Eugene "Gene" Clark

Eugene 'Gene' Clark passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006 with his family by his side. His earthly journey is over and he has gone to dwell in the heavenly paradise promised us by God the Father. Gene was born to William and Ruth (Peterson) in rural Big Lake, Minn., on Sept. 24, 1926. He attended a small one room country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Elk River High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served as a gunner on several troop transports in the Pacific. The last ship he served on was the USS Sabine, an oil tanker. He married Viola 'Vi' Antila from Calumet, Minn., and had five children. In 1965, they moved to Pelican Lake where Gene was employed by Kerr's Pelican Lake Joint Venture until he retired in 1990. He was a Pelican township supervisor for eight years, a charter/life member of VFW Post 3839 in Jenkins, Minn., and a 30 year member of the American Legion Post 49 in Pequot Lakes, Minn., where he served on the Post's executive board for eight years. Gene and Vi moved to Buhl, Minn., in 2003. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willard and Lowell; and son, Thomas. Survivors include his wife, Viola; brother, Irving, of Dilworth, Minn.; daughters, Kathy (Norbert) Ackerman of Bovey, Minn., Jennifer (Bruce) Baynard of White Bear Twp, Minn., Patty (Jeff) Varhalla of Little Canada, Minn.; son, Ronald of Virginia, Minn.; grandchildren, Ryan, Alyssa, Brandon, Ashley, Lee, Reed, Ronald Jr., Marissa and Jain; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Gene was one that truly was representative of 'America's greatest generation'. He was born during the depression, served his country during the Second World War, always worked hard to provide a good life for his family, and was there for anyone who needed him. His talents were numerous. He was deeply loved by his family and respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICE:will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine, Minn., at a later date. Arrangements by Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.