Orlin Clark lost his heroic fight against prostate cancer Tuesday, June 22, 2021, with his family by his side at Gundersen Health System.
Orlin was born in Ontario, Wis., on October 28, 1945, to Richard and Ruby Clark. He met his wife and love of his life, Ginny, at the Ontario Community Hall at a wedding dance; they celebrated 55 years of their marriage on Oct. 16, 2020. Orlin earned an associate’s degree from Western Wisconsin Technical College in electronics, and then joined the U.S. Army National Guard and served from 1965–1972. He then put his degree to work, selling copy machines at Tri-State Business Machines in La Crosse. Eventually, he changed direction and became president of the new Home Savings and Loan branch office in Onalaska. Orlin continued working with mortgages and lending for many years while also following his passion for off-roading. He and Ginny started Midwest Off-Road Center in1976 until he sold it. He later owned and operated Rivers n Roads from 1990–1999. Orlin worked until his illness prevented him from doing so, and he eventually retired from his made-to-fit job with forklift equipment sales for Bernie’s Equipment, where he also taught classes about forklift safety.
Besides being a great husband and great father, Orlin was a leader. He was kind to everyone. He was a rare combination: genuine, ethical, compassionate, and fair. People were always drawn to his charisma and friendly, easy-going nature. He could remember details about people because he listened. He read the newspaper voraciously and knew at least a little about everything. He offered advice to anyone, and if he didn’t know the answer, he probably knew a guy.
Orlin was instrumental in getting motorsports to the point they are today. He and Ginny have been significant contributors to the four-wheel-drive scene in the Midwest over the last 45 years. There is living proof of Orlin’s influence as his contributions remain.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ruby (Hayter) Clark; his sister, Geneice (Clark) Elmer; and his brother-in-law, William Schaefer.
He is survived by his wife, Ginny Clark (Virginia Kuderer); his son, David (Tami Lehmann) Clark; his daughter, Amy (Clark) Olmsted (Jim); his grandchildren, Hunter Clark, Parker Clark, Cole Olmsted, Annabelle Olmsted, and Charlie Olmsted; his in-laws, Henry Kuderer (Jeanne Carpenter), Eugene (Joan) Kuderer, Ida Schaefer (Pete Van Beck), and David Elmer; and aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life for Orlin was Sunday, June 27, at the Onalaska American Legion Post 336. To view the full obituary and share condolences, please visitwww.couleecremation.com.
