A.C. “Clair” Clark

Memorials may be made to the First Congregational UCC, Glenwood Sr. Center, Linnwood Estates or Hospice with Heart, Glenwood, Iowa.

INTERMENT: Malvern Cemetery, Malvern, Iowa

A.C. Clair Clark, 99, of Glenwood, Iowa entered into eternal rest on July 28, 2011 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was born Aug. 8, 1911 to James & Carrie Clark at their stone house south of Malvern, Iowa. Clair grew up in the Malvern area with his two older brothers, Harold & Paul. He attended Mount Vernon Country School through 8th grade. He went on to attend high school in Malvern through his Jr. year. As a boy, he had the chore of cutting wood & sawing it into chunks to heat the house. The smell of burning wood always made him feel happy. When Clair was a Jr. in high school in the spring of 1928, the family moved to White Lake South Dakota. They lived on a ranch northwest of town. Clair graduated from the White Lake South Dakota High School in 1929. The family relocated to the Glenwood area in 1932 and later to the Malvern area.

It was around Christmas time when Clair proposed to Beulah. He asked her to marry him in her parent’s kitchen. They were married on June 10, 1937. Their first home was south of Malvern. They moved in with Beulah’s parents for a short time. It was while living there, they gave birth to their daughter, Lois. Shortly after Lois was born they moved to an acreage northwest of Glenwood. It was a house with character, the cracks in the floor had been patched with mud! Their love made it a home and they were very happy. Three years later, their daughter Janene was born. Clair was filled with joy over his two girls and he was a wonderful father.

In 1942, Clair & Beulah moved their family to Pacific Junction, Iowa. They resided there one year before moving to Glenwood in the summer of 1943. They lived on North Vine Street for 10 years and in 1953, moved to the house on North Walnut Street, which was their home for 45 years. In Dec. of 1997, they moved to 22672 Glenview Ave.

When Clair & Beulah were newly married, Clair worked as a hired farmer for 75 cents a day plus dinner. He then became employed with Burlington Northern Railroad, which became his career. At that time, all of the engines were steam engines. Clair worked in the round house in Pacific Junction. He was skilled in all areas and had worked in all of the different positions. He was a “Hostler Helper”, filled the coal & water, tended the engine, worked as the boilermaker, machinist and the Round House Foreman. When the steam engines were replaced with diesel, he learned all the new technology that went with them. Clair worked for Burlington Northern for 35 years (1941-1976) & he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Clair served his community in many ways. He was on the City Council for 28 years. During his time on the council he dealt with many issues. He was Mayor Pro Tem of Glenwood for 2 terms under Mayor Dale Harper. He was a member of R.S.V.P., delivered meals on wheels, Heritage Club & Optimist Club.

A major part of Clair’s life was his faith in God. Clair joined the Congregational Church in Glenwood in 1946. He served as church president for 2 terms (6 years). He was an outstanding Deacon of the church for over 20 years. He was president of men’s fellowship for 2 years & president of the S.W. Iowa Association men’s church fellowship 1 year. It’s clear as we reflect on Clair’s life that he had the gift of leadership. He was respected because he was an honest, level headed, intelligent person. He never demanded respect, he earned it.

Along with work, Clair knew that recreation was an important part of life too. One of the things that Clair & Beulah enjoyed was camping. They were members of a camping club for nearly 40 years. They saved some of the fish they caught during these trips so they could have a beer batter fish fry at Christmas time with their family. This became a family tradition with all types of fish along with Beulah’s side dishes of scalloped potatoes, beans, slaw, relishes, several kinds of bread and drinks. Clair & Beulah enjoyed many trips together. They traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, Washington D.C., New York to the World Fair, Arizona, California, Old Mexico, Winnipeg, Canada, Alaska, Baseball Hall of Fame, Yellowstone 3 times and Estes Park a couple of times.

Clair & Beulah liked to entertain at their home. Many of the church members were blessed to be their guests. They taught them how to play hearts, and games were always a fun part of fellowship with them. Holidays were special to Clair. He always decorated the house & yard with festive decorations. Many of the decorations he made himself. He enjoyed woodworking. He made a large nativity scene that was displayed every year in his yard. He also made many crafts to give as gifts to his friends & family & donated to the church bazaar. He made ornaments for the Christmas tree & gave them to the kids & grandkids every year. All of the holidays were celebrated with decorations all over the house. On Halloween he was famous for handing out “Clark Bars” to trick or treaters.

Clair was a talented gardener & his vegetables, flowers & yard always looked so nice. He took care of everything as God intended, being a steward of the earth. He took care of his house & everything he owned, which tells us he was a man who cared about things. He cared about his family, community, the land & everything he was blessed to have.

Clair & Beulah’s grandchildren & great-grandchildren gave them much delight. They tried to attend whatever activities they were in as long as they were able. One of the highlights for Clair this past year was the birth of his great-great granddaughter, Hadley Marie Havelka. He just knew she was going to be left handed like him because she bopped him with her left hand when she got excited. She was 3 å_ months old.

Going to the Glenwood Sr. Center was very high on his list of things to do until he was unable to do so. It gave him a reason to get up & enjoy the day. He enjoyed all the helpers he had at Linnwood Estates & took an interest in their lives. He liked to give them a “teasingly hard time”. He had his quick wit about him to the end.

Preceding Clair in death were his parents James & Carrie Clark; wife Beulah (Wilcox) Clark; brothers Harold & Paul Clark; his daughter Janene Clair Stacy; & infant grandson Dwight Clair Aistrope. He is survived by his daughter Lois Marie & husband David Aistrope of Randolph, IA; son-in-law Roger & wife Jill Stacy of Glenwood, IA: 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, extended relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation:Saturday, July 30, 2011
6:30 PM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Sunday, July 31, 2011
2:00 PM
407-2nd
Glenwood, IA51534