Joseph "Joe" Carl Clark, age 88, of Montague, passed away peacefully at his home on July 28, 2026, surrounded by family.
Joe was born on October 1, 1937, in Muskegon, MI, to William and Agnes (Mahoney) Clark. On March 14, 1958, he married the love of his life, Judith "Judy" Fechner, and they shared 67 beautiful years before Judy's passing on June 15, 2025.
Joe graduated from Montague High School in 1955 and attended Muskegon Community College before beginning a long career with Consumers Power, where he retired as a Senior Mechanical Maintenance Instructor.
Joe enjoyed golfing, playing cards with friends, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, and sharing morning coffee at the White Lake Senior Center. He also took great pride in caring for his home and the surrounding woods, and he served the Montague community for many years on the Montague Football Chain Gang. Joe and Judy were longtime members of White Lake United Methodist Church and cherished spending their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they formed many lasting friendships.
Joe's legacy lives on in his unwavering love for his family. His quiet strength, steady presence, warm smile, and generous heart will be deeply missed, but the love he shared, values he instilled, and the example he set will remain with those who knew and loved him. After a lifetime devoted to those he loved, Joe now rests in peace, forever reunited with Judy.
Joe is survived by his children, Michael (Lisa) Clark, Amy (Dennis) Jaekel, David (Pamela) Clark, Lynnette (Leland) Riehl, and Matthew (Lily) Clark; his daughter-in-law, Vicki Clark; his grandchildren, Brianna (Rev. Tyler) Carter, Mitchell (Haleigh) Clark, Miranda (Jon) Clark, Ryan Clark, Chad (Janelle) Jaekel, Jared Jaekel, Alison (Luke) Hiner, Jonathan Clark, Andrew (Amelia) Clark, Clint (Jeanette) Clark, Makenzi Clark, Chelsey (Tyler) Nadeau, Danielle (Dr. Joshua) Recknagel, and Emily (Darius) Schultz; 17 great-grandchildren; his brother, Doug (Georgia) Clark; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
Joe was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, William and Agnes; his beloved wife, Judy; his son, Timothy; his brothers, Edward, William, Merle, and Charles; and his sister, Blanche.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at White Lake United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Montague.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the White Lake United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.
Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Joe’s online guestbook.
