Charles Albert “Charlie” Clark (2021)

ARCHER, ARCHER-PARSONS, CLARK, GABBERT, GARRETT, HOWELL, ONEIL

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:02:59

Neptune Society
Des Moines, Iowa

Charles Albert Clark
September 8, 1952 – July 29, 2021

Charles “Charlie/Chuck” Clark, 68, passed away peacefully in his home on July 29th, 2021.

Chuck was born September 8, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Albert Smith Clark and Sarah May Jean (Howell) Clark. He was raised on a family farm west of Winterset and was a 1970 Winterset High School graduate. He then attended Drake University, earning his BME in Instrumental Music Education. Chuck was a substitute teacher during winters, while remaining a farmer in Madison County. He married his wife, Susan Ann (Gabbert) Clark in 1974, and their 47th Wedding Anniversary was August 3rd.

Chuck was known for his larger-than-life personality. He had strong opinions and even stronger convictions, fighting for what he thought was right. This led him to be involved in Farm Bureau, where he held several positions, including president for Madison County. He lobbied for Iowa farmers through Farm Bureau during the Farm Crisis, traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislatures and then-Vice President George H. W. Bush. Chuck had been a member of the Madison County Democrats and was involved in the Madison County Cattlemen, where he also held the position of president. Needless to say, he was very busy at the county and state fairs during the 1980s-early 1990s.

In 1989, Chuck was forced to slow down a bit, when he contracted a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, commonly known as Farmer’s Lung, which almost killed him. Through experimental treatments and an amazing team of doctors, Chuck was given a second chance at life. His treatments contributed to the research and future therapies of this disease. Spending less time in the field, he turned to truck gardening, and helped start the Winterset Farmer’s Market, which was originally held at the county fairgrounds.

In 1995, he fully retired from farming and began a new career selling real estate. One of his specialties was helping people buy their first home. Chuck created and led a course through Des Moines Adult Community Education to help first-time home buyers navigate the process. When he retired from real estate, he stayed pretty close to home, tinkering with various projects.

Chuck battled many illnesses, but it never dampened his spirit or his love of life. He was blessed with many miracles and outlived all medical expectations. In 2019, he spent five months in the hospital, following a series of complications after a broken femur, and was at death’s door many times. In what his medical records refer to as a “Miraculous Recovery,” Chuck woke up Christmas morning 2019, knowing he was going to make it home. He spent three months in a skilled nursing facility, then came home right before Easter of 2020.

Chuck loved horses, tractors (International Harvesters), and all things farm related. He was also an excellent musician, skilled in the trombone and blessed with a beautiful voice, using his talents for community bands, choirs, theatre productions, and special events. He also used his musical talent in the role of choir director for churches in several Iowa towns. Chuck was tender-hearted, caring for abandoned kittens, puppies, and more than once brought a motherless calf into the house. Never once did he fear death, instead being thankful for each day that was given to him. During the last year, he lived his life to the fullest extent.

The family sends their deepest gratitude to all his medical specialists over the years, but especially Dr. Craig Stark, Dr. Greg Hicklin, Dr. Martha Stewart, and Dr. Adam Glazier. A special thank you to the staff of Powell 4 at Methodist Hospital Downtown, who cared for him as family. Thank you to the Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center in Indianola who got him home, his home health nurses, and everyone else who helped us or prayed with us along the way. Our beautiful bonus year with Chuck was a team effort.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Albert and May Jean Clark. He is survived by his wife, Susan Gabbert Clark, children Shawn Clark and Heather Clark, sister Sherry (Bob) Archer, aunt Annabelle (Dag) Garrett, niece Andrea (Bruce) Archer-Parsons, niece Kimberly (Nathan) O’Neil, and one great-niece.

Chuck will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life has been planned for Sunday, August 15th, 3:00 PM in the Jackson Building at the Madison County Fairgrounds. We are requesting those who attend please wear masks and social distance as much as possible. There will not be livestreaming of the celebration, but we will have a recording made. Please email Heather at ClarkLeaningPinesFarm at gmail.com if you would like a link to that recording after the service, or if you wish to send the family any messages or memories.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts can be mailed to Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Winterset, in care of Susan Clark, for the family to determine a fitting tribute at a later date.