Albert "Bert" Lee Clark

Albert “Bert” Clark, 85, of Bemidji, MN died Monday, October 30, 2023 at his home.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji.

No single word could ever adequately describe Bert but committed, or steadfast, might come close. Bert was married to the love of his life, Karren, for 54 years. They had two children, Craig and Jim, and together provided them the best upbringing anyone could hope for. Bert was unwavering in his commitment to his professional life as well. He worked for the state of Minnesota for 42 years, most of his time spent as the Physical Plant Director at Bemidji State University. He was even committed to cancer having battled and beat leukemia for a nearly unbelievable 32 years (though truth be told it would’ve been OK with everyone if he could have left that one off the list). So as it turns out, maybe tough is another word befitting him. He took a farm kid from Iowa’s common sense and work ethic approach to life. He always did the things he had to do before he did the things he wanted to do.  Material things didn’t make happy, his family did. For example, whenever Craig and Jim asked him what he wanted for his birthday or for Christmas growing up his response was always the same: “Just a nice day when the kids don’t fight.” Many will remember his sense of humor. He was especially happy when he "finally" had the girls he always wanted, in the form of Mindy and Jerina, who married Craig and Jim. Mindy and Craig brought Bert step grandsons, Joey and Alex, and great grandson, Jay. He would always ask how "those kids" are doing: "That Vegas kid" Alex, and "the Marine," Joey, with great grandson Jay, whom he liked to refer to as: "the little Marine." Jerina and Jim gave him grandkids, Alex and Elena. He loved to play games with them and to hear about them playing his favorite sport of hockey. He taught his boys how to fish, how to be humble, how to work hard, and how to be good husbands and fathers.  He loved his family above all else and he was surrounded by them as he passed, which marked a beautiful end to a beautiful life.

He is survived by son Craig (Mindy) Clark; Mindy’s boys Joey (Brianna) Riorto, Jay Ritorto and Alex Glanzer; son James (Jerina) Clark; grandchildren Alex and Elena and sisters Mae (Bill) Struthers and Elaine Haugen.

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