Joan A. Clark

Joan Audrey Clark (nee Newman), 97, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on August 23, their 80th Wedding Anniversary at The Waterford at Wisconsin Rapids.
Born on March 26, 1929, in South Bend, IN to Frank & Irene Newman. Joan grew up in several towns in Indiana, Michigan and Chicago, IL. She devoted herself to raising her family as a loving wife, wonderful mother and thrilled to be a grandmother, great-grandmother and a great-great grandmother.

On August 23, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart Harold E. Clark, Jr. in Maywood, IL and together they raised four children while living in Chicago, Milwaukee and Wisconsin Rapids. Joan enjoyed many fun times as a scout leader, baking mountains of Christmas cookies, gardening and being an avid reader all while their kids were young. When their children were in high school and middle school, they purchased an up north lake property and as a family they all spent any free time there for many years. Upon becoming an empty nester, she began traveling with Harold on a number of business trips and adventures; when she learned to play golf, she was fierce on the course, winning the Grandma’s Trophy at Bulls Eye Country Club as well as beating Harold a few times; her love of reading and gardening kept her busy with new recipes for her and Harold to enjoy. Upon Harold’s retirement they built their dream “cabin” in northern Wisconsin where they enjoyed their summers. When fall began knocking on their windows they headed to Florida to beat the Wisconsin winters. Joan and Harold enjoyed a number of large dogs while their children were young and switched to the smaller dogs later. She was such a dog and small wild animal enthusiast, enjoying the variety of birds, squirrels and a deer or two while living at The Waterford.

She is survived by her children; Harold III (Janet), Carol (Richard) Simcakowski, Janet Hermes and Joel’ (Ron) Ellifson, 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Clark, Jr., parents, Frank & Irene Newman, brother, Jerry Newman and son-in-law George Hermes.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 3 with visitation at 10:00, followed with a service at 11:00 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Joan’s name to South Wood County Humane Society in Wisconsin Rapids or Catkins Animal Rescue in Park Falls, WI

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of The
Renaissance, The Waterford and Compassus Hospice for all of their compassionate care and kindness gifted to Joan.