Carol Clark

Carol June (Kopperud) Clark, age 90, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND. Carol was born June 25, 1926 in Grafton, ND to Eddie J. and Hilda Charlotte "Lottie" (Lykken) Kopperud.  Carol and her two brothers grew up on the family farm just west of Grafton where she graduated from Grafton High School.  Carol began her college education at the University of North Dakota, in Grand Forks, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority.  It was at UND that Carol met her future husband, Rodney G. Clark.  Carol and Rodney were married on June 30, 1947 in Berwyn, IL.  After their marriage, Carol completed her degree through UND and graduated in 1948 with a Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy.  During the early years of their marriage, Carol and Rodney lived many places as Rodney completed his medical training.  While living in Denver, CO, Carol taught high school English in Littleton, CO.  It was in Denver where Carol and Rodney welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1949.  Carol then began her life's true work as a supportive wife and devoted mother.  Although she put aside her teaching career, Carol did continue to put her love of the English language and literature to good use by sharing it with her children and family.  Carol entertained them by reciting the poems and stories that she had so enjoyed learning earlier in her life.  There was always a dictionary on the shelf, for those times when she would say, "Well, let's look that up." - and she would somehow make it fun.  Carol, Rodney, and their children also lived in Louisville, KY (where their daughter Gail was born in 1952), Indianhead, MA, and Nampa, ID, before returning in 1957 to live permanently in Grand Forks, ND.  Carol lived an extremely full life.  She was involved in volunteer work, was a member of the Woman's Auxiliary to the North Dakota State Medical Society, The Thursday Music Club, and a long-time active member of P.E.O., Chapter AY.  Carol was an involved member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 58+ years.  She and Rodney especially enjoyed the Bible study groups and coffee gatherings they attended in their later years at Wesley.   Carol always led an active life.  She was an avid reader, and she was an excellent correspondent, sending countless cards and letters to loved ones over the years.  She loved to play tennis - especially with her grandchildren.  While living in Denver, Carol and Rodney began a life-long love of downhill skiing which they shared and passed on to their children and grandchildren and now great-grandchildren!  Carol was also a beautiful water skier.  To support her loving husband, Rodney, Carol was always a willing co-pilot to his pilot on their many private flights around the country, and first mate to his captain on their sailboat on the Gulf of Mexico.  Not always easy tasks, but always done with love, patience, and a smile. Carol loved her family, and her grandchildren were the true treasures and joys of her life.  Carol always loved having her children and their friends, and her grandchildren and their friends at her home.  If she knew what someone's favorite snack was, she would always have it on hand for them.  Carol and Rodney both loved to open their home to family and friends for holidays and special gatherings. If you knew Carol, you have been blessed with her smile.  She was compassionate and caring, and always sought to make everyone else's day a little brighter.  Carol was predeceased by her loving husband, Rodney in 2014, her beloved son, Michael Clark in 1990; her parents, Eddie and Lottie Kopperud, older brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Beatrice Kopperud, and her father and mother-in-law, Basil and Louise (Johnson) Clark. Carol is survived by her daughter, Gail Feken, Grand Forks; daughter-in-law, Ann Clark (Mike McGinnis), Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Christy Clark (Paul Simonson), Katy Lunemann (Erik), Tom Golden (Mangan), and Michael Feken; great-grandchildren, Blair and Natalie Lunemann, and Ian and Aileen Golden; her younger brother, Eddie G. (Jocelyn); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Phyllis Clark; and many nieces and nephews who were so dear to her. Funeral Services will be Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church (located at 1600 4th Ave North, Grand Forks). Visitation will be Wednesday, September 28, 2016,  from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a time for sharing and prayer service beginning at 6:30 at Amundson's Funeral Home (2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks). Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at Wesley United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks. Memorials are preferred to Wesley United Methodist Church, Alzheimer's Association, or a favorite cause of your choosing.