Gordon Clark

Gordon Clark, 80, Fargo, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo. Gordon, the son of Clifford and Rose Clark, was born December 31, 1930, on the farm in Manila Township, North Dakota. He attended school in Langdon, ND and Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo. Gordon married Dorothy Schanz in Langdon, ND on August 26, 1955. They welcomed three daughters, Cheryl, Donette and Lori. Gordon worked as a teacher, mechanic and shop foreman through the years. He was active in his church and the Gideons. Gordon was a handyman and a creative craftsman who always managed to invent new ways to use space or solve problems. He didn’t throw anything away because he could fix almost anything. He maintained his cars so well that one lasted to 190,000 miles! When Gordon relaxed, he enjoyed camping with family and friends. He loved to relax by the water, play cards or be silly around the camp fire. After Gordon was blessed with grandchildren, he loved spending quality time playing games, listening to stories, and setting puzzles. Gordon is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his three daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and Mark James, Colorado Springs, CO; Donette and Tom Schmit, Bismarck, ND; and Lori and Todd Racek, Burnsville, MN; six grandchildren, Melissa and Eric James; Chase and Derek Racek; and Brittney and Hayley Schmit; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Veneta Clark of Texas; Vernon and Doris Clark of California; and one sister, Carol Larson of Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law and one niece. Most of all, Gordon will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Gordon was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Visitation: Friday, July 1, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Hanson-Runsvold funeral home. Funeral: Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Calvary United Methodist Church, Fargo. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND. The family requests that memorials be directed to Dorothy Clark to be given in honor of Gordon to Parkinson’s research, the Gideons and his other favorite charities.