Chris Clark

Chris K. Clark, 77, of Eau Claire, passed away on March 20, 2025 in Chippewa Falls at the Wisconsin Veterans Home with family by his side.

Chris Kenneth Clark was born on April 5, 1947 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, son of Omar Jr. and Beverly (Waggoner) Clark. He was named for his grandmother Christine (Trent) Clark. As a young boy, he often moved with his military family, living in the States and abroad. In 1965, he graduated from Cornell High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. From there, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a History minor in 1969 and later a Master of Arts in Teaching for Business Education in 1975. Between his times at UW-Eau Claire, Chris joined the U.S. Navy on October 9, 1969, attaining the rank of Second Class Petty Officer before he was released from active duty on August 20, 1973. He additionally achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer while serving in the Naval Reserve.

He soon met the love of his life, Bonnie Lenz, and they were married on June 6, 1981 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Four years later, they were blessed with their only daughter, Megan, who they raised in Eau Claire. In the same city, Chris worked as a Claims Representative for the Social Security Administration.

Over the years, he was involved in a myriad of activities as he believed that it was important to be of service to his community. Early on, he was a member of the Eau Claire Jaycees, participating in many projects. He served as an NRA Range Safety Officer, a Hunter’s Safety instructor, and was a life member of the American Legion Post 353 of Cornell, WI. He also was a Master Mason and was a Past Master of the George B. Wheeler Lodge 351 of Eau Claire in 1998, receiving the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouters Award from his lodge. Chris was also a co-founder of Boy Scout Troop 175 at the First Presbyterian Church in Eau Claire, serving as Scoutmaster for eight years, being active in scouting for more than 50 years. He was a Vigil Honor member in the Order of the Arrow. He received numerous scouting awards such as the E. Urner Goodman, the James E. West Fellow, and the Silver Beaver.

In his leisure time, Chris loved fishing and hunting – he especially enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada with many other fishing buddies as well as hunting with his relatives at the Seidlitz cottage near Stone Lake, WI. Another favorite activity of his was playing cribbage with many of his friends, as well as participating in tournaments. After retirement in 2011, he enjoyed reading, computer games, and having more time to watch his favorite sports games.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Danny “Dan” Clark of Cornell, and Jerold “Jerry” Clark of Holmen, WI. He is survived by his wife and daughter; two sisters: Jan (Steve) Nordin of Whitewater, WI, and Lisa Clark of Mondovi, WI; several nieces and nephews, and all the wonderful people to whom he was a mentor and friend. As he makes his journey beyond this life, his daughter wants to wish him safe travels with his favorite Midwestern phrase: “Watch for deer.”

The family would like to thank the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home as well as the staff from Interim HealthCare Hospice for their support and care of Chris in his later years. He was in good hands, and he was proud to be of service even in his final home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 starting at 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 2:00 at Hulke Family Funeral Home in Eau Claire. Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, Wisconsin.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  Online condolences can be left at www.hulkefamilyfh.com

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