Martin Clark

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.