Robert E. Clark, 104, of Colfax, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, at Park Centre in Newton. A private graveside funeral service was held at the Colfax Cemetery. Condolences may be left at coburnfuneralhomes.com.
The son of Clarence and Martha Jane (Lamb) Clark, Bob was born Aug. 14, 1916, in Colfax, He graduated from Colfax High School in May of 1935. While in high school, Bob was captain of his basketball team. He lettered in both basketball and football. After his graduation, Bob worked in the finishing department of the Monroe Company in Colfax. During this time, he also found the time to organize an orchestra called the Nite Owls. This band featured eight members. Bob, who played the piano and trumpet, hired a high school classmate, Royal Cross, to work for the band. One night, the band was paid $2.50 for a gig — unfortunately, the taxi fare to get them there was $3. The Nite Owls played at such venues as the Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Mineral Springs Day in Colfax, the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake and in Missouri.
Bob went on to enlist in the United States Army at Camp Dodge Jan. 12, 1943, when he was 27 years old. He served as a Medium Tank Crewman and expert M1 Rifleman. He was with the Company C-43rd Tank Battalion, 12th Armored Division known as the Hellcats. He left the United States Sept. 20, 1944, for France. While overseas, Bob was involved in a number of battles. His decorations and citations included American Theater Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, two Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Bob’s tank was captured and destroyed in France Jan. 17, 1945. Bob and many others were forced to walk by the Germans in the historic “Black March.” That year was named one of the harshest winters in Germany’s history and Bob spent the first part of it as a prisoner in Stalag 5A. The camp was liberated May 16, 1945, and Bob arrived back in the United States four days later. His total length of service was two years, two months and 12 days. After Bob came home, he returned to his job at the Monroe Company in the capacity of supervisor until he retired.
On Sept. 13, 1952, he was united in marriage to Rose Nikolish in Waterloo. They lived in Colfax and loved to spend their winters in Texas. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage.
Those left to honor his memory include nieces and nephews, Nancy Wehsollek, Mike Runyan, Marrianne Barrett, Robert Clark and Larry Haines; and special friends, Marvin and Marcia Rorabaugh. Preceding Bob in death were his parents; wife, Rose; a sister, Dorothy Runyan; two brothers, Donald Clark and William Clark; and two nieces, Judy Haines and Connie Prond.
