Dorothy Alice Clark

Dorothy's service will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/CJnO_UHXjm4

Dorothy's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/24JG2X4R938SNC4N

Dorothy Alice (Schanz) Clark was born November 29, 1932, to Martha and Jacob Schanz. She passed away July 5, 2023, surrounded by her daughters. Dorothy grew up with two sisters; Eleanora and Doris, and three brothers; Leroy, Allen and Orlin, on a farm outside of Alsen, ND. She learned the value of hard work from working on her parents' farm. On August 26, 1955, she married Gordon Clark in Langdon, ND and they were married for 55 years, at the time of his passing.

Gordon and Dorothy were blessed with three daughters, Cheryl, Donette, and Lori. Their household was full of love and laughter. Her most important job was stay-at-home mom and manager of the household. As her kids grew, she held various other jobs from ironing, house cleaning, babysitting, gift wrapping at Penney's and receptionist at her brother-in-law's dental office.

Dorothy had the gift of making everyone feel welcome. She was always willing to host those in need of somewhere to stay or share a home cooked meal. Whether in small apartments or in her first and only home bought in August 1964, generosity abounded. Her family loved to gather at grandma's house. These special days were filled with playing cards, setting puzzles, and enjoying the laughter of her children and grandchildren. Her hospitality continued as the family went camping. She was always gracious to include her daughter's friends. She enjoyed the music and conversation around the bonfire and was always willing and able to make popcorn.

Dorothy was a long-term member of Calvary United Methodist in Fargo, but in later years attended Faith United Methodist. She served her church in many capacities faithfully and loved to play and sing hymns on her piano.

In the latter part of her life, Dorothy resided at Havenwood of Burnsville in Minnesota. The staff there treated her with care and compassion and really enjoyed her sense of humor.

Dorothy is survived by her three daughters; Cheryl (Mark) James, Donette Schmit, Lori (Todd) Racek. Six grandchildren: Melissa James, Eric (Amelia) James, Chase Racek, Derek Racek, Brittney Schmit (Zach Danelson) and Hayley Schmit (Peter Troy). And four great-grandchildren; Natalie and Elliott James and Jayden and Rylee Heinert. Her two sisters; Eleanora Roder and Doris Bowser, two sister-in-laws: Joyce Schanz, and Cheri Schanz.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Martha Schanz, her husband; Gordon Clark, three brothers; Leroy, Allen and Orlin Schanz, two brother-in-laws; Don Roder, and Ed Bowser, and two sister-in-laws, Grace Schanz and Ilene Schanz.

A visitation and viewing will be held Sunday, July 9th, 2023, at 6:00-8:00 pm at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home, 215 7th St S, Fargo, ND 58103. A Celebration of Dorothy's Life is planned for Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 am at Faith United Methodist in Fargo, 909 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102. The funeral will be livestreamed. The link will be at the top of Dorothy's obituary page on the Hanson-Runsvold website (hansonrunsvold.com).

Memorials may be given to Faith United Methodist in Dorothy's memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND