David passed away at age 80, peacefully on February1, 2020, from Alzheimer’s Disease. Surviving is his devoted wife, Diane Clark-Coutre of LaGrange, his cherished and talented daughter, Ruthanne (Andrew) Kolb of Batavia and his beloved granddaughters, Felicity and Caillin Kolb. He is also survived by his caring stepdaughter,  Jacquelyn Coutre, (Chicago); his well loved step-son Jeremy Coutre preceded him in death in 2018. HIs brother, Douglas (Janice) Clark of Rockton, IL with his niece Kristie Clark,  his sister Margaret Clark (Art Lussier) of Henderson NV , and his brother-in-law, Michael Farrell (Nanette) of Westchester also survive.. David’s brother, Dennis, preceded him in death in 1946.  David was born to Eugene and Rutholive (Bobbie) Clark on July 28, 1939.
David Eugene Clark was truly a Renaissance man.He was grateful to have been raised in the small town of Brodhead, Wisconsin.  His start in music began with piano in grade school, followed by  organ study.Going to his first opera and classical concerts with his mother and friends in Milwaukee began a life long love of classical music.  HIs first church organist position was at age 15 at the local Methodist church. He also worked in the family business of Everson’s Funeral Home, as organist and ambulance driver when he was in high school. He graduated from North Central College and then University of  Wisconsin, Madison and Superior.He taught high school, first in Superior, WI  and  Peoria, IL,  then physics and AP Biology at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, IL for 25 years. He served as music director or organist at various denominations including Presbyterian, Lutheran,  United Church of Christ, and Christ the  Scientist.  He came to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 1988 and served as Organist-Choirmaster for 25 years. He enjoyed working with both the Adult and Treble choirs there and playing one of the finer organs in the Chicago area.  He was always proud to play with his talented violinist daughter,  Anne, on many occasions.
After retiring from teaching in 1994, his life took another direction as he attended Kendall College Culinary School in Evanston and embarked on a long time dream to become a chef.  He also took up residence in La Grange in the late ’90’s.
David had boundless energy. He was an avid runner and cyclist, especially enjoying the trails of his native Wisconsin.  He had a vast knowledge of trains, a  passion for train travel and driving the back roads of  Wisconsin.  Cooking, baking and hosting holiday dinners for his family were very important to him.  He and Diane also  taught cooking classes together.
David was known for being an intelligent, professional, yet humble musician,  and a gifted teacher. His spontaneity,  great smile,  passion for life, and a  generous heart were his trademarks.  He held strong beliefs.  And he was also known for telling great stories beginning with ‘Ya know’…
He was a very devoted dad and loved being a grandfather,  especially encouraging reading and science, with lots of cookie & German pancake baking sessions in LaGrange! Even as he was addled with dementia, he had an indomitable spirit. He often transposed his newspaper readings to Anglican chant.Diane, his wife and partner of 22 years, was grateful have made much of this rich and full journey by his side.
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in LaGrange on Friday, Feb. 28, from 7 to 9pm where a memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, Feb. 29. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the church for the pipe organ restoration, which will include a new console dedicated in David’s memory. Donations can be made at www.emmanuel-lagrange.org/donate following the David Clark Memorial portal.