Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Dec 1, 1956 - Nov 18, 2025 (Age 68)
My deepest sympathies to the family. I knew Clark from Citibank. Thinking of you at this difficult time
Nadine Amundson
November 25, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Coworker
My deepest sympathy to Kris and the family. I will always remember Clark as someone who treated people with kindness and respect. Heaven has definitely gained another angel!
Larson Jane
November 25, 2025 | Tyndall, SD | Friend
The video was such an amazing tribute to Clark. The love for his family & friends was so obvious. Great keepsake for all to cherish all the memories.
My condolences and prayers to Kris &family.
Peg Dvoracek Stratman
November 24, 2025 | Yankton, SD | Friend
Clark was a special man to me. Friend and fill in father. My dad lived about 7 hours from me so Clark and I would have coffee on a regular basis and talk business, about both of our family's , relationships, boats, cars, and politics. About half of the time we had a different view on topics but listened to each other and discussed our perspective without any negativity. He had a kind heart and was always willing to listen and give me advice when I needed. I am so grateful for Clark in...
Jeff Mindt
November 24, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Rest in Peace my friend!! My deepest sympathies to Cris and family. I will never forget Clark as he was a great friend and customer throughout the years.
Bruce Pieper
November 23, 2025 | Yankton, SD
My deepest sympathy to Kris and family.
Clark was a wonderful man and devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was also faithful and a friend to all and a very hard worker. Remember all the good times. You have an angel in Heaven may God Bless you alll
Ellen Rodenberg
November 21, 2025 | Yankton, SD | Friend
Clark was a neighbor of ours and instructed my wife with her ServSafe certification. He was always kind and would say Hi while on walks with wife and their dogs. I knew him in passing, but know he was a good man just by his smile. Our deepest condolences to his family. I will miss him not walking by.
Rich Blechinger
November 20, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Acquaintance
Kris and family, I am so sorry. I struggle to write this as tears fall down my face. He was such a great man. Always the biggest smile. He was an exemplary boss and even more importantly was he treated me like family. He was a great mentor and I looked up to him, proud to say, “I know Clark Kelley.” No matter how much time passed between seeing each other, we were always able to pick up like nothing had interrupted our time. He will be so missed. My heart aches for all of you.
Shelly Schenkel
November 20, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
We shared many restaurant stories. He was a knowledgeable, interesting, and caring food service operator and teacher. He will be truly missed by a family of food service professionals and workers. Condolences to his family!
Rick Dockter
November 20, 2025 | Pierre, SD | Friend
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Clark M. Kelley, 68, of Sioux Falls, SD. He was diagnosed with renal cancer in June 2023 and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on November 18, 2025.
Clark Michael Kelley was born in Sasebo, Japan, on December. 1, 1956, to Audrey Clark Kelley and Chief Petty Officer USN Woodrow Wilson “Mike” Kelley. At 3 months old, Clark, his parents and brothers, John and Dennis, returned stateside spending time in San Diego, CA, Amarillo, TX, Springfield, SD, then Tyndall, SD, where Clark attended school. He enjoyed many activities including football, wrestling, track, band, and choir. He graduated from Tyndall High School with the proud class of 1975.
Following high school, Clark attended SDSU, USD, and later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Sioux Falls.
Clark married Kris (McCann) Kelley on August 19, 1977, initially settling in Vermillion, SD, before moving to Laurel, NE, where they managed the Wagon Wheel Steak House. Shortly after, they relocated to Nederland, CO, and owned their own restaurant, The Place Upstairs, before returning to Tyndall in 1984 to be closer to their families. Clark took over operation of the family’s L‘n R Cafe, later known as Kelley’s Cafe and Pub. They expanded their business to provide catering services and established a wholesale frozen pizza business. While in Tyndall, Clark served as a volunteer fireman, joined the Knights of Columbus, was a member of the Rotary Club, the Civil Air Patrol, helped coach AAU youth wrestling, and served on the school board where he was instrumental in the planning, development, and completion of the Bon Homme High School Athletic Complex.
In 1994, the Kelley family moved to Sioux Falls where Clark continued to broaden his food service experiences and feed his entrepreneurial spirit. He partnered with a consulting group to develop a wholesale food distribution co-op, and provide consulting services primarily to Native American casinos in several states including South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Kansas.
Clark enjoyed selling residential real estate for several years in Sioux Falls before returning to food service as Food and Beverage Director at the Royal River Casino in Flandreau, SD, and then as Food Service Director for Aramark, the contract food service provider for Citibank, retiring in August 2024. For over 20 years, Clark taught ServSafe, a statewide food safety class, for the SD Retailers Association.
Clark truly enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge and experiences in the food service industry. He supervised hundreds of employees over the years, always striving for greatness and leading by example. His strong work ethic, high standards, and dedication earned him the respect and loyalty of many who worked for him. Many considered him a mentor, who was dedicated and passionate about the food industry. He also loved spending time with his family and friends, often treating them to his culinary talents whether it be breakfast in a duck blind at sunrise or feeding a houseful of hungry holiday diners.
Clark always looked forward to hunting season and being outdoors with friends and family. He spent many days boating on the waters of the Missouri River, creating fun and cherished memories with all who joined. Clark was a family man; he loved traveling with his family and watching his kids and grandchildren in their various activities. His legacy will continue to inspire family togetherness for generations to come.
Clark is a member of the parish of St. Michael where he continued to be a member of the Knights of Columbus, served as an usher, and sang with the adult choir and Jubilation singers.
Family includes Clark’s wife, Kris; daughters Audra (Kevin) Fullerton, Brookings, SD, Julianne (Aaron) Wipf, Sioux Falls, SD and son Sam (Brianna) Kelley, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Jack Fullerton, Nadia, Noraa, and Niya Wipf, Miles and Cole Kelley; brother John Kelley, Sun Lakes, AZ, sister-in-law Annette Kelley, Norfolk, VA, cousin Carol (Clark) Wynia, Yankton, SD; in-laws Greg and Barbara McCann, Tabor, SD, Marie and Dennis Duncan, Sioux Falls, SD, Jan and Bruce Holtquist, Tyndall, SD; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Clark is preceded in death by parents Mike and Audrey Kelley, in-laws Gordon and Lornie McCann, brother Dennis Kelley, sister-in-law Janice Kelley, sister-in-law Diana McCann, nephew Grant McCann, and niece Melissa Reynolds.
Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with the Wake service beginning at 6:00pm. Funeral service will be Tuesday, November. 25, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 10:30 am with lunch to follow.
In honor of Clark, memorial donations may be made to the ProStart culinary and hospitality program for SD high school students.
Link to donation page:
https://sdra.wufoo.com/forms/prostart-donation-honoring-clark-kelley/
To watch the funeral mass virtually please use the link below, the St. George and St. Michael's Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelsfsd
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