Robert L. Clark, 87

Published 10:45 am Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Robert L. Clark, 87, of Austin, Minn., died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 at his home.

Clark

Robert Loren Clark was born April 7, 1926, in Austin, to Martin Clark, Sr. and Bertha (Fleming) Clark.

Bob was a lifelong resident of the Austin area. He attended the Austin Public School system. While attending school, he was employed in concrete construction, some of which can still be found on Main Street.

Bob worked for the Hormel Co. and married Margaret (Peg) Schrunk on Sept. 2, 1944. Bob served in the Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954, and was stationed in Japan.

After his service, Bob returned to the Hormel Co. where he worked for 38 years, in various departments. He last worked in the shipping department, which was his favorite. During his employment at the Hormel Co., Bob was committed to the Union, served on the Executive Board of Local P9, and played a key role in the negotiation team with Jay Hormel. Bob was a person true to his beliefs and spoke what he thought.

Bob and Peg spent 34 years of their life raising their “girls” on a “hobby” farm south of Austin. They moved back to Austin where they have resided for almost 19 years at Oak Park Village. Bob served many years on the Oak Park Village Board.

Bob was especially active in the community after his retirement, serving on the council at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Lutheran Brotherhood, and was instrumental in bringing Habitat for Humanity to Austin. They are currently members of St. Olaf Lutheran Church.  Bob enjoyed visiting and seeing people in the community.

Besides Bob’s talent in the area of carpentry, he was gifted in many areas and was a “beloved” handyman to many.

Bob and Peg enjoyed traveling. They traveled the United States, as well as, many parts of the world. Their travels included a treasured trip to Tanzania visiting their missionary daughter.

Bob loved his “girls.” He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Erin Ransom, sister Beatrice Hull, brothers Edward, Richard, Marvin, Martin Jr., and Lenard.

Bob is survived by his wife Margaret, of Austin; daughters and sons-in-law: Roberta and Jerry Ransom, of Rose Creek, Minn.; Wendy and Kerry Dennison, of Rochester, Minn.; Jaynan Clark, of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren: Kristen (Chris) Prescott, Cory (Amanda) Ransom, Neil (Sarah) Dennison, Colten, Augustus, Anandae, and Asher Clark; great grandchildren: Dayne, Ruby, Jasper Ransom; Kellen and Hadley Prescott; Cayden and Amarah Dennison; sisters-in-law: Lois Clark, of Austin; Verdell Clark, of Austin; Janis (Ed) Brockhouse, of Lake Benton, Minn.; nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial service will be held. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.