Clark W. Cords, 71, of Rushford, Minn., died on Friday, June 30, 2017, at his home.
Clark was born on April 15, 1946, in Wabasha, Minn., to Everett and Janice (Heise) Cords. He was raised in Rochester, Minn., and was a 1964 graduate of Rochester John Marshall High School. He attended Rochester Community College, Winona State University and Winona Vocational School, where he studied civil engineering. He worked as a surveyor for Hennepin County, Minn. While in the Twin Cities, Clark met Mary Ellen Cordes. Clark and Mary Ellen were united in marriage on September 30, 1972. Clark worked at Minnesota Farm Builders until he began his career in farming on Vinegar Hill, near Rushford. In recent years he worked for the USDA Office in Caledonia, Minn. In his spare time, Clark enjoyed woodworking, following all sports, especially his children’s sporting activities, fishing, hunting, water and snow skiing, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; two children, Jared (Erin) Cords of Rushford and Jenny (John) Hatlevig of Prior Lake, Minn.; five grandchildren: James, Elle, Ravyn, Teagan, and Peyton; and by three sisters: Constance Thompson of Prior Lake, Minn., Cindy (Robert) Goette of St. Paul, Minn., and Kay (James) Wytaske of St. Charles, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service for Clark was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2017, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Rushford, with the Reverend Harold Hintzman officiating. Burial took place in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Hart, Minn. Vistiation was one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford assisted the family with arrangements.