Clark Curtiss Stahlberg, 80
The fish and the deer in the Flathead Valley are a bit safer today with the passing of Clark Curtiss Stahlberg on Nov. 10, 2017, from complications of an Oct. 26 auto accident.
Born Oct. 27, 1937, in Greenbush, Minnesota, Clark was the sixth of nine children born to Harold and Olga (Sands) Stahlberg.
He is survived by four brothers, Kendall (Wayne), Bryan, Gene and Gordon, and too many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews to mention individually.
When Clark was 7, the family moved to the Flathead Valley and lived on Hemler Creek by Lake Blaine. He and his brothers learned the secrets of the Swan Mountains just outside their back door.
Clark graduated from Flathead County High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation, he began his long and illustrious career as a sawyer. A 48-year span included stints with Royal Logging, Canyon Logging, St. Onge Logging, Stillwater Logging and various other outfits. Stories of his work adventures and its colorful characters entertained all who were fortunate to hear them. His work ethic was legendary, and he was one of the most respected sawyers that the Flathead ever knew. Many younger loggers benefited from his experience, patience and example. Clark silently instilled these same values in all of his descendants.
In September 1956, Clark managed to injure his new White boots (and a large toe) with an errant axe swing; he soon found out it was the best swing of his life as he met Rose McQueen, who worked at the local doctor’s office. On Nov. 9, 1957, they were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell. The day before his passing, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
The pride of Clark’s life are his wife Rose and their four children, Mike (Carlynn) of Kalispell, Yvonne Read (Tom) of Kalispell, Lisa of St. Louis, and Craig (Julie) of Missoula. A prolific couple … the four kids were born within four years!
The joy of Clark’s life are his 10 grandchildren and five great-granddaughters, David (Gale) Van and daughters Claire and Paige; John (Hillary) Van and daughter Zoe; Erin Read; Katy (Jason) Bergamo and daughters Daphne and McKenzie;
Matthew Stahlberg; Bryan Stahlberg; Saribeth Lavely; Kevin Stahlberg; Jacob Stahlberg and Caleb Stahlberg.
Clark retired on his 65th birthday, which just happened to coincide with opening day of hunting season. Every morning began with Rose putting on the coffee and making a generous breakfast for the hunters. Success (for any family member or friend) resulted in his hosting and leading the processing efforts. He also cured a mean fish with his homebuilt smoker.
The opportunity to spend more time with his gardening, hunting and fishing were surpassed only by the time he was able to spend with family and friends, most notably his grandchildren and (later) his great-grandchildren. Whether it was teaching them the outdoor skills, giving rides on the “putt-putt” or sharing his skill for creative sandwich making and spaghetti slurping … spending time with them was the best time.
Clark was always there for others; of particular note is the lead role he took in taking care of Olga during her later years, as well as his willingness to help anyone in any way he could.
Clark’s admirable traits are too numerous to mention, but those coming from the top of mind include his infectious smile and laughter (even at his own expense); the best hugs in the world; his humility and gentleness; an open door and a full coffee pot. He was never hesitant to tackle a project and was a patient, master-fixer of anything needing fixed.
Clark was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Olga, sister Muriel Edwards, sister Fern Svoboda, sister Yvonne “Bunny” Belston, and brother Harold “Bud” Stahlberg.
A memorial service will be scheduled for next spring.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of the donor’s choice.