Michael "Mike" Clark
February 15, 2021
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Service Details
Michael “Mike” Clark, 60, passed away peacefully at his home on February 15, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born in Pullman, Washington, on July 19, 1960, the son of Ray and Nancy (Claussen) Clark.
Mike graduated from Gilbert High School in 1978 and then attended Iowa State University. He began his active duty with the United States Air Force in 1986, proudly serving until retirement in 2005.
While serving in the military, Mike obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1994 and his master’s degree in orthopedic studies in 1998, both from the University of Nebraska. Following his military career, he worked as a physician assistant at Iowa Ortho.
Mike was a true outdoorsman who loved being in nature. He enjoyed scuba diving, gardening, and bird watching, and he was an avid bicyclist.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
Mike is survived by his wife, Rebecca; sons, Ryan (Brandi) Clark, Nick (Amy) Clark, and Dustyn Clark; grandchildren, Anastasia, Vahn, Tatiana, Anora, Inga, Sigrid, and Vara; brothers, Jim (Jimmie) Clark and Dan (Pam) Clark; sister, Becky Clark (Ernie Lesley); his father, Ray (Linda Luck) Clark; as well as other loving family and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Doctors Without Borders or Des Moines Bicycle Collective, 506 E. 6th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
John Hamilton
04/12/2026
All respect to Mike and condolences to his family. I knew of Mike, but never met him and stumbled onto his obituary. While I regret the need to do this and know it will be removed, I feel I MUST sound this alarm, however late it may be.
Mike's friend, Eric Eucher is a wife beater. His 2nd wife Kim told me so several times and was terrified of him. He also abused her terribly emotionally and it definitely contributed heavily to her premature demise, as did her alcoholism. Eric is an alcoholic too, of course.
His 3rd (and current) wife, Laura also confided in me that Eric physically abused her, then a short time after, as I was considering how and whether to report it, she, like Kim, begged me not to or to mention it to Eric. I've never confronted Eric about it, but I'm sure he'd deny it and quite possibly take it out on Laura. I suspect he abused first wife Karen, but she didn't tolerate it and divorced him.
I greatly regret that I didn't report him long ago and possibly save some women some grief. Frankly, I was shocked to learn of it and because we were friends, felt some loyalty and protected him.
Again, I apologize sincerely to Mike's family and other friends...I suspect Mike would've been ashamed of Eric's behavior and may have taken the action(s) I should have. Although the statute of limitations may have run out, the public and anyone who knows Eric deserves to know the truth, lest he escape accountability entirely in his lifetime. Trust me...ALL I've claimed is 100% true and accurate.
Theresa Walker Nowell
03/09/2021
I just heard of Michael's passing. I am so deeply sorry. Mike helped treat me at Iowa Ortho and I am so grateful. During our appointments he always helped with ideas for loosing weight. I very much enjoyed our talks. My last visit with him he talked to me about retirement and how when he retired he was going to travel with his wife. I always called him painless Mike. He did all my injections. He was so great. I even told Dr. Meyers when he was going to do the injection can't I have Mike. I will keep Michael and all his family in my prayers. May he rest in Peace and God Bless.
Leo and Betty Runge
02/20/2021
Sorry to hear about Michael. Many memories of his growing up in Ames spending time with Jim and Brian as they played together in the neighborhood on Garfield Circle and Quebec Street. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lester & Alycia Carlsborg
02/20/2021
I pray that your memories of Mike will bless your family for years. We have made a donation to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS in Mike's name.
Tod Broman
02/18/2021
Mike helped treat me at Iowa Ortho and for that I'll be eternally grateful. During our appointments I enjoyed chatting with him especially about the Pacific Northwest. He was a great PA and a great person. May God bless his soul.
Danny Schultz
02/18/2021
Mike and I were stationed together in Turkey. I never had a better friend, mentor or accomplice.
Mike had an unwavering commitment to love.
Mike was a great man who made a difference in my life.
Love you buddy.
Ashley Robeson
02/17/2021
I worked at Iowa Ortho for a couple of years and in that time I got to work with a lot of doctors and PAs. Mike, although I only worked with him a few times, was one of the people that left a lasting impression. He was so thoughtful and caring, sharing stories of his grandkids and life. He was never quick to judge and was easygoing. Definitely an exemplary human being. As the saying goes... Be Like Mike!
Vicki Hiller
02/17/2021
So sorry for the loss of Mike. I knew him for years at Iowa Ortho. Mike did my Synvisc knee injections.
He was a great Physician Assistant!! Very personable and skillfull. I know he will be very missed!!
Eric Eucher
02/17/2021
Mike was one of the finest people I have ever known. I am so grateful to him for the trove of experiences, moments, memories, and deep friendship that we were lucky to share across decades. He truly enriched my life, as I know he did so many others. Going to both miss and remember you all the rest of the way, my brother.
Judy Claussen
02/17/2021
I am so sad to hear that this wonderful man has left us. Mike was such an upstanding man with so much to offer in his lifetime. He was a perfect example of a man with a vision, with commitment to his wife, children and grandchildren, and to his career. We are going to miss him so much. My heart goes goes out to his wife, Becky, and children. RIP MIKE.
Jessi Goodvin
02/16/2021
My heart breaks to be saying goodbye to a great person, co-worker and friend. Mike will be greatly missed. He was always hard working and always had a great attitude. He was loved by all at Iowa Ortho. I still havent gotten use to the idea that hes not coming back to work. It really reminds me how precious people in our lives are and how quickly life can change. He loved to talk about his grandchildren, it was easy to see they were his world. My prayers go out to his family.
nick claussen
02/16/2021
Mike was one of the finest men i ever knew. he lived with me after he finished high school. love central Oregon. riding his bike in the mountains, fishing and hunting. ever one liked Mike and his old VW.. going to miss you buddy.