Obituary: Robert Orville Clark

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Robert Orville Clark

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Robert Orville “Bob” Clark, age 80, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 12th, 1946, in Joliet, IL, to his late parents, Orville Otis and Catherine Ann (Lawler) Clark.

All who knew Bob knew that the largest pillars in his life were faith, family, and community (with honorable mentions to gardening and cooking). He lived his life by his values, treating others with respect and kindness.

Bob was a dedicated member of his church, St. Mary Immaculate. He volunteered much of his time and energy supporting the church, including being a Eucharist Minister, a greeter, and a religious education teacher. He was also a member of the church choir and the Fishers of Men. One of the highlights of his life was being part of the Allies for Peace and Social Justice. This ministry offered a yearly mass for friends and family of the LGBTQ community in which he was part of planning and promoting.

Whenever Bob walked into a room, light and warmth always followed. His kind attitude, smile, laugh, and sense of humor comforted and brought joy to those around him. He was known for his devotion and love for his family and friends, and often expressed the great love, gratitude, and pride he held for his family.

Bob was also committed to helping people. He led by example, always putting others first and went out of his way to support anyone in need. He was a volunteer for the Upper Room Crisis Line, Daybreak Center, and the Joliet Area Community Hospice, now known as Lightways.

He was an avid gardener and enjoyed any time he could share God’s beauty with family and friends. His backyard was always colorful and full of life.

Surviving are his life partner, Hank Czerwinski; his children, Tammie (Joe) Chopp, Timothy Clark, and Todd Clark; his grandchildren, Nicole Chopp, Chris Chopp, Aubrey Clark, Paitlyn Clark, Zachary (Breanna) Clark, Katie Clark, and Ally Clark; his two great grandsons Rowan Clark and Elijah Clark; a special niece, Colleen (Gary) Clark Bockholdt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Thomas Clark; two nephews, Tommy Clark, Jr., and Jeff Clark; a niece, Cindy Clark; a daughter-in-law, Susan Clark.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name will be distributed among several of the charities and organizations Bob faithfully supported.

Visitation for Bob Clark will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, located at 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 18th, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., from the funeral home chapel to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, located at 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment will be private.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.

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