Reuben A. (Meister) Clark
November 24, 1931 - November 06, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Reuben (Meister) Clark, of Madison, was freed from years of pain and many health challenges when he passed away surrounded by his family, on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Nov. 24, 1931 in Madison. Reuben lived in the Madison area until he was 11 years old and was then moved to Dousman, Wisconsin. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1950. In 1951, he entered the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Reuben made all of the necessary jumps to earn his wings. He graduated from Madison Business College in 1958. During his very successful career, he worked for First Wisconsin National Bank and 27 years for Wisconsin Power & Light. In 1954 upon returning home from the Army, he met the "love of his life" and also his lifelong dancing partner, Elizabeth Quam of Dane, Wisconsin. Reuben said he knew after their first date that he could never do better than this girl and on Sept. 4, 1954, they were married at the Arlington Prairie Lutheran Church. They were very involved members of Lake Edge Lutheran Church since 1959. In addition to being an active church member, Reuben was a member of the Downtown Optimist Club of Madison for almost 50 years. He was president of the club in 1973. Reuben managed the club's scholarships and speech contests for many years. He was also a volunteer in Probation for Juveniles. Reuben was actively involved in the Badger State chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division. He loved to golf and was particularly proud of achieving a hole in one at Monona Golf Course in 1993. Reuben is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Pamela (Robert) Haley; son, Scott (Dawn) Clark; grandchildren, Bryan (Denita Shores) Everson, Melissa and Jacob (Mara Hurth) Clark, Elizabeth (Mitch Anderson), Sarah and Emily Haley and Nick (Sarah) Kopmeyer; two step-grandchildren Samantha Lee and Katlyn (Mike) Graebner; three great granddaughters, Aleigha and Bailey Gerry and Novalee Kopmeyer; sister, Mary Rosebear; brother, Leo (Ann) Clark; sister-in-law, Lois Buckley; foster sister, Dolores Hanson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William Meister, Robert Clark and Duane Clark; and his brother-in-law, William Buckley. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to Lake Edge Lutheran or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Nov 9, 2016 @ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Thu Nov 10, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church (Monona) • 4032 Monona Drive, Monona, WI
Service
Thu Nov 10, 2016 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church (Monona) • 4032 Monona Drive, Monona, WI
Photos
No photos of Reuben have been shared yet.
Memories
GH
Gail Marie Habich
Other •
To the family of Reuben Clark,
I share your grief in losing a loved one that is so dear to you and to me. As one of many God-daughters , I have known Reuben all of my life, I am thankful for all the memories over 60 years. Reuben is a great mentor to all that connected with him. I had the pleasure of witnessing a great husband, father, and grandfather! He was always teaching you even if you didn't realize it at the time. He will be missed greatly; however, I am happy that he is pain free and resting in the arms of Jesus. My prayers and
thoughts to all.
Lovingly and Respectfully,
Gail Habich
SB
Sarah Burhop
Other •
You are all in my heart and prayers in your loss, we are so much a part of each others lives as loving life long friends, many moments and memories shared through the years. You are surrounded by such love and support of family and friends. I will fondly remember times shared together through the years, and grateful for such a sweet visit with Rueben and Mom last month. He was a true gentlemen, loving husband, father and grandfather.
WS
Wayne P Sherman
Other •
May God Bless him and his family
Wayne Sherman WP&L Retired , Port Edwards WI Local Mgr.
MD
Mark Detter
Other •
Loved your laugh, and your kindness. You raise two of the nicest people I have ever met... of course it might have something to do with you choosing an amazing wife :)
God Bless,
- Mark Detter
FR
Francine Rask
Other •
Sorry to hear of Reuben's death Liz. Francine R
VD
Veena Dickens
Other •
I am Veena, Pam's long time pen pal from Fiji Islands. When I moved to the US, I went to visit Pam and Rueben picked me up from the airport.
On the way home, Rueben asked me if I would like a "pop". I didn't answer and gave him a strange look. He figured out after a while that I had no idea what he was offering me. I got kind of really quiet because I thought he was going to bop me over the head! Little did I know he was so kind and he had a tiny little cooler with some sodas and snacks.
He was quiet the tour guide and kept showing me these tall steel Containers "corn storage bins".
Rueben and Liz also attended our wedding in California. I can't say enough about his gentle kind sweet demeanor. He always had the biggest smile. I went to Pam's wedding in Madison and Rueben was dancing with Pam doing the jitterbug like no tomorrow.
Rueben, I will never forget my trip to Wisconsin and I sure have some awesome memories including sitting at table drinking tea and you cracking jokes.
God Bless.