Dr. Rodney Clark

Dr. Rodney Clark, 90, Grand Forks, died peacefully at his home, Wednesday, December 3, 2014. Rodney George Clark was born to Basil and Louise (Johnson) Clark on July 1, 1924 at Grey Eagle, Minnesota. Rodney grew up and attended school at Redwood Falls, Minnesota and graduated from Redwood Falls High School. In 1942 Rodney began his college education at Carleton College for one year where he joined the US Navy Reserves. He went into the Navy college program and continued his education at St. Mary's College, Winona, MN, where he signed up for pre-med. Rodney then attended the University of North Dakota 2-year Medical School. It was in Grand Forks that Rodney met the true love of his life, Carol Kopperud of Grafton, ND. Rodney went on to complete his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Rodney and Carol were united in marriage on June 30, 1947 at Berwyn, IL. Rodney served an internship in Denver, CO, and his OB/GYN residency at Louisville General Hospital. Upon completing his medical education, Rodney and a fellow graduate established a private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in Nampa and Caldwell, Idaho. Rodney and Carol returned to Grand Forks in 1957, and Dr. Clark practiced medicine at the Grand Forks Clinic until his retirement in 1987. Throughout his medical career Rodney estimated that he had the privilege of delivering over 4,500 babies into this world. He always delighted in seeing former colleagues and patients. Rodney was an active and involved member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 56 years, serving on numerous committees during his membership. He was an active participant in the Grand Forks community over the years. In the medical field, Rodney contributed through his partnership in the Grand Forks Clinic, his involvement in the consolidation of the two Grand Forks hospitals into United Hospital (now Altru), and through his involvement and support of the UND School of Medicine through his teaching and the resident program. Due to his passion for aviation, Rodney would support the budding aviation college at the University of North Dakota by purchasing and leasing small aircraft to the university. Rodney was also thrilled to serve on the Board of Directors of Mesaba Airlines (1982-1986) with life-long family friends. Rodney lived a full life and pursued many varied interests: he was an instrument licensed private pilot, an avid sailor, photographer, downhill skier, woodworker, and all around tinkerer and builder. If he was anywhere near a boat and the water, he was happy. Time spent at the family cabin on Lake of the Woods in Ontario was always treasured and enjoyed. Rodney was enthusiastic about life and always enjoyed broadening his horizons and knowledge. Needless to say, Rodney treasured his family above all else. A kind and patient man, his family also treasures him and his memory. Rodney was predeceased by his beloved son, Michael Clark; his parents, Basil and Louise; his in-laws, Eddie and Lottie Kopperud; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Beatrice Kopperud. Rodney is survived by his much beloved wife of 67 years, Carol, Grand Forks; 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; a brother, Richard Clark (Phyllis); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eddie and Jocelyn Kopperud; along with many nieces and nephews all of whom were all very special to him. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2014 in Wesley United Methodist Church located at 1600 4th Ave North, Grand Forks. There will also be a Visitation held from 3 to 5 p.m. -- with a Time for Sharing Memories beginning at 4:30 -- on Sunday, December 7, 2014 in Amundson 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: the UND Foundation for Rodney and Carol Clark for the School of Medicine Endowment, OR the UND Foundation for Rodney and Carol Clark for the Aerospace Endowment.