Gerald Lee Clark, 68, formerly of Ontario passed away Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, in Vernon Manor in Viroqua, after losing his three-year battle with cancer.
Jerry was born Aug. 31, 1943, in Hillsboro to Herbert “Herb” and Nora (Berg) Clark. After attending Ontario Elementary School and graduating from Brookwood High School in 1961, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962. He was proud of his service as a crew chief aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft in Alaska and Thailand. After being honorably discharged following his four years of military service, Jerry returned to Ontario, where he worked as a carpenter and general contractor. Until his retirement in 2005, Jerry was well known for his meticulous craftsmanship and took great satisfaction in his trade.
He was a member of the Ontario American Legion Post 467, for which he served as Post Commander for several years, as well as a proud member of the American Legion bowling team.
Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and looking for morel mushrooms and wild ginseng around the Ontario area.
He is survived by his son, Todd (Kimberly) Clark of Onalaska, Wis.; his daughter, Jenny (Jeffrey) Rand of Trempealeau, Wis.; and four grandchildren, Bennett and Ava Clark and Porter and Towner Rand. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Timm (Lynn Sires) of La Crosse; one niece, Tara (Randy) Cook of Holmen, Wis.; and his very special friend, Mary Tryggestad of Viroqua.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Emil Timm; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Internment will take place at Hilltop Rest Cemetery, with full military honors provided by Ontario American Legion Post 467. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Vernon Manor for their compassionate care of Jerry over the last month.
