A visitation for Kirby Clark, age 79, of Spirit Lake, will be held Sunday, February 8, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. There will be a Scripture Service at the funeral home at 4:00 PM.
Kirby Joe Clark, the son of Leslie and Venita (Fink) Clark, was born on April 13, 1946, in Sanborn, Iowa. He passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at his home in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
His family moved to Everly, Iowa, where Kirby grew up and attended school as a “Cattlefeeder”. Kirby played football in his freshman year, but switched to basketball for the remainder of his high school years. He was also the girls’ softball manager in his senior year, graduating in 1964. Next to his photo in the senior yearbook, Kirby’s class motto was “Everybody should know how to work, although he doesn’t need to let the knowledge warp his life.”
Kirby proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting on September 30, 1965. He attained the rank of E5 and was honorably discharged on September 27, 1968.
On July 20, 1968, Kirby was united in marriage to Monica Millan in Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin. Throughout his working years, Kirby was employed as a handyman and CNC machinist, known for his skill, reliability, and strong work ethic.
Kirby enjoyed woodworking and spending time watching sports on television. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Green Bay Packers. Kirby and Monica especially loved ballroom dancing and traveling together, as well as gathering with family and friends.
Aside from sports, Kirby’s greatest love was his family; a loving and devoted wife, daughter, son and granddaughters. He felt truly blessed beyond words.
Everyone that met Kirby liked him. He had a way about him that drew people to him with his wit, good sense of humor and genuine good heart. One special person described Kirby perfectly: “A kinder man you could not find, one willing to give you all he had, willing to say he loved you and would always greet you with a smile.”
Kirby is survived by his loving wife, Monica Clark; his children, Tricia (Brandon) Mansfield of Spirit Lake and Kyle (Sandra) Clark of Spirit Lake; his brother, Richard (Dreana) Clark of Cortez, Colorado; his grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Lillian; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Venita Clark; two sisters, Marley and Joan; and three brothers: Jack, Tom, and Gary.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
