Marlene Adele Clark

Marlene Adele (Petrak) Clark, 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Marlene was born on July 17, 1931, to Jordan and Irene Petrak in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids and later graduated from Open Bible College in Des Moines in 1952.

In 1955, she married Paul D. Clark. After he completed Bible College, the couple moved to Clive, where they pastored Clive Open Bible Church. His next assignment was as assistant pastor at Open Bible Temple in Urbandale, while Marlene served as the Children’s Church Director. She later continued in that role for several years at First Church of the Open Bible.

Marlene worked for Younkers, Look Magazine, several Open Bible churches, and Clark Printing. During her time at Clark Printing, she was also active in the Drake Business Association.

In retirement, Marlene volunteered alongside her husband at the Smith Retirement Center and at their church. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, camping, music, painting, gardening, and cooking.

She is survived by her husband, Paul D. Clark; daughters, Susan Danilson and Sandra Clark; grandchildren, Andrew Pritchard (Katelin), Madeleine Pritchard (Michael), Gracie Danilson; and Garrett Danilson (Gill); great-grandchildren, Lillie Taylor Benton, Alex Robert Carter Pritchard, Sage Marlene Danilson, and Daisy Louise Danilson; sister, Doris Eshelman; and in-laws, Mary Clark, Bonnie Clark, and Dick Urquart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Lynette (David) Huff.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Church of the Open Bible, 2200 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines, IA 50310 in loving memory of Marlene.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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