Robert Clarke "Clarke" Danforth M.D.

Danforth, Robert Clarke M.D. "Clarke" Passed away at the age of 80 while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, after a long struggle with complications following cancer surgery. Beloved husband for 57 years of Phyllis (nee Robertson). Loving father of Christine (Michael) Soener of West Bend, WI and Douglas (Cherie) Danforth of St. Louis, MO. Proud grandpa of Rob and Jacob Soener, Meagan, Cassidy and Brianna Danforth. Clarke was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel "Danny" and Margaret "Christine" Danforth and his brother John B. Danforth. Born in Flint, MI., Clarke grew up in Janesville, WI where he met his best friend and soul mate, Phyllis, in the second grade. Clarke graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1958. He later served in the U.S. Navy as a neurologist at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He moved his family to Milwaukee, where he maintained a private practice in neurology until his retirement at the age of 65. Clarke was an active board member of Eisenhower Center in Milwaukee, which provides rehabilitation services for people with developmental disabilities. Clarke and Phyllis enjoyed traveling with their family in their motor home, weekends at Elkhart Lake, and winters at their condo in Bonita Springs, FL. Clarke's favorite place, however, was in his backyard along the Milwaukee River where he enjoyed watching the birds, deer and other wild life. Tennis with friends, music and reading were among Clarke's other pastimes. Visitation will be held at Feerick Funeral Home on Saturday, November 9 from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM. In loving memory of Clarke, donations in his name may be made to the Eisenhower Center, 4425 West Woolworth Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53218.