Clark Joseph Wold

If Clark Wold has ever kicked your butt in a game of racquetball or cards, you are not alone. Not by a long shot.

 

Clark Joseph Wold, fierce competitor, cat lover, chocolate syrup on TOP of chocolate ice cream lover, passed away peacefully on November 24th, 2025, surrounded by his family at the age of 80. Born in 1945, in the company of his twin sister Meryl, to the late Frances and Joseph Wold, Clark spent his first 45 years in North Dakota and “loved every minute of it.” He grew up in Regan, where he played baseball and graduated from Regan High School. 

 

Clark furthered his education at his beloved University of Jamestown, where he earned a degree in business administration.  After earning a master’s degree at the University of South Dakota, Clark began his career working at the UJ as the Director of Financial Aid, an instructor, and Associate Director of Admissions. UJ held a special place in his heart throughout his life. Clark was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame, and he served on the UJ Board of Trustees for several years.

 

Clark married Mary Glanville in 1969 in Wing, ND. In 1972 they moved from Jamestown to Bismarck where Clark began his tenure at the North Dakota State Capitol, where he was a part of the Financial Aid Association of Colleges. During his 18 years at the Capitol he implemented and managed the North Dakota Student Financial Assistance Program, which is still helping students to this day.

 

Clark and Mary’s family grew in the 1970s with the additions of Chris and Larissa. The ‘World’s Best Dad’ hat they bought him one Father’s Day back then was an understatement. Among the countless gifts Clark gave his kids, MUSIC is by far the greatest. Clark was the loudest singer in the church choir…and also the congregation. When it came time to sing the hymns, he didn’t sing the melodies-only harmonies.  Sitting next to their dad singing at the top of his lungs every Sunday was the best musical education a kid could receive. Both Chris and Larissa fell in love with music because of him. When both kids sang solos in public, Clark would hold his breath until the songs were finished.

 

Clark’s next chapter began in 1990 when the Wolds moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota where he accepted the role of Deputy Director of the Education Assistance Corporation. He became President of EAC in 1997, and in just six years he and his team took EAC from big to massive, dramatically expanding the number of students it could help. 

 

Mary, Clark’s wife of 35 years, passed away in 2004. During this difficult time, Clark continued his work at EAC.

 

Clark retired in 2013 after leading the efforts to merge EAC with Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation, ensuring a successful transition for his staff. He then moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to be close to family.

 

Clark was deeply involved in all of the communities where he lived. The list of boards and community groups to which Clark belonged is cartoonishly long. For the complete list, contact Chris or Larissa. Be ready for a long email!

 

Clark found love again when he met his longtime partner Cheryl Johnson in 2012 and they shared his retirement years together. This chapter was spent traveling and spending time with family and friends: world travel with Cheryl, ’Siblingfest’ with his sisters Meryl and Janet, golf trips with his college buddies, summers at the cabin; he truly enjoyed quality time with his kids and grandchildren.

 

Not quite ready to leave the workforce completely, Clark found his perfect ‘needs to be around and help people’ retirement job; he became an usher for the Twins at Target Field. Can you imagine walking up to Clark Wold at a Twins game? Those people got their money’s worth before the game even started.

 

Clark and Cheryl moved to downtown Minneapolis where he lived until Alzheimer’s disease required him to move to the Wealshire Memory Care Center in Medina, Minnesota. It was there he spent the last few years of his life.

 

Clark adored his grandkids. He lives on through the competitive nature of his grandsons Zach and Noah Laber. When they take the field or court, Clark is there. He lives on through the music that is created by his grandson Tyler Wold and his granddaughter Camryn Wold. When they play, Clark is there. “Little Grandpa” and “Grandpa Clowk” couldn’t be more proud.

 

Clark made an impact on the world that will be felt for years to come, through his profession, his love of community, his positivity, his harmonies, his humor, his kindness. He made his life about helping people. He worked hard. He played hard. He loved his friends and family with all of his might. Clark Wold did life right.

 

“It’s hard work having this much fun!”

 

If you ever heard Clark say this phrase, you are not alone. 

 

Not by a long shot.

 

In addition to Cheryl, Chris (Nikki), Larissa (Ryan), grandchildren Zach, Noah, Tyler, and Camryn, and sisters Meryl (Jack) and Janet (Don), Clark leaves behind an army of friends who will miss him every day. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary and his parents Frances and Joseph.