Harry "Joe" Clarke, 80

Harry "Joe" Clarke, age 80 of Elysian, died on the evening of Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at his home.

Born in Mankato on December 26, 1940, Joe was the son of Richard and Daisy (Johnson) Clarke. He attended school in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School. On July 16, 1966, Joe was married to Janet Stueber at the Centennial Lutheran Church in Henderson. They made their life together until Janet’s passing in 2001. Joe served in the National Guard for many years and was a former Commander of the Elysian American Legion. Over the years he worked as a farmer, excavator, and did snow plowing in the area, but he is most widely known in the community as the owner and operator of Clarke’s Campground on Lake Francis. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, following the Minnesota Vikings, and volunteering his time with the Elysian American Legion and the Elysian Fire Department. He was also an avid “Raspberry Malt Enthusiast.”

Joe is survived by two children, Ryan Clarke and Jennifer (Jake) Hjelmtveit; his significant other, Anna Anderson; four siblings, John (Iralee) Clarke, Karen Dane, James Clarke, and Steve (Nancy) Clarke; and several siblings-in-law and their families. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife, Janet; one brother, Richard “Dick” Clarke; and two beloved cats, Square and Tink.

A public visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at the Waterville Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services. A private family interment will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Elysian.