Richard “Dick” Clark, age 93, resident of Forest River and recently of Grand Forks, met his Creator on the morning of December 23, 2023, at Woodside Village Senior Living in Grand Forks.
Dick's service can be watched live by using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/Si_Tz8FRalY?feature=shared
Richard Charles Clark was born on July 28, 1930, in Redwood Falls, MN, to Basil and Louise (Johnson) Clark. He attended school there, graduating from Redwood Falls High School in 1948. As a young boy, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He honed many skills, such as hunting, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) from 1948 to 1953 and was active with the Livestock Judging Team. That same year, he graduated from NDAC with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry. While at college, Dick met the love of his life, Phyllis Knight. They were united in marriage on June 7, 1953. Shortly after, Dick enlisted in the United States Army. He served for two years as a Food Inspection Specialist (Meat Inspector) in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was Honorably Discharged in 1955.
Upon his return home to Forest River, Dick and Phyllis began farming. They grew certified seed potatoes and sugar beets and raised livestock. They made their home there for nearly 50 years, raising four children. They farmed until retiring in 1990, remaining on the farm until 2010 when they moved to Grand Forks.
Dick was very active in the community, working and volunteering tirelessly with the Forest River Community Church, Midway School Board, Forest River Farmers Elevator and Forest River Cemetery Board. He also volunteered with the United Health Foundation and various farm commodity organizations pertaining to potatoes, sugar beets, and cattle. He was instrumental in writing the 1987 Forest River Centennial historical book, which many still use to reference local history.
Upon retiring, Dick pursued his interest in wood carving. It was a wonderful hobby and gave him great joy in gifting his unique creations to friends and family. Dick and Phyllis were the perfect example of unconditional love, rarely seeing one without the other. Instead of going South during the winter months, they opted to brave the ND cold to watch their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in various activities. They loved to go ‘for a drive’ and took many trips to Colorado, Idaho, and Oklahoma to see their children and grandchildren. They were very well-loved patrons of various Grand Forks restaurants, where they were welcomed by name upon entering. They also loved attending UND basketball and volleyball games.
We will never forget Dick for his selflessness, patience, kindness shown to all, generosity, and infectious positivity. He was a loving, gentle, caring man, always with a smile on his face. Dick always made time to visit with all of the people in his life and had many wonderful friends. He was the king of chat, inventing and perfecting the ‘Midwest Goodbye.’ A man of strong faith, he was a devoted Christian all his life and loved to serve our Lord.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Phyllis; children: Dan (Anne) Clark of Loveland, CO; Jolyn (Daryl) Wood of Post Falls, ID; Jane (Tim) Nelson of Forest River, ND; Susan (Pat) Paschke of Forest River, ND; grandchildren: Jill (Jared) Peterka of Forest River, ND; Sara Nelson of the Virgin Islands; Colin (Elexys) Clark of Loveland, CO; Weston (Mercedes Tabish) Clark of Portland, OR; Teasha Davis of Oklahoma City, OK; Andrea Cummings of Oklahoma City, OK; great-grandchildren Jaylin, Jack, and Jordy Peterka; Elena and Aniyah Clark; Zadie Clark; along with numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rodney, sister-in-law Carol, and nephew Michael Clark.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am at Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks on Monday, January 8. Visitation will take place at the Forest River Community Church in Forest River on Sunday, January 7, from 5-7 pm, with a time of sharing at 6:30 pm. Visitation will also be held one hour before the church service.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Memorial Park Cemetery, PO Box 177, Forest River, ND 58233.
Monday, January 8, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Sharon Lutheran Church
Monday, January 8, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Sharon Lutheran Church
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