Eugene J Clark Sr.

Eugene Joseph Clark Sr. was born April 21, 1918 in White Earth, MN to Michael and Alice (Heisler) Clark. He was raised at the ranch on Rat Lake and attended Kay’s Corner School. As a young man, Gene worked at a CCC Camp and for farmers in the Glyndon-Felton area. On March 19, 1941, he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country during WWII and was honorably discharged on August 9, 1945. Following his discharge, Gene was united in marriage to Catherine McArthur on May 16, 1946 in Detroit Lakes. The couple made their home in the Maple Grove Township while he worked for the Soo Line Railroad. The family then moved to Ogema, where he managed the Ogema Liquor Store for several years before beginning a lengthy career for the Indian Health Service. In 1984, Eugene and Catherine moved to Waubun. Three years later he retired from IHS, but continued to work for Spaeth Oil Company where he acquired his “infamous” collection of company hats. After Catherine passed away in 2010, Gene continued to live in his home in Waubun. He was the oldest living White Earth enrolled veteran at the time of his death on Saturday, July 7, 2012. Gene passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in his home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Gene was a celebrated athlete and enjoyed many sports including golf, baseball, softball, bowling, hunting and fishing. As a young man, he was named an All Star-All American third baseman for his competitive baseball team. His love for the game continued, inspiring him to organize the “Ogema Old Timers” softball team. In his free time, Gene enjoyed ricing, playing cribbage with his sons and grandsons and Scrabble with his daughters. He also liked crossword puzzles, word searches, and took pleasure in watching the Minnesota Twins, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, and Lawrence Welk. Gene had the luxury of traveling the country with his family every two years to attend reunions with his fellow Army members of the 43rd Engineers. Over the years, he remained active in the community holding memberships with the VFW, the American Legion, the Lions Club, the White Earth Reservation Veterans Committee, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, and the White Earth School Board. Eugene is survived by four sons: Eugene (Grace) Clark Jr. and John “Bomber” (Kathy) Clark, both of Ogema, MN, Douglas (Pam) Clark of Mahnomen, MN, and Michael (Michelle) Clark of Dilworth, MN; three daughters: Rogene (Dennis) Clark, Donna (Ron) Spaeth, Carol (Bill) Bement, all of Waubun; brother, Michael Clark of White Earth; two sisters, Patricia (Ken) Keogh of Waubun and Jane (Gene) Tibbetts of Ogema; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Catherine; great-grandson, Adam Steinmetz; sister, Alice Hogan; and brothers, Raymond and infant, John James. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun, MN. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 5-7 pm with a 6:00 pm prayer service at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, and one one prior to the funeral on Wednesday. Interment will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Waubun.

Eugene J Clark Sr.

April 21, 1918 - July 7, 2012