Richard E. Clark Sr.

He was born July 26, 1930, in Sterling, the son of Merriet David and Elva (Karr) Clark, and served in the Air Force from 1951-1955, during the Korean War. He married Doris I. Linton. He later married Ilzita T. “Ziggy” Zakle. She preceded him in death.

Throughout his career, Richard worked at Simpson-Powelson Lumber Co.; as a draftsman at RB&W Co. and for Eclipse Lawn Mower Co. in Prophetstown; at the Eureka Co. as a lead applicator; at Northwestern Steel & Wire Co. and Parrish-Alford. From 1962-1982, he was a police officer for the city of Sterling, and he finished his career from 1982-2002 working for the Sterling Park District. For more than 39 years, Richard owned and operated Clark’s Sharpening Service.

Richard was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling; the Sterling American Legion Post 296; and was a former member of Sterling Family Moose.

Surviving are his children: Dawn E. (Alec) Jones of Marietta, Ga., Richard E. (Geni) Clark Jr. of Rock Falls, Monika R. (Gary) Templin of Jonesboro, Tenn., and Michael R. (Alexa) Clark of Norwalk, Conn.; two brothers: David M. (Judy) Clark of Lincoln, Neb., and Dean K. (Karen) Clark of Westerville, Ohio; five grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of friends and family will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling. Memorial services follow at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Mark Oehlert officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. 

Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory.

Memorials may be made to Happy Tails Animal Shelter.