Harland Jerry Clark

The only boy in the family, Bud was born on February 3, 1932 in the Clark family home to Jerry and Mary (Dementer) Clark. His oldest sister, Rose Marie, walked through the blustery winter weather to fetch the midwife to assist with Bud’s birth, a common practice at the time.

Little did he know it, but Bud met the love of his life, the former Patsy Heslip, in Gladstone Kindergarten. He left public school and attended All Saints Catholic School from 3rd grade to 8th grade. Once reunited again, Pat and Bud began dating in high school. He was a graduate of the Gladstone Class of 1950. Bud enjoyed singing in the choir and playing football, where he played quarterback and was voted team captain.

Bud married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Heslip, on January 27, 1951. The couple shared 74 wonderful years of marriage. Together they started a family and as a “self taught” carpenter, Bud single handedly worked on building the family home, a little each evening, after he finished his shift at Marble Arms. Family and friends referred to Bud as “Mr. Fix it” and was sought after for his wall papering, drywall and painting skills. Bud always worked two jobs to provide for his family. In 1957, Bud went to work for the Mead Paper Corp. until his retirement in 1994.

In his free time, Bud enjoyed hunting and fishing on little Bay de Noc. During their traveling years, Bud and Pat enjoyed many wonderful trips, the most memorable being Hawaii.

Bud’s greatest passion was his family. A devoted husband to Pat and the very best father in the world to Jeri Lynn (John) Krokstad of Marquette; David (Tina) Clark of Gladstone; Daniel (Debbie) Clark of Green Bay; John Clark of Bethesda, MD; and Shirley Clark of Marquette. In addition to being survived by his wife and five kids, Bud has four grandchildren: Christopher (Cathi Carlson) Clark; Kimberly (Tom) Boetger; Ashley (Steve) Hill; and Steven (Kendyl) Clark. Bud is also survived by six great grandchildren.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Rose Marie Carroll; Shirley Petrusky; and Margaret Moore. Also an infant grandson, Joshua David Clark.

To honor Bud’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Clark family. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.