A.C. “Clair” Clark, 99, Glenwood

Aug. 8, 1911 - July 28, 2011

     A.C. “Clair” Clark, 99, of Glenwood, passed away July 28, 2011, in Council Bluffs. Funeral services were held Sunday, July 31, 2011, at First Congregational UCC, Glenwood. Pastor Gene Hilton officiated. Interment was in the Malvern Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Congregational UCC, Glenwood Sr. Center, Linnwood Estates or Hospice with Heart in Glenwood. Peterson Mortuary of Glenwood was in charge of arrangements.
    Clair was born Aug. 8, 1911, to James and Carrie Clark in their stone house south of Malvern. He grew up in the Malvern area with his two older brothers, Harold and Paul. He attended Mount Vernon Country School through eighth grade and went on to attend high school in Malvern through his junior year. When Clair was a junior in high school in the spring of 1928, the family moved to White Lake, S.D. Clair graduated from the White Lake High School in 1929. The family relocated to the Glenwood area in 1932 and later to the Malvern area.
    Clair and Beulah Wilcox were married June 10, 1937. Their first home was south of Malvern. They moved in with Beulah’s parents for a short time. It was while living there, they gave birth to their daughter, Lois. Shortly after Lois was born, they moved to an acreage northwest of Glenwood. It was a house with character, the cracks in the floor had been patched with mud! Their love made it a home and they were very happy. Three years later, their daughter Janene was born. Clair was a wonderful father.
    In 1942, Clair and Beulah moved their family to Pacific Junction. They resided there one year before moving to Glenwood in the summer of 1943. They lived on North Vine Street for 10 years and in 1953, moved to the house on North Walnut Street, which was their home for 45 years. In December 1997, they moved to 22672 Glenview Ave.
    When Clair and Beulah were newly married, Clair worked as a hired farmer for 75 cents a day plus dinner. He then became employed with Burlington Northern Railroad, which became his career. At that time, all of the engines were steam engines. Clair worked in the round house in Pacific Junction. He was a “Hostler Helper,” filled the coal and water, tended the engine, worked as the boilermaker, machinist and the Round House Foreman. When the steam engines were replaced with diesel, he learned all the new technology that went with them. Clair worked for Burlington Northern for 35 years (1941-1976).
    Clair served his community in many ways. He was on the city council for 28 years. He was Mayor Pro Tem of Glenwood for two terms under Mayor Dale Harper. He was a member of R.S.V.P., delivered meals on wheels, Heritage Club and Optimist Club.
    A major part of Clair’s life was his faith in God. Clair joined the Congregational Church in Glenwood in 1946. He served as church president for two terms (6 years). He was an outstanding Deacon of the church for over 20 years. He was president of men’s fellowship for two years and president of the S.W. Iowa Association men’s church fellowship one year. Clair had the gift of leadership and was respected because he was an honest, level headed, intelligent person. He never demanded respect; he earned it.
    Along with work, Clair knew recreation was an important part of life too. One of the things Clair and Beulah enjoyed was camping. They were members of a camping club for nearly 40 years.
    Clair and Beulah liked to entertain at their home. Holidays were special to Clair. He always decorated the house and yard with festive decorations. Many of the decorations he made himself. He enjoyed woodworking. He made a large nativity scene that was displayed every year in his yard. He also made many crafts to give as gifts to his friends and family and donated to the church bazaar. He made ornaments for the Christmas tree and gave them to the kids and grandkids every year. All of the holidays were celebrated with decorations all over the house. On Halloween he was famous for handing out “Clark Bars” to trick-or-treaters.
    Clair was a talented gardener. He took care of everything as God intended. He cared about his family, community, the land and everything he was blessed to have.
    Clair and Beulah’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave them much delight. One of the highlights for Clair this past year was the birth of his great-great granddaughter, Hadley Marie Havelka.
    Going to the Glenwood Senior Center was very high on his list of things to do until he was unable to. It gave him a reason to get up and enjoy the day. He enjoyed all the helpers he had at Linnwood Estates and took an interest in their lives. He liked to give them a “teasingly hard time.” He had his quick wit about him to the end.
    Preceding Clair in death were his parents James and Carrie Clark; wife Beulah (Wilcox) Clark; brothers Harold and Paul Clark; his daughter Janene Clair Stacy; and infant grandson Dwight Clair Aistrope. He is survived by his daughter Lois Marie and husband David Aistrope of Randolph; son-in-law Roger and wife Jill Stacy of Glenwood: five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, extended relatives and a host of friends.