Richard “Dick” J. Clarke age 56 of Pipestone, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 p.m. Friday, September 5 at the Westbrook Funeral Home. Burial will be in Westbrook Cemetery immediately following the visitation. A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 9 at Hiawatha Manor in Pipestone. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hiawatha Manor, PO Box 247, Pipestone, MN 56164 in memory of Dick. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
On December 6, 1957, Kenneth and Thelma Clarke, along with son Doug and daughter Maribeth, welcomed Richard Jon Clarke into their Westbrook, MN family. Richard immediately brought joy to this loving family and affectionately became known as “Richie.” As time passed, it became clear that Richie’s developmental needs would be best served at specialized residential facilities. Throughout the next 20 years, Richie lived in several locations throughout Minnesota. In 1978, Richie moved to Hiawatha Manor in Pipestone, MN. It was here that Richie, a.k.a. “Dick Clarke” enjoyed, truly enjoyed the remainder of his days. It was here that his loving family grew and grew, both at his home and his workplace, Progress, Inc. With the guidance of these family additions, he was able to refine his flair for chatting and drinking coffee with refills, reading his books and newspapers while listening to music, shopping and spending time with his family and friends. He brightened many days for all who met him. We mourn this loss, but recognize and sincerely appreciate the gifts of his love, zest for life, his enjoyment of others and total adoration for the simple things in life.
Dick is survived by his brother Doug (Mary Lou) Clarke of Spirit Lake, IA; sister Maribeth Clarke of Milford, IA; and nephews Nathan and Jerod Clarke. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and two cousins.
Blessed be his memory.
I worked with Dick for 4 1/2 or so year he will be missed alway had a way to make you smile. He is up dancing his heart out. Sorry for your loss
Doug, Maribeth and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. I remember Richie from our youth and in my minds eye remember Richie being home for the holidays – always smiling. May God comfort you in your loss.
Dear Richie’s Family,
I am sorry for your loss. When I worked with Dick Clarke I would always sit with him and each lunch, and I loved visiting and joking and laughing with him! Dick always greeted me in the mornings with a happy smile and he always brightened my days! I will miss seeing him out shopping. We are all comforted in knowing that all is new in Heaven, and we will see Dick and his happy smile once again.
Dear Doug, Maribeth and family-
Praying for you in your loss, and yet rejoicing that Richie is with the Lord. What a flood of memories as I read of his death in the Westbrook paper. All were of his joy when he was home with the family and riding in Pastor Benson’s car. Thankful for lessons learned as I watched you all love and care for him in the early years at home and then as he visited home through the later years. (Romans 11:33, Job 5:9-11, Phillippians 4:6-7)