Harrison L. Clark

Harrison L. Clark, 84, Woodworth, North Dakota, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Center in Jamestown, ND after a long battle with Alzheimers.

Harrison was born on February 25, 1921 in his parents' farm home near Woodworth, to Harry and Maggie (Gehrig) Clark. Harrison was raised on the farm and attended country school. He graduated from Woodworth High School in 1940.

On July 16, 1942, Harrison entered the U.S. Army and served during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Theater. He served in the 95th Infantry Division as a machine gunner. He was deployed to Europe, crossing the English Channel and landing on Normandy Beach in 1943. He served in France, Germany and Belgium. He was awarded the Bronze Star among many medals for saving the life of a wounded comrade. He was in France when the war in Europe ended. Harrison received his honorable discharge at Fort Snelling, Minnesota on November 29, 1945.

Harrison married Irene Thompson on May 15, 1946 in Woodworth. They were married 55 years when Irene died August 21, 2001.

He worked as timekeeper for Hector Construction near Woodworth until beginning farming in 1949. He farmed until 1960, also working for Don Jensen House Moving on several projects during those years. Harrison and Irene purchased the Star Bar in Woodworth, which they operated for one year. The family lived in the upstairs apartment. Harrison moved an old country school building into Woodworth and built it into the family home, completing the project in 1964. Harrison had several jobs during those years. He did construction work for Scherr Construction of Valley City, helping build the Woodworth School and the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Station east of Woodworth. For many years, he owned and operated Clark Septic Service. Harrison became the maintenance supervisor for the Wildlife Research Station at Woodworth, a job he worked at for 20 years, retiring in 1984. In this job, he was able to use the many skills he developed. He was a welder, plumber, electrician, mechanic, furnace man, carpenter, inventor and licensed pilot. He started Clark Enterprises and bought and sold old cars and parts and was a collector who loved an auction sale. In 1984, Harrison and Irene became head residents at Kroeze Hall and later in Wilson Hall at Jamestown College, a position they held until 1996. They moved back to Woodworth after retiring from their post at the college.

Harrison was a member of the Woodworth American Lutheran Church. He was awarded the 50 year service award from the Woodworth American Legion Rice-Deede Post 205. Harrison was also a bus driver for the Woodworth School District and a member of the school board. He was a member of the Jamestown Classic Car Club, the Carrington VFW, and he attended several 95th Infantry Division reunions around the country.

Although never a rich man, Harrison always had a big heart with lots of room for those less fortunate. Harrison and Irene started the Clark family Thanksgiving tradition of inviting all of the bachelors in the community into their home for a day of good food and visiting. Harrison served as the unofficial handyman for the community, fixing furnaces, water heaters, wiring, plumbing, vehicles, doors and windows. He would often bring people home who needed a meal, a bed to sleep in, or a place to ride out a winter storm. Harrison also had a soft spot for all children, especially his own kids, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and supporter. He was especially proud that his seven children all graduated from college (an opportunity he never had) and all worked in the field of education.

Harrison is survived by seven children: Phyllis (Don) Kosterman, Madison, WI; Jim Clark, Jamestown; Larry Clark, Drake, ND; Dianne (Frank) Conlon, Jamestown; Harry (Monica) Clark, Colfax, ND; Julie (Ed) Kostelecky, Tumwater, WA and Debra (Dan) Hornung, Jamestown, thirteen grandchildren: Erin (Erik) Loiselle; Kevin, Megan, and Kelsey Kosterman (Madison, WI); Maggie, Katie and Abbie Conlon (Jamestown), Taylor and Mikayla Clark (Colfax, ND); Lindsey and Shelby Kostelecky (Tumwater, WA), and Madeline and Andrew Hornung (Jamestown), two great-grandchildren: Cassidy Nelson and Griffin Loiselle (Madison, WI), one brother, William H. Clark, Woodworth and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lester ""Bud"" and Irene Thompson (Jamestown), Henry and Sally Thompson (Lakeville, MN), Orville and Verna Thompson (Jamestown), Willard and Ruth Krueger (Fargo, ND) and James Schlenker (Fargo, ND).

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Alvin Clark; sisters-in-law, Helen Clark and Loretta Clark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Chester and Luella Thompson, Kenneth and Esther Bredeson and Minda Schlenker.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at the American Lutheran Church, Woodworth with Deaconess Candyce Wick officiating.

Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, December 26, 2005 at the Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM, Monday, December 26, 2005 at the Eddy Funeral Chapel.

Burial: Gem Cemetery, Woodworth, North Dakota

In lieu of flower, the family prefers memorials to the Alzheimers Association or the American Lutheran Church in Woodworth, ND.

On-line guestbook at www.eddyfuneralhome.com