Gladstone, MI
Harland Jerry Clark, affectionately called, “Bud,” age 93, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Bud was a lifelong resident of Gladstone, but had a brief stay at the Bishop Noa Home.
The only boy in the family, Bud was born on February 3, 1932 in the Clark family home to Jerry and Mary (Dementer) Clark. His oldest sister, Rose Marie, walked through the blustery winter weather to fetch the mid wife to assist with Bud’s birth, a common practice at the time.
Little did he know it, but Bud met the love of his life, the former Patsy Heslip, in Gladstone Kindergarten. He left public school and attended All Saints Catholic School from 3rd grade to 8th grade. Once reunited again, Pat and Bud began dating in high school. He was a graduate of the Gladstone Class of 1950. Bud enjoyed singing in the choir and playing football, where he played quarterback and was voted team captain.
Bud married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Heslip, on January 27, 1951. The couple shared 74 wonderful years of marriage. Together they started a family and as a “self taught” carpenter, Bud single handedly worked on building the family home, a little each evening, after he finished his shift at Marble Arms. Family and friends referred to Bud as “Mr. Fix it” and was sought after for his wall papering, drywall and painting skills. Bud always worked two jobs to provide for his family. In 1957, Bud went to work for the Mead Paper Corp. until his retirement in 1994.
In his free time, Bud enjoyed hunting and fishing on little Bay de Noc. During their traveling years, Bud and Pat enjoyed many wonderful trips, the most memorable being Hawaii.
Bud’s greatest passion was his family. A devoted husband to Pat and the very best father in the world to Jeri Lynn (John) Krokstad of Marquette; David (Tina) Clark of Gladstone; Daniel (Debbie) Clark of Green Bay; John Clark of Bethesda, MD; and Shirley Clark of Marquette. In addition to being survived by his wife and 5 kids, Bud has 4 grandchildren: Christopher (Cathi Carlson) Clark; Kimberly (Tom) Boetger; Ashley (Steve) Hill; and Steven (Kendyl) Clark. Bud is also survived by 6 great grandchildren.
Bud is preceded in death by his Parents, his Sisters: Rose Marie Carroll; Shirley Petrusky; and Margaret Moore. Also an infant grandson, Joshua David Clark.
To honor Bud’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life.
Gary Lehman - Escanaba, MI
My condolences to Bud’s entire family. I worked many years at the Paper Mill with Bud and always enjoyed working with him and running into him after we both retired. He was a great guy! Rest in Peace my friend!
Geri Lynn alanko - Gladstone, Mi
So sorry for your loss. I remember all the remodeling he did at my Mom’s house. Prayers for the family
Kim Havinga - Escanaba, MI
I met Bud while working at the mill. He was friendly and a genuine gentleman. Always proud of his family. My condolences to the family.
Steve Towns - Hastings , Mi
My condolences to the family. Bud was one of the finest gentleman, personally, and professionally, I have ever met. I had the pleasure of many conversations over the years with him at the mill.
I shall truly miss him.
RIP my friend!
Jessie and Tom Seronko - Gladstone, Mi
Sending our sympathies, prayers, love and hugs to all your family. You were so blessed with a really wonderful dad. Hold all those beautiful memories close, and share all the stories with the grands and great grands.
Rah - Mqt, Mi
Shirley,
I am very sorry to learn of your father’s passing. I know he meant the world to you. You are a wonderful daughter. I hope you find solace in your family and friends that are right there with you.
Dale Moore - Fayetteville , Nc
Very much loved and honored by all his family,
Far and near and will very much be missed.
Myself Dale , Marsha, Krissy , Patricia Moore
Wish his family our dearest sympathy.
Betsy Depuydt - Perkins, MI
I worked for many years with Bud at the mill. What a great & polite gentleman he always was. I still have the calendar case he built me hanging on my kitchen wall. Always brings a smile to me when I tell people where I got it. I’m sure he’ll be truly missed.o
Cathy Pearce - Escanaba, MI
Shirley, I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories keep your heart warm.
Mel Carlson - Rapid River, MI
The Clark family had a profound influence on my childhood, most notably through the incredible kindness offered to my mother with the typing of her manuscript & book. I am forever grateful for these wonderful neighbors and the positive countless memories they have created and contributed to.