Michael Vernon Clark

Michael "Mike" Vernon Clark died peacefully on June 8, 2025 surrounded by his family. Michael was born on September 18, 1944, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin-a place he would always call home. After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he returned to Sheboygan and built a life grounded in hard work, fierce loyalty, and family.
Early in his career, Mike served as Vice President at Weaver's, where he was known for his leadership, tenacity, and sense of humor. In 1989, he briefly shifted to insurance before joining his longtime friend and former colleague Jim Horness to start their own business – C&H Sales & Service. Together, they built and ran a successful company for 23 years until Mike's well-deserved retirement.
Michael was married to Grace "Susan" for nearly 55 years-a bond full of love, respect, and humor. After her passing in 2021, Mike carried her memory in everything he did. He was a deeply devoted father to Kristine (b. 1969), Michael (b. 1971), and Kathleen (b. 1972), and an extraordinary grandfather to Sydney (b. 1995), Madeline (b. 1996), Brandon (b. 1995), Michael (b. 1997), Kieran (b. 2000), and Logan (b. 2002). His family was his pride, his heart, and his legacy.
He is also survived by his twin brother, Douglas, and his sister, Sharon, as well as his cherished nieces and nephews: Shaun, Heather, Victoria ("Torry"), Clark, and Douglas. On Susan's side, he was also a beloved uncle to Kelly, Lisa, Michele, Brenda, Tammy, Kevin, Rick, Randy, and Jeff. His relationships with his extended family were filled with humor and sometimes a little sass.
In the final year of his life, Mike was fortunate to find love and joy again with his beautiful lady friend, Joni Vandermale. Their time together was filled with laughter, companionship, and so much fun in retirement. Watching the happiness they shared was a gift to his children and a bright light in his final chapter.
Mike was feisty-in the very best way. He was deeply passionate about politics, never shy about his opinions, and a lifelong Kennedy Democrat. He believed in a strong labor movement, public education, and a government that strengthens the middle class. He attended rallies, protests, and kept up with current events, and rarely missed a chance to defend his strong values -especially over morning coffee with his tight-knit group of friends.
He was known for his immaculate lawn-often teased for looking as though it had been trimmed with nail clippers-and took pride in every blade of grass. In retirement, he also found joy in golf and orchids, tending to his plants with the same precision and care he brought to every area of his life.
Mike was also an animal lover through and through. He and Susan adored their Welsh Terriers and later their beautiful Bengal cats, who brought them years of joy. He was also incredibly tech-savvy, often the go-to person for fixing computers and troubleshooting anything electronic. If something broke, Mike could fix it-usually with a grin and a bit of muttering under his breath.
Mike is remembered not just for what he did, but for who he was: opinionated, funny, passionate, generous, loyal, and deeply loved. His presence was unforgettable-and so is his legacy.
There will be a celebration of life for Michael on July 19, 2025 at Rochester Park in Sheboygan Falls, WI at 2 PM. There will also be a swearing in ceremony for adding his name to the Sheboygan Vietnam Memorial on Saturday October 11, 2025.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Michael's arrangements.
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