Hopkins High School graduate Wanda Clark, age 91, of Allegan, died Thursday, July 24.
Born on May 11, 1934, in Burnips, Wanda was the daughter of John and Genevieve Kleinbrink. She graduated from Hopkins High School and went on build a life grounded in family, faith and simple joys.
Wanda married Thomas E. Clark, at the Allegan County Fair in 1952 during its Centennial Celebration with a grandstand stacked of more than 4,000 people from the community. She arrived by horse drawn carriage and her husband was on horseback. This was the beginning of 60 years of marriage before Tom’s passing in 2012.
Together they raised a family and built a life full of purpose and love. They were self-employed farmers, raised cattle and later owned and trained standardbred racehorses.
Wanda enjoyed being outside, especially in the summer by the pool with family and friends. For many years she was on a weekly bowling league which she called her “play day.” She enjoyed camping, riding her horses and always finding something to do on the farm.
When grandchildren and great grandchildren came along, she was there to enjoy them also. In her later years, she enjoyed being at home with her beloved cats often being referred to as the “crazy cat lady” and the regular card games played with her sisters and family.
Tom and Wanda always enjoyed the Allegan Fair. She says she only missed one day of the fair due to their honeymoon. For many years, they kept a travel trailer near the 4-H barns and enjoyed family time during the week. She loved sitting in the grandstand and betting her quarter on the horse races with family.
Wanda is survived by her children, Tom (Pam) Clark, Gary (Robin) Clark, Sandy Clark, grandchildren Nathan (Jeanette) Clark, Shannon (Ethan) Englehorn, Brandon (Leslie) Clark, Alan (Erin) Clark, Jennifer Clark (Seth Jaden), Ryan Utter, Max Miniat, and 10 great grandchildren.
Wanda also is survived by her siblings: John (Mary) Kleinbrink, Ellie Clark, Arlene Callender and Betty (Gary) Truax.
She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas E. Clark, her parents, brother Donald Kleinbrink, and brother-in-law, Richard Clark.
Her funeral will be at noon Wednesday, July 30, with an hour’s visitation beforehand in the Gorden Funeral Residence Allegan Chapel, 528 Trowbridge St. Interment will follow at Hudson Corners Cemetery.
