Robert Clarke

Robert Eugene Clarke, age 74, of Glidden, IA, and formerly of Colona, IL passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019 at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll surrounded by his family.

Born on April 23, 1945 in Rock Island, IL, and he was the son of Robert Francis and Julia Winifred (Giffin) Clarke.  Gene, as he was known to most grew up in Alpha, IL, where he graduated from Alwood High School in 1963.  He attended Blackhawk Community College in Moline, IL.  Gene enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966 and served six years.  For two years he was stationed in Scotland and worked in intelligence and then returned to the U.S., then he was stationed in Brooklyn, NY.  Gene was married to Pam Cowman on April 9, 1967 at Woodhull, IL.  To this union were born two children: Patrick and Jennifer.  The couple made their home in Alpha, IL and later divorced.  While living in Alpha, Gene worked for Moormans Feed.  He was later married to Bette Lindquist on January 15, 1983 at First United Methodist Church in Alpha, IL.  Gene and Bette lived in Cambridge, IL where he worked for Livek Trucking as a driver.  They moved to Colona, IL, and owned and operated Clarke Title Search Company and Tri-County Title.  They moved to Glidden in 2016.  Gene enjoyed fishing, collecting Farmall Tractors, following NASCAR, and going out to his cousin Rodney’s farm.

Gene is survived by his wife Bette Clarke of Glidden; three sons Michael Lindquist (Kathy) of Colona, IL, Patrick Michael Clarke (Jill) of St. Louis, MO, and Aaron Lindquist of Colona, IL; two daughters Wanda Lindquist of Moline, IL and Jennifer Hendrix (Scott) of Galesburg, IL; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother Richard Clarke (Jan) of Woodhull, IL; two brothers-in-law John Hemminger of Geneseo, IL, and Carl Smith (Mary) of Geneseo, IL; his cousin and best friend Rodney Michael (Deb) of Glidden and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by parents Robert and Julia Clarke; a sister Patricia Hemminger.

Funeral services will be held Geneseo, IL, at a later date.  The Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home of Glidden assisted the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com