Joan Clark

Joan Clark, 89, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.

Joan Harriet Shatzka was born February 28, 1935 to Elwin and Marjory (Mann) Shatzka in Chance, South Dakota. She grew up in Chance, SD where she attended rural school through eighth grade. Joan graduated from Bison High School in 1955. After high school she attended Methodist Kahler Nursing School for two years. During that time, she met the love of her life, Jim Clark, her future husband on a blind date.

She and Jim were married on June 16, 1957 in in Bison, SD. They lived in Lake City, MN until 1990 when they moved to Rochester where they spent their remaining years. They were married for 59 years until Jim passed away in 2016. Joan remained in Rochester until May of 2023 when she moved to Fergus Falls. She spent the last two years at Mill Street Residence, where she greatly appreciated the outstanding care she received.

Joan used her nurse's training to care for five generations of the Clark family. She enjoyed gardening and spending time going to car shows with her family.

Joan was a woman of faith and was active in the church.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Jim Clark; parents, Elwin and Marjory Shatzka; brother, Vaughn Shatzka; parents-in-law, Scott and Martha Clark, and brother-in-law, Scotty Clark.

Joan is survived by her son, Kevin (June) Clark of Fergus Falls; her grandchildren, Scott Clark of Pine Island, Ross Clark of Rochester, Amber Miller of North Carolina, and Mindy (Jason) Ditch of Maple Grove, and great-grandchildren, Aubrey Clark, Beth Clark, and Sophie and Owen Ditch.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Clergy: Reverend Ruth Ann Ramstad

Interment: Hillside Cemetery, St. Charles, MN at a later date

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com