Verl Lee Clark

Verl L. Clark, 96, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Verl Lee Clark was born to Harry and Belle (Bennett) Clark on March 7, 1917 at Petersburg, North Dakota. He was raised and educated at Petersburg and graduated from Petersburg High School. Verl continued his education at the University of North Dakota Art and Education departments. He was a student of the painter Paul Barr. After graduation, Verl taught at Madison, South Dakota. Soon after, he served his country in the US Army during World War II while stationed at Fitzsimons Hospital in Denver, Colorado, where he taught ex-ray tech. On October 15, 1943 (during a furlough from military service) he and Lillian Jefferies were united in marriage at Aneta, North Dakota. They enjoyed making their home in Denver. In the fall of 1946 upon his discharge from the military, they returned to Grand Forks, and Verl pursued his masters at UND. He went on to be employed for 37 years at Grand Forks Central High School, teaching art, graphic arts, printing, and pioneering the driver's education program in this region. He was a deacon at the Federated Church, now known as United Church of Christ. Verl's greatest loves in life were his wife, Lillian, his hobbies photography, painting, silk screen, sign painting, watching Lawrence Welk & westerns, gardening, and traveling in the Rockies. He was a chess expert. Verl always enjoyed hearing his daughter and wife sing in harmony. As a young man, he acted in many plays, designed scenery, gave chalk talks, and played an E flat tuba which he pulled on a sled to school through the snow. He had a parrot, and a dog named Snitz. Verl is survived by his wife, Lillian May, Grand Forks; and daughter, Eileen Diane Clark, Brooklyn, NY. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Gene Clark, Curtis Clark and Oliver Clark. Funeral Services1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2013 in St Paul's Episcopal Church, 319 South 5th St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service Monday, November 18, 2013 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and for a half hour prior to the funeral in the church. Interment will be in Niagara Cemetery.