River. He was a telephone splicer and retired at the age of 70. Gary was a thoughtful, sweet man and was loved by all that knew him. He was a keen observer of nature and people with a talent for storytelling and an eye for mischief and pranks. He was a jack of all trades and a true child of the Depression. He had the ability for fixing just about anything mechanical and jury-rig things when needed. Gary was an eternal scholar with a quiet passion for science, history, travel, photography, animals and the outdoors. He played harmonica, was talented at wood carvings and drawing. He enjoyed gardening and shared the produce with those he knew. Many days he drove his ATV on the trails in his woods with his faithful dog, Maggie, riding with him. This and treats, was obviously why Maggie was overweight.

Gary loved his family, friends, his land, the river and was always willing to take a person fishing. He was lucky to find love again with Joanie Talmage and together they enjoyed his last years with much laughter, dancing, playing cards, traveling and fun. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Violet Clark; Shirley, his wife of 48 years and his faithful Golden Retriever, Maggie.

He is survived by his daughters, Ronda (Scott) Fredericks, Deborah (John) Koch; significant other, Joanie Talmage; sister, Mary Swanson; grandchildren, Anthony Fredericks, Lea Fredericks, Sophia Koch and Elias Koch, great grandson, Layne Fredericks and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will take place on Monday, September 30, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Apple River Community Church, 942 US Hwy 8, Amery, WI. A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 2:00 pm prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment with Military Honors will take place at the Balsam Lutheran Cemetery.

The family would like to thank those who came to visit dad and Adoray Home Care and Hospice for the care and support they provided. 

Last Update: Sep 26, 2019 1:28 pm CDT