Robert "Bob" Clark

Robert “Bob” Clark, 76, of Mankato, MN, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Bondurant, Iowa, Bob was the youngest of four children. After losing his father at age three, he was raised by his mother, Pauline, alongside his sisters Connie, Nancy, and Judy. He often spoke fondly of his small-town childhood and of lifelong friends.

At 18, Bob was drafted into the Vietnam War. He was wounded in combat, returned to duty, and awarded the Purple Heart. Though the war left its mark, he chose to be defined instead by his humor, resilience, and love of family.

After the war, Bob moved to Mankato where he attended MSU and met Liz. Together they had their daughters Heather and Courtney. Later in life he went back to MSU and earned his bachelor’s degree and published his novel Flowers of the Dinh Ba Forest. Bob worked more than 40 years at Mankato Citizens Telephone Co. / Hickory Tech. After receiving his first cancer diagnosis, determined to spend his time doing what he loved, he took an early retirement.

He filled retirement with tennis, motorcycles, music, poker nights, good friends, and time with his family. Known for his intellect and subtle wit, Bob was a storyteller, a thinker, and a man whose humor often made you laugh twice.

Above all, he was a devoted father and grandfather, proud of his daughters and the families they built. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren, each of whom shared a special bond with him.

Bob is survived by his daughters Courtney Hanson (Quinten) and Heather Clark-Esser (Aaron); grandchildren Julian and Piper Hanson, Samson and Hazel Fisher, Oliver Esser, and; sister Nancy Wehsollek; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Pauline Clark and sisters Judy and Connie.

A Celebration of life service will be held in Mankato at Land of Memories Park, Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion on Sunday, September 14th 2025 Outdoor Service with Military Honors at 11am with a lunch reception to follow.

**Memorials can be made to fund a bench in Roberts name at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Mankato. Checks can be made out to Heather Clark-Esser.