Clark Martin Marquart
courtesy photo
Clark Martin Marquart
RONAN — Clark made his journey home to heaven Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 at St. Luke Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born July 8, 1927 in Waterloo, Iowa to Samuel and Elsie Marquart. Clark was one of five boys.
Clark enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and proudly served in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. While serving in the South Pacific, Clark befriended a fellow shipmate, Andrew (Andy) Matt. It was through Andy that Clark met his present love, Betty (Matt) Marquart in 1945 while on shore leave. However their story did not fully begin until 1978 and they married Oct. 13, 1979.
Clark married his first wife Darlene (Osgood) Nov. 30, 1948 in Littleton, Colo. From this marriage Clark was blessed with two sons, Keith (Pam) Marquart and Rick (Paulette) Marquart. Though Clark and Darlene later divorced, he remained devoted to his boys and found great joy in their accomplishments.
In 1961 Clark married Joy (Parsons). From this marriage his daughter Christina (Wayne) Stalzer was born. Christina was the apple of her daddy’s eye and the two remained close despite the geographical miles between them.
During the summer of 1978 Clark made a trip to the Seattle area to visit his old Navy shipmate, Andy Matt. It was during this visit that Clark ran into the sweetheart from his youth, Andy’s younger sister Betty. Over time Clark and Betty rekindled their friendship and from this friendship sprung forth a loving partnership lasting 33 years. From this marriage Clark acquired more children, a blended family filled with love, laughter and shenanigans.
Of all of the joys in Clark’s life, there were none that gave him greater joy than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was grandpa, “guerpa,” and poppa to many, including all those he adopted throughout the years.
Along with the joy of being a grandpa, Clark also had a love of socializing. He was well known throughout the Charlo and Ronan areas as the “lunch delivery man.” He treasured the relationships he built through his delivery service and enjoyed swapping stories with any and all who would listen.
Clark is preceded in death by both of his parents; his four brothers; and his shipmate and best friend, Andy Matt.
Clark is survived by his wife Betty, residing at the family home in Charlo; Keith (Pam) Marquart and family in Oklahoma; Rick (Paulette) Marquart of St. Ignatius; Christina (Wayne) Stalzer of Iowa; Denice (George) Goodale and family of St. Ignatius; Cheryl Colacurcio of St. Ignatius; John “Duffy” (Cora) McQuade and family of Federal Way, Wash.; Stacey Kiehn and family of Ronan; Kim Colacurcio-Snyder and family of Ronan; Carol Gerisch of St. Ignatius; Paula Daquila of St. Ignatius; Mae Daquila of Ronan; Bernice (Matt) Tallant of Seattle, Wash.; Sandi (Matt) Stevens of Monroe, Wash.; and all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of Clark’s life will be held at the Mission Mountain Worship Center, 72933 Highway 93, (across from Log Crafters), on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 at 7 p.m. All who knew Clark are invited to come and share their “Clark Experience.” Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
