Robert Kellner Clark

MADISON-Robert Kellner Clark, age 86, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on July 22, 1926, in Reedsburg, the son of Edwin and Hilda (Kellner) Clark. He married Patricia Aspel on Feb. 23, 1952, at Blessed Sacrament Church. He worked for the Postal Service for 41 years sorting mail, managing area post offices and coordinating the installation of computerized mail forwarding in the area. He found time raising 12 children, to volunteer in many ways serving the church and the community. Servitude, volunteerism and devotion defined Robert. He volunteered with the Rosary altar Society and made rosaries by hand. He worked with Cursillo weekend retreats and the apostolate to the handicapped. He served the church in any capacity asked; from commentating, presenting word and communion, and helping expand the Eucharistic ministry beyond the catholic hospital in Madison. Robert was proud of being a 10 gallon donor to the American Red Cross. Robert enjoyed aviation, fireworks and adventures, including trips to visit family across the United States, to the rocky shores of Devil’s Lake to the blue shores of Tahiti and the Emerald Isle. He enjoyed all the activities of his children and grandchildren. He attended Mass daily. His love of the Lord and love of learning blended as he attended Edgewood College, the UW-Madison, the Lay Deaconate Program in the Diocese of Madison, and spent his final years pursuing his goal of becoming a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. Robert challenged those he met to be the best person they could be, and led by example. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; 11 children, Mary (Tom) Riddle, Maggie (Andy) Cybularz, Laura (Paul) Hansen, Deborah (Doug Clemens) Clark, JoEllen (Steven) Malara, Pam Clark, Michael (Candi) Clark, Julie (Bob) Wall, Ed (Deb) Clark, Karyn (Carlos) Chacon, Joan (Mike) Snedeker; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and the many other children that were welcome into his home. He was preceded in death by his son, Joe; infant daughter, Toni; his parents; and his brother, Edward. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack and Father Tony Schumacher concelebrating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Keyesville at a later date. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. A special thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, Monsignor Dushack, Father Leo Petrionoux, and Tony Schumacher for their care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack and Father Tony Schumacher concelebrating.