Addrain Leota Clark

Addrain Leota Clark

Addrain Clark, Fargo, ND, formerly of Lake Maud, MN, went to her final rest Monday, September 11, 2017. She died peacefully in her sleep at Edgewood Vista in Fargo.

Addrain L. McKee was born July 11, 1915 to M. Jasper and Minnie (Stuve) McKee on the family farm at Osage, MN. She was the youngest of five children. At a young age she and the family moved to North Dakota, farming at different locations in Barnes and Steele Counties. Addrain received her education at the Pillsbury, ND public school, Baldwin Consolidated School, graduating Valedictorian of her class in Luverne, ND, class of 1933. She earned scholarships to Jamestown College in ND, and Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. However, it being the Depression, even with the scholarships the family was not financially situated to send her on to college. That did not stop Addrain.

In 1933 she met the love of her life, Francis Clark. They were married October 18, 1934 and had 43 years together. They made their home in Hope, ND. To this union 4 children were born. In 1942 the family moved to Fargo, where there were better employment opportunities. Francis and Addrain were committed to making their childrens' lives better; education was a high priority. In the 1940's she took a job outside the home, an unheard of situation in those times. Her 25-year career at J C Penney Co. began in the alterations department, then to lay-away and finally as a bookkeeper in the office. During this time she was also a Campfire Leader for her daughters, Cub & Boy Scouts Leader for her sons, served on PTA, maintained a garden, canning the fruits of her labors, sewed many of her children's clothes and was an active member of The Eagles Auxillary and The Elketts.

After the children were grown the couple enjoyed traveling in the winter months; one highlight was a trip to Germany and Holland to visit their son stationed there in the Army. In 1972 they bought land on Lake Maud, designed and built their dream retirement home. They moved to the lake in 1975; Francis died in 1980. In the years to come Addrain made many improvements to the lake home, continuing their dream. In 1982 she opened and, with her daughter, operated The Little House Craft Shop on her property. Best sellers were her handmade quilts and embroidered dishtowels. She was proud to point out the shop's guestbook listed visitors from 7 countries and 47 of the 50 United States. The shop closed in 1993. Fourth of July was a special holiday at the lake. The guest list grew each year, second generations a part of that growth. The boat parade and yard decorating were holiday highlights. The family won 21 best decorated yard awards and three best decorated pontoon awards over the years. She continued to live at the lake, planting and harvesting her garden until 2015.

Addrain is survived by her two daughters, Patricia Clark, Bend, OR and Sheron (Jim) Kruse, Fargo, ND; her son, Rod (Trisch) Clark, Bend, OR; two Grandsons, Randy (Lynda) Van Otterloo, West Fargo, ND, and Christopher (Steph) Clark, Spokane, WA; four Great Granddaughters, Kayla Van Otterloo (David White), Jessica (William) Fox of Fargo and Elizabeth and Natalie Clark, Spokane, WA and one Great, Great Grandson, Cyrus Fox, Fargo, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; her son, Jeff; her parents; four sisters; one brother; Great, Great Grandson, Isaiah Mitchell; several nieces and nephews and very special friend, Marvin the cat.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Edgewood Vista for the loving care they provided our Mom. Your kindness and caring enriched her last years.

Funeral services for Addrain will be at 10:30 am Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Hanson- Runsvold Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.

Relax, look at the lake and listen to the loons call. We hope you dance. Love you, Mom.