In loving memory of

Martin Melvin Clark
December 11, 1929 - April 26, 2016

Altura,

Martin M. "Marty" Clark, 86, of rural Altura died Tuesday, April 26th, surrounded by family at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, due to complications of pneumonia. Marty was born December 11, 1929 to Lester and Emma (Langer) Clark on the family farm near Crystal Springs. He attended country school and worked as a farm hand for neighboring farmers. In 1948 Marty entered the U.S. Army and served two tours during the Korean War. While stationed in Tokyo Marty met Sachi Obi. They married July 8, 1955 in Japan. They later moved to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. In 1960 Marty was discharged from the Army and returned home to buy a farm and fulfill his dream of farming.

Marty was very active in his church and community, serving as chairman of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church - Norton Township, for many years, as well as usher and numerous church committees. In the community Marty served as a supervisor of the Norton Township Board, Lewiston American Legion and Altura Lions Club. He was hard working and dedicated to his family, most especially his grandchildren. Marty loved all animals and brought many stray beloved animals home. He also enjoyed western movies, Cowboy Hour music, gardening and cutting wood with his grandson Corey. He was known to enjoy an occasional Grain Belt. In 2004 Marty retired from his Norton Township farm, but continued his daily trips to the farm to "Check on things."

Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Sachi, four children and their families; Leonard (Sue) Clark of Eagan and their daughter Sheri (Brian) Beaupre; Blake (Vicki) Clark of Lewiston, and their family; Lance, Corey (Ashley Zweep) Clark, Courtney (Brian) Beyer and Landon Clark; Shirley Clark (Ryan Erdmann) of Rochester, and Richard (Julie) Clark of Lakeville, and their sons, Brandon and Riley. He is also survived by a brother David Clark of Rollingstone, a sister Nancy (Charles) Prigge of North St. Paul, and brother-in-law Glenn Berry of Zumbro Falls. He was preceded in death by a sister Vivian Berry and three brothers; Earl, Charles and Robert.

Funeral Services will be 11a.m. Saturday at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norton Township with the Reverend David Eckert officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7p.m. Friday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church. A reception will follow services at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. The Lewiston American Legion will conduct military graveside honors. Please share a memory of Marty at online guestbook and view his video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.


Marty's family would like to thank Altura Ambulance, Med Link, Gundersen Critical Care team and Winona Health ICU team for their caring help during Marty's recent illness.

Tributes

Connie Nancy Clark-Davis wrote on Apr 30, 2016:

"Dearest Sachi my heart so aches for you, May you be held in God's grace as you say good bye to your partner of over 60 years! Look back on those years and the wonderful life the two of you created together, your beautiful family and give thanks for the time. I have many great memories of all of us packing into the station wagon on Sunday heading to Grandma Clark's house, looking forward to her cookies and hoping we would get to go out to Marty's. Marty always welcomed us with open arms and when he could corral us, put us to work. There was always a new animal to play with, eggs to be gathered or hay to put up...a child's dream land! I will miss Marty's great sense of humor and love for life. Leonard, Blake, Shirley and Rich , thank you for sharing your father, when mine was gone. Nancy and David you are in my thoughts and prayers as you send Marty to join your Mother, Father and siblings. My love and prayers to all. Connie Nancy Clark-Davis"

Pat Smith wrote on Apr 29, 2016:

"Marty will be sorely missed! He always put a smile on face. God bless the family!"

Lynnan Reynolds wrote on Apr 29, 2016:

"Many great memories at the farm with my children, they were so young but always felt welcome to come and spend the day, while their father did his favorite pass time, getting on the tractor and helping brother Marty work the fields. Marty is a well loved and will be missed by all that knew him. My love to Sachi, Leonard, Blake, Shirley and Rich. Be well, Lynnan "

Jon Hennessy wrote on Apr 29, 2016:

"To the entire Clark Family and especially my friend Blake, you have my deepest symapathy for the loss of your Dad. I have a lot of great memories traveling out to the farm to pick Blake up for a night of carousing. May you feel comforted in the thought that your Dad is now with the Lord. Jon "

Barb Hoffecker wrote on Apr 29, 2016:

"Dearest Leonard and Clark family We cannot tell you how heartbroken we are to hear about the recent passing of your father, Martin. We were shocked and saddened by the news. Please extend our sincere sympathy to your mom and the rest of your family. I considered your father a member of our family. I remember the many holidays and other family events we shared with him and your mom. Your father was such a warm, compassionate and caring person and displayed this at the events we partake and sometimes endured. The characteristics I loved the most about Martin was he had a great sense of humor and always seemed so happy and full of life. It is obvious that you were very fortunate to have such a great man as your father and role model as you grew into the person you are today. Your dad accomplished so much in his lifetime and he will long be remembered as the hardworking, intelligent and loving man that he was. May your memories of your father sustain and strengthen you as you navigate the difficult days ahead. He will be missed very much by all of us who knew him. In this time of sorrow, mixed with gratitude for the sheer joy of Martin's life, please know we are with you. We wish we could be at the memorial with you to try and help somehow. I am giving you a big hug from Virginia - Sending love to you and all of your family. The loss of one's father marks one of the most profound rites of passage in our life. With Our Sincere Sympathy, Barb and Thomas Hoffecker & our 4 Furry Kids"

Larry Greden wrote on Apr 28, 2016:

"Marty, in his service on the town board, was honest, fair and humble. A great example for everyone.RIP. Larry Greden"

Bruce Langseth wrote on Apr 27, 2016:

"My condolences and deepest sympathy to the Clark Family. Marty was always a fun and interesting guy to run into. He had a great sense of humor. Marty will be missed. "