Lonnie T. Clark

Lonnie Timm Clark, of Boscobel, WI, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his family.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, he was a loving presence in the lives of all who knew him and will be forever remembered, loved, and missed by all who were fortunate enough to have had him in their lives.

Lonnie was born on October 28, 1959, in Janesville, WI, the son of Larry and Bonnie (Krueger) Clark.  He grew up in Footville, WI, and graduated from Parkview High School in Orfordville, WI, and then, later, from UW-Platteville with a degree in Biology.  In his youth, Lonnie developed a love and talent for athletics that remained a part of him throughout his life.  He was also a gifted academic student and vocalist and spent many of his early years establishing a passion for the outdoors - hunting and fishing with his dad, his Uncle Woody, and Grandpa Krueger.

On June 1, 1985, Lonnie married Margie Friar.  Margie, a Woodman girl, was always thought to have met the handsome Lonnie when he started teaching in Boscobel, but they actually met at UW-Platteville, and have spent the last 44 years together.  Their love and devotion to one another established the foundation for a family which welcomed two children into the world, daughter Justine (La Fond) and son Brennen.  His family was Lonnie’s greatest joy and the centerpiece of his life.

Lonnie's calling was one of positively impacting the lives of others. This was most evident in his profession as a teacher at Boscobel Schools –  where, over the course of his 36-year career, he taught science and biology and coached football, baseball, basketball, and track.  During this time, he also proudly earned a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University.

Lonnie’s leisure time was spent appreciating the outdoors; hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping were a few of his favorite ways to do this.  More important to him, though, was sharing these experiences with his family and friends, and he often put aside his own experience to maximize the enjoyment for those around him.  He led the campfire songs at Cowpie Campground and Governor Dodge, and he could always be relied on to identify a given species of tree or animal, which was usually provided to (though unsolicited by) his children.  Often joining him outdoors was his best friend, Tucker, an Australian Shepherd.  Lonnie often quoted the phrase “Never trust a man who doesn’t like dogs”; by this measure, Lonnie was as trusted as they come.

Lonnie's energy and enthusiasm extended into his community.  He took great pride in his early years as an active member of the Boscobel Jaycees and in his work as part of the team that envisioned, fundraised, and constructed “The Dog Pound," the impressive weight-room facility that adjoined Boscobel High School.  Lonnie continued to be an integral part of that facility by mentoring young student athletes in the art of weightlifting.  Meanwhile, he also shared his singing talent and enjoyed participating in the Irish Choir of Boscobel, where he made lasting friendships.

In his later years, Lonnie found new meaning in life when he became a grandfather.  He unconditionally adored his four grandkids – who knew him as their beloved "Bumpa" and who gave the tightest hugs ever!  And seeing Lonnie excel in his role as a grandpa was as rewarding for his wife and children as it was for him and the grandkids.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, Margie; his daughter, Justine (Phil) La Fond; his son, Brennen (Kara); his grandchildren, Emory La Fond and Graham, Olive, and Leo Clark; his father, Larry; his mother, Bonnie; his brother, Todd (Carmen); brothers- and sisters-in-law Pat Friar, Carol (Mike) Nevicosi, Jim Meseberg, Marilyn (John) Belling, Jim Friar, and Joe (Tamara) Friar; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elmer and Esther Krueger; his paternal grandparents, Bud and Ryta Clark; his father- and mother-in-law, Clement and Catherine Friar; and two sisters-in-law, Cathy Meseberg and Kari Friar.

A visitation for Lonnie will be held at Kendall Funeral Home in Boscobel from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 followed by a service beginning at 12:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, to honor Lonnie, the family requests that donations be made to the Boscobel Fire Department or the Boscobel Rescue Squad, or made out to the family for Hunter Safety scholarships and/or a memorial at Governor Dodge State Park. Online condolences can be left at www.kendallfuneralservice.com. 

The family wishes to thank the Boscobel Fire Department, the Boscobel Rescue Squad, and the staffs of Emplify (Gundersen) Health in Boscobel and La Crosse for their compassion and care.
 

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