Wayne Clark

On January 1, 2024, Wayne Daniel Clark, age 90, of Montello, was called to rest by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He died at Montello Care Center of prostate cancer after a long and satisfying life. Wayne told everyone he knew what a wonderful life he’d had, and that he was not afraid to die.  He rests in the Blessed Hope of the Resurrection and in anticipation of reunion with his beloved Genevieve.

Wayne was born in Madison on February 18, 1933, to Lavern and Edith (Withee) Clark.  He graduated from Madison East High School in 1952 and was proud to serve his country from 1952 until 1956 as a member of the United States Navy.  Upon returning from his time in service, he attained a bachelor’s degree in accounting as a member of the first graduating class of the newly named Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.  While there he met the love of his life, Genevieve Smalley.  They were united in marriage on July 4, 1958, at the home of Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Tompkins; together they were blessed with two daughters.  Genevieve preceded Wayne in death on June 18, 2023.

Wayne was employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an assistant treasurer and business manager. He and Genevieve retired in 1999 and moved to Oxford, and then Montello in 2004.  His family will fondly remember Sunday morning breakfasts of his special scrambled eggs and fried potatoes, as well as his famous potato salad.  His hobbies included playing the Hawaiian steel guitar and skiing with his daughter Kelly.  Wayne was a dreamer and planner.  He liked to see what was over the next horizon and loved finding and studying the maps to get him there.  He thoroughly enjoyed traveling and experiencing new things.   He was an active member of the Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church, filling many roles in his life of service.  Wayne will be remembered for his ready laugh and was often credited with saying what everyone else was thinking.

Wayne is survived by his two daughters: Karen (Clayton) Blair of Montello and Kelly (Bradley) McClave of Orange County, CA, as well as two grandchildren:  Thomas Clark Patrick McClave and Ryland Grace McClave as well as other extended family members.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Genevieve, sister, Pauline Warbelton as well as other extended family members.

A funeral service for Wayne Clark will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church, 322 E. Chauncey St, Oxford, WI.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 AM until the hour of service; William Ochs will officiate.  A private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona, WI. 

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Montello is honored to be serving the family.  www.CrawfordFH.com