Gary Clark
June 30, 1954 - January 26, 2017
Obituary
MONONA-Gary J. Clark, age 62, of Monona, passed away on Thursday Jan. 26, 2017, at home. He was born on June 30, 1954, in Madison, the son of William and Susan Clark. Gary was a career Firefighter/EMT for the Monona Community for 35 years. During those years, Gary has saved countless lives, brought babies into the world, saved homes and businesses, and remained a calm and compassionate voice when people were going through their most challenging times.
He selflessly served the community all his life, be it teaching school children about fire safety, clearing snow for neighbors, or checking in on those in need. He was always ready to lend a steady hand and an open heart, in an emergency or in everyday projects. He was a lifelong adventurer, golfer, fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman who loved the peace of the forest and waters. His sense of humor, passion for dancing, and huge heart have lightened the load for any who were lucky enough to call him friend. He is survived by his children, Matthew Clark and Melissa Clark; granddaughter, Alyse; sisters, Gail Clark Musillami, Julie Clark and Colleen Clark; friend, Sandy Schwartzer; nieces and nephews, Laura (Brian) Faust, Tamara Musillami, Jeramie Hurley, Kate (Dave) Munson, Clark Hurley and Alex , Ryan, and Spencer Bernhardt; dear cousins, family, and countless close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William R. Clark Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. "Dance as if this is the last dance. Dance with abandon, holding nothing back. That will bring transformation to your being, and a possibility of transformation for other people too." Rajneesh Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Feb 3, 2017 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Fri Feb 3, 2017 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Gary have been shared yet.
Memories
MW
Mary Watson
Other •
I did not know Gary well. In fact, I only recall meeting him once at the sale of my father's house.
What I recall is how quick he was to smile or crack a joke. I could also tell he had a great heart and love for life.
I am very sorry for your loss.
DH
Debby Hillebrand
Other •
Gail, Laura, Tammy - although we did not know your brother and Uncle, he sounds like a pretty remarkable man. We are so sorry for your loss. Debby & Rick
TB
Tom Robbin Brennan
Other •
I knew Gary through out my career at Monona. He always was smiling and laughing. That laugh it was one of a kind. We were on many calls together. He didn't flinch. He always knew what to do. He was solid. I would take a break in the fire dept. and popcorn was always available. We shared a lot of laughs and stories. Melissa, Matt and your family I'm truly sorry for your loss. He is a great man . The good lord will hold him now and comfort him. He will watch over you each day. My prayers to you and your family in this difficult time. You have a guardian angel watching over you now.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to your entire family.
Sincerely,
Tom Brennan
LK
Linda Kelly
Other •
I got to know Gary in the early nineties when I was an EMT with the Monona EMS. We had much in common both being divorced with young kids so spent personal time together. He always had a smile no matter how tough his life at home or at work became. I moved to Montana and lost touch over the years but ran into Gary not long ago when visiting Monona. He still had that same big smile! Many blessings to his family and everyone who worked with him. He was a great guy and will always be remembered!!!
CG
Cheryl Glomp
Other •
Gary was one of my favorite students. He always had a smile and a joke, but when it was time to get down to business, he was there. Thanks, Gary for your kind and dedicated heart?
BC
Barbara Chase
Other •
I was saddened to learn that Gary had passed away. He and EMT Mike saved my life some ten years ago and for that I am very grateful. I will miss his smile and "Hi, Barb" when I would run into him around Monona. He was very special. Rest in peace, dear Gary. I will never forget you and thank you for giving me back my life. Barb Chase