David Lynn Clark

In Lieu of flowers, Memorials to the Bennington Community Foundation for Scholarships David Lynn Clark was born on July 28, 1952 to Glenn Harley and Kathryn LaMoyne (Baker) Clark in Council Bluffs. Dave grew up on the family farm in rural Woodbine, Iowa. He attended Woodbine Public School from kindergarten through high school graduating in 1970. Dave and Dalene (Dee) Mullenix were married on April 21, 1973 at the Methodist Church in Woodbine. They made their first home in mid-town Omaha. They had a son, Timothy, in August 1977 and daughter, Jennifer, in November 1979. Dave attended Iowa Western College in Clarinda receiving an Associate’s Degree in 1972. Dave worked for Whittaker Ford in Council Bluffs during his college years. This set the course for his working life. After graduating from Iowa Western, he thought he might try something different. He sold sewing machines for two weeks. This made him realize he didn’t want to be a salesperson. He went back to college attending Bellevue College where he earned a degree in Business Administration/Accounting in 1975. He started in the car business as an office manger for Old Mill Toyota. From there, he went to Crown Lincoln Mercury. In 1979, he was asked to be office manager and Secretary/Treasurer of Atchley Ford Inc. After 38 years in this position, he retired in June 2017. Upon moving to Bennington in January 1977, Dave began his community involvement. He joined the Bennington Jaycees to meet more people. After serving in every office on the local level, he went on to serve on the State Board for the Nebraska Jaycees. Dave was also involved with just about every civic organization in Bennington. He would always be willing to volunteer when and where it was needed. Dave was appointed to the Bennington Planning Commission in 1988. He was elected to the Bennington City Council in 1990. Dave then decided that it was time to serve even more and was elected Mayor of Bennington in 1996. He served in this capacity for eight years. During his time as mayor, Dave saw that the Bennington community was changing and ready to grow. He was instrumental in getting MUD water and sewer to Bennington. Another of his major accomplishments was helping with the development of the Bennington baseball field complex, including the lights for the Legion field. Upon completing his mayoral duties, Dave saw the need for Bennington to be able to keep its own identity. He talked with people in the community and in 2005, the Bennington Community Foundation was formed. He became its president and served in that capacity until the present. Dave was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He was active in many aspects of the church, including organizing the Easter Breakfast, Stewardship Committee and many others. Dave loved is grandchildren and would do anything for and with them, including playing catch, fishing, wrestling on the floor and playing farm. Dave was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching Iowa Football and Creighton Basketball. Dave always had a garden and was more than willing to share his produce with neighbors. His favorite summer activity was golf, playing many courses with family and friends. Dave died peacefully at home on November 17, 2018 surrounded by his family. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth. Dave is survived by his wife, Dalene (Dee) Clark, Timothy and Kerry Clark, Jennifer and Cory Furstenau, grandchildren Caleb and Cloie Clark and Dylan, Tyler, Lane and Luke Furstenau, and sister-in-law Judy Clark and many other relative and friends.

David Lynn Clark

July 28, 1952 - November 17, 2018