Daniel Clark
June 26, 2009
Daniel P. Clark, 71, of Des Moines, formerly of La Porte City, Iowa passed away on Friday, June 26, 2009 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines of natural causes. Dan was born on April 9, 1938 in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He was the youngest of nine children.
Dan graduated from Sergeant Bluff High School in 1956. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Dakota and a Master's Degree from the University of Iowa. On June 11, 1960, Dan married Patricia Ann Driscoll in Tipton, Iowa. Dan and Pat raised their three daughters in La Porte City, Iowa.
Dan served as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Waterloo, Iowa. Dan also worked as an agent for Banker's Life and Casualty Company. The Clarks were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte City.
Dan's greatest joy was his family. He was a very loving and generous father and husband. Dan was an avid gardener. He grew vegetables, grapes, and many fruit trees. Dan was a voracious reader and a history buff. He spent many years traveling the world where he could see the things he read about and enjoyed an appreciation for many different cultures.
He is survived by and dearly missed by three daughters, Laura Clark McFarland of Carlisle, Lisa Clark of Des Moines, and Stacey (Dan) Takle of Hudson; two granddaughters, Megan (TJ Maylum) McFarland and Emily Takle, and one great-granddaughter Julie Blue Maylum; sisters; Lorraine (Dean) Houlihan and Julie Dryer, brothers; Dennis (Bernice) Clark, John T. (Janice) Clark, and Charles G. Clark.
Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his parents Charles and Edine (Murphy) Clark; and three sisters; Genevieve Chase, Mary Owen, and Dorothy Arnold.
A private memorial service will be held. While attending the University of Iowa, Dan chose to donate his body to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.
Memorials may be directed to The University of Iowa Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 100 Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109.
The family of Dan Clark thanks you for all the prayers, kind gestures, and words of encouragement. Arrangements are being handled by Hamilton Funeral Home. On line condolences can be sent to www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tim & Donna Schindel
06/28/2009
Laura & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As you work through this difficult time, remember that your friends are here if you need anything.
With Sympathy,
Tim & Donna
Joan, Marge, & Steven Wethington
06/28/2009
Dear Laura, Lisa, Stacey, and family,
We were sorry to hear about the passing of Dan. We have many fond memories of him and Pat and your family. Take care and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan, Marge, and Steven
Jeri Daniels
06/27/2009
Lisa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a difficult time for you but what a great legacy he has left behind. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with.
Sherry (Chase) Roger Kloster
06/27/2009
Laura,Stacie and Lisa,
Much of what Steve wrote would be the same for me. I remember Mom (GENNY) taking care of Danny after his accident from Boys State. He was with us quite awhile. I gave him all my old comic books to read while he soaked in the tub. And Laura, is always remembered as the sweet baby I took care of while Pat was sick. Your mom and dad both were so good to me as a teenager. I stayed with you guys while the folks went to New York--that was such a fun time for me. Your Dad was a sub teacher for one of my classes and the girls thought he was so handsome. He was a good teacher too. And the mememories of times spent with all of you in LaPort==little kids then. I rememember the grapes and garden your dad had too. Cherish all the wonderful times shared with your Dad in your hearts. He will always be with you. We send our prayers and smypathy to all of you , with love, Sherry and Roger
Theresa Saunders
06/27/2009
Laura, Lisa, Stacey, and families,
Thank you for letting me know about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
As you know, it is never easy to lose a parent. If there is anything I can do for you all, please let me know. I am sad for the loss of family.
Love,
Theresa
Susie Leckband
06/27/2009
Laura, Lisa and Stacie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad as a young man on the farm in Sgt Bluff where he grew up, swinging on a hammock in the apple orchard by the house and a bunch of us nieces and nephews teasing him until he finally lost patience and ran us off. Also when he was going to school at Vermillion he would stop in for a meal at our house in Riverside (Sioux City) so our mom (his sister Kelly) could fix him a meal and encourage him to keep on keepin' on. Mom loved your dad - her baby brother and was so proud that was going to college. When your Mom got sick early in their marriage after Lisa was born - our mom helped take care of her - your dad was so sweet and a bit scared. I also remember the tutone Mercury he was so proud of and the cool knob attached to the steering wheel. When Laura was a baby I babysat a few times and will always remember the kindness shown me by your mom and dad.
With sympathy,
Susie (Owen) Leckband
PO Box 5022
Benton City, WA 99320
Steve and Kathy Chase
06/27/2009
Our condolences to the family of Dan Clark.
I personally have fond memories of Dan. I named my son after him.
I remember many weekends where our family and yours shared Sunday dinners.
Both my Mother Genny and yours Pat were the best cooks.
We would have the dinner, then the men would excuse themselves to either sit on the porch and talk or take a nap.
I remember when Dan took us kids to the drive-in theater in Sioux City - we all thought he was the greatest!
But more importantly, I just have great memories of all your family and wish you all the best in this difficult time.
Love
Steve and Kathy Chase
Katie Beans Leskovar
06/27/2009
Dear Lisa and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope your many memories of him will warm your hearts in the days, months, and years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Fondly,
Katie Beans Leskovar