Obituary of Clark Freeman Bennett

On April 26, 2024 the gates of Heaven opened and welcomed a loved and cherished soul, Clark Freeman Bennett, 79, who eagerly joined the Heavenly choir. He was born on February 22, 1945, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Robert and Jane (Ulsrud) Bennett. Clark was the youngest of three children.

Clark graduated from Morgan Park High School and University of Minnesota Duluth. For 30 years he was the Safety Coordinator for St. Louis County. He loved his job of traveling the county ensuring that all county employees were safe and making countless friends along the way. As a perk of his county travels, he knew every bakery from Duluth to Ely to Cook. And they knew him. His favorite sweet treat was instantly bagged as soon as he entered their door.

Playing sports was always a passion to Clark. Hockey and fast pitch softball were two of his favorites. This set him up for the future when he helped coach his three sons’ sports teams. Later in life he took his passion to countless years running the Grandma’s Half Marathon and pitching horseshoes.

Clark was always happy to lend a helping hand. He was a reading mentor at Stowe School, worked on the Smithville community garden, and volunteered on local, national and international mission trips. Clark also volunteered for the Duluth YMCA Mentor Program which resulted in a lifelong friendship.

By far, singing was Clark’s favorite activity. He sang in his beloved choirs at Asbury United Methodist Church and later found great joy in singing in the Victory Chorus. But no one heard his precious tunes more than Patty, his wife of nearly 52 years, who he serenaded day and night.

Being a member of Asbury UMC was very important to Clark. The fellowship he experienced working on various committees and events brought Clark great satisfaction. Clark’s dry humor made him the most excellent co-host for the several years of Asbury’s Got Talent.

Clark’s greatest love was his family. He made lasting memories for their three sons at the cabin and on their road trip traveling adventures. It was very important to Clark to keep his family connected. Continuing his family traditions of many gatherings at Aerie Lake since the early 1950’s, Clark hosted numerous family reunions at their cabin on Aerie Lake.

Clark was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Marjorie Bergstrom, niece Rebecca Erickson, and other beloved relatives. He is survived by his wife Patricia John Bennett, sons Brian (Lindsey), John (Megan), Steve (Laura), and 6 precious grandchildren - Natalie, Abby, George, Ellie, Cameron, and Neal, his siblings Robert (Barbara) Bennett and Carol (James) Cafmeyer, brother-in-law, Bill Bergstrom, Donald (Sandra) Erickson, and Jeff (Terri) John, nieces, nephews, cousins, almost sister, Phyllis Kruell, and special friend, Dakota Jacobs.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Benedictine Adult Day Center and Marywood and to Essentia Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to Clark, and to the extended family and friends who lovingly walked with him on his Alzheimer’s journey.

Memorials can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, The Alzheimer Association or the Duluth Victory Chorus.

The Celebration of Life service will be held on May 11, 2024 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6822 Grand Avenue, Duluth. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00.