"I met Frank as an incredibly kind, caring man who spent his life?or at least the part that I was lucky enough to share with him?helping build a welcoming family. He has left a legacy that anyone could be proud of, and he will be so missed. Thank you for the times we got to spend together. Veit"
In loving memory of
Frank Clark
October 16, 1932 - February 3, 2024
Frank E. Clark, 91, of Ames, Iowa passed away at Green Hills Health Care Center on February 3, 2024.
Frank was born October 16, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, he attended Iowa State University from 1950 to 1954. He graduated with a degree in Farm Operations followed by service in a U.S. Army artillery unit in Germany from 1954 to 1956. When he left the service, he began working for a farm operation in northern Iowa where he met his future wife, Dorothy Stenseth. They married in June of 1963, began their family, and embarked on a future in farming. After a 52-year partnership, Frank lost Dorothy in 2015.
In addition to farming, he owned and operated Ventura Grain and Feed in Ventura, Iowa. Because of his enterprising spirit, Frank was always looking for a better way to do things. He partnered with two operators over the years, with the current partnership having lasted 30 years. Improvements to the land, minimization of agricultural chemicals, and clean water were a few of his interests.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Clark, his parents, Lyman and Elizabeth Clark, his brother, Pat Clark, his sister, JoAnn Moret, and his grandson, Jesse Peck.
He is survived by his children, Tanya Anderson (Brian), Jeff Clark (Monica), Carol Clark (Janey), Linda Alongi (Tony), Amy Ellgren (Todd), his grandchildren Laurie Fife, Taylor Heitzman, Courtney Schulte, Morgan Smith, Claire Eilert, Brady Clark, Marshall Clark, Meredith Alongi, Franklin Alongi, Connor Peck, Drake Ellgren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Green Hills Retirement Community, with service to follow at 5:30 p.m. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Green Hills Employee Appreciation Fund, 2205 Green Hills Drive, Ames, IA 50014.
Tributes
"Amy and Linda and Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I adore your dad - he is one of the kindest and friendliest men I know. I have so many fun memories of him including watching him farm the plot across the street and all the improvements he made to the area. I?ll miss him but will not forget him. Love, Caroline "
"Dear Tonya and Brian, please know that you are in our thoughts and we are so sorry for your loss. Pam and Ron Hallenbeck"
"Frank was a wonderful man. He loved his family, was kind and was quick with a smile. Sending love to all who were lucky enough to know him."