My condolences to your family during this time. Gary was the reason I fell in love with musical theatre. He was the accompanist for Bettendorf’s theatre production of How to Succeed in Business… and that’s how I met his wife and grew in my love of theatre! I made so many memories at their house sharing in music and learning from their wisdom. Blessings to your family.

Gary Sr. (and Sue) are the epitome of grace and patience. As a rambunctious teenager, I spent hours (actually years) perfecting the craft of heavy metal music in their basement with their youngest son, John. 
Although the sounds we produced could be likened to failing farm machinery with the backdrop of war, Gary and Sue's love of music and artistic expression enabled us the opportunity to be ourselves. I am certain that no other parents in our circle of friends would ever tolerate the sonic abuse.
Thank you, Gary, for letting me realize on my own terms that I should seek a career outside of music.
I admire you greatly and smile at the thought of you leading an angelic chorus. Please leave room for some metal in your next opus.

Until we meet again,
Ben Zimmerman

There hasn’t been a March 14 since around 1950 that I haven’t thought of Gary on his birthday.  My birthday is on March 7 and we had a special bond of almost being birthday twins. 

In grade school, Gary and I would play with a football in a large yard northwest of the Clark family home in Rolfe, and played 1-1 basketball in the Clark backyard, as well as table tennis in the Clark basement.   
  
I always stood next to Gary in the Methodist church choir since listening to him was the only way I could sing parts.  

Records are not kept in certain areas, but I suspect few if any graduates of the Rolfe school ever received as many #1 ratings in the state music and speech contest as Gary. 

My only criticism of Gary is that he liked the Brooklyn Dodgers, that terrible baseball team of the 1950s with those dirty players like Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider.  My big regret is that I never convinced Gary to come over to the amazing New York Giants with those great stars like Alvin Dark and Don Mueller. 

Rip Gary.  I’ll be seeing you shortly.

Mr. Clark taught me music for seven years in which he directed many musicals, introduced me to the greats, including The Beatles music, Handels Messiah and the great, gray, green, greasy Limpopo river. We traveled to New York City together where I got to see my first Broadway production. I remember it all so clearly. But the things that make me smile are the conversions that I can’t put into words. Mostly it’s the memory of a feeling of belonging and understanding of being born a musician. He knew all too well and saw it in each of us who were. As the gravity of my future was in front of me, I would suggest things I could do with my life that wouldn’t “be music” and talk about making music my “hobby”. Mr. Clark would say, if you could do anything else, you would. (This mantra is not to criticize, but rather to support) 
In the same motion, he would fully support those student’s who were in the music room to have fun and make friends. They too were a part of something he expected to be greatness. Even if that required some yelling at performance time, we knew it was because he cared. He witnessed my mental health struggles and simply allowed his space to be mine for the passing of that time, and for that I am forever grateful.

Now that I am also a public music educator, Mr. Clark serves as my compass for how to create a space of acceptance and high expectation for my students. It also reminded me of what an accomplished musician he was himself. Thanks Mr. Clark and my deepest condolences to family for your loss. 🎶 🌹

Mr. Clark was always such an inspiration! From inspiring my love of choral music, and musicals; to showing all the kindness when he saw me crying in the hallway as a sophomore. He always took time out of his day to check in. He was an amazing instructor who could be tough but fair. He loved when we won/ got high marks for contests but cared more about the person and the process. He will forever be a favorite

I was lucky enough to call Gary a director, guide, teacher, but most importantly, friend. I did eleven shows under Gary’s detailed, brilliant direction. He taught me to “trust the text” - so many valuable lessons came from this great man.  Thank you, dear Gary, for helping me love the theatre on a different level. You’ll always have a spot reserved for you in the front row. My love and condolences to Sue, and all of you. I will forever pass on his famous quotes, “Work with me, people!” And, “Tell it to the audience.” 

Chadwick Vogel

OBITUARY

Gary Michael Clark

March 14, 1937 – March 6, 2024

Weerts Funeral Home

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