Obituary of Robert D. Clark

Robert D. Clark, age 92, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at his residence. A memorial visitation will take place from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. on Friday, February 26, 2016 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, followed by a short memorial service at that time. Military honors will be rendered by VFW Post 2534. Private inurnment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net. Robert was born on May 27, 1923 in Wisconsin Rapids to William and Estella (Junkman) Clark. He grew up helping his family on their farm near Vesper. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1941. Playing baseball was Robert's passion which continued into his early 30's. He was especially proud when his team won the Wood County League Baseball Championship in 1946. Robert met the love of his life, Virginia (Gina) Goss, during grade school. They were married on May 30, 1944 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sigel. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage until Gina passed away in 1999. He continued to farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy just after his 21st birthday. He served his country honorably during World War II and after completing his military service, Robert returned to fulltime dairy farming and built up and modernized the family dairy farm. In 1962 Robert decided to change careers and began taking accounting courses from the University of Wisconsin. He also started working at the Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company taking various positions until he became Mill Accountant in 1978 where he worked until his retirement in 1983. After his career change, Robert found time to play golf (he hit two holes-in-one) and bridge. Eventually he developed a passion for playing bridge online on an internet platform called OK Bridge. He earned a Bridge Life Master in 1987. He continued to play nearly daily until his death. He was also an avid reader his entire life. Gardening was another great hobby, with tomatoes, potatoes, raspberries, and plums being his favorite crops. Robert was a practical, thoughtful man, and enjoyed spending time with his family who loved and admired him tremendously. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children: Joan (Dennis) Singstock of Orfordville, WI, Rebecca (William) Martin of Madison, WI, Rodney Clark of Huntsville, AL, and Sue (Michael) Kubley of Stevens Point, WI; grandchildren: Dr. Eva Clark, Alex (Amanda) Clark, Victoria (Todd) Aycock, Genevieve Kubley, and Nicholas Kubley; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Aycock; sisters: Phyllis Ritchie and Glenna (Roger) Bushman; sisters-in-law: Ann Clark, Maxine Clark, and Joan Clark; and many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Estella Clark; wife, Virginia; four brothers, one sister, and one daughter-in-law. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to KuskaPeru.org (founded by grandchildren Dr. Eva Clark and Alex Clark), Alzheimers Association at ALZ.org (in memory of his wife), or The High Ground, thehighground.org, (in support of veterans).