Clark Tuttle

Clark A. Tuttle, Jr., passed away on July 14, 2018 at 90 years. For Clark, his passing was a joyous occasion as he was able to join the love of his life, Elizabeth, who also passed away on July 14th in 2005. Clark was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa on July 16, 1927. He grew up with 2 brothers in Mason City, Iowa. Following graduation from Mason City High School, Clark enlisted in the U.S. Army. He diligently kept the United States safe for several years as an office typist known for his speed and efficiency. In 1949, Clark's finest moment was realized when he married his personal angel Elizabeth Roensch. Clark and Elizabeth went on to raise 5 wonderful children. In 1952, Clark began his distinguished 35-year employment as a police officer with the Rochester Police Department. Throughout his career, Clark rose through the ranks and finished as Captain of Detectives in his final 17 years with the department. Clark was an avid news junkie whose knowledge of current events fueled his commitment to lively debate. A lifelong and committed Democrat, Clark's passion for his ideals was evidenced by the frank discussions about current political events that he relished having with family. Whether you agreed with him or not, you knew you were in for an entertaining debate, punctuated by his sharp, disarming wit. His conviction to his beliefs was as inspiring as the humility and empathy that kept him questioning himself and learning from others. Clark instilled a tradition of discussion that is alive and well at the dinner tables of his children and grandchildren: mix equal portions of talk, food, and laughter with those you love. An inveterate walker, Clark traveled many miles on his daily neighborhood jaunts. Hand in hand, Clark and Elizabeth enjoyed nightly strolls with their beloved Bichon Frise Mimi following a quiet supper. For all intents and purposes, Mimi was a sixth, and favorite, child to Clark and Elizabeth. Clark often stated that a perfect day included hours of yard work topped off with a cold beer in hand at dusk on the deck surveying his efforts. A weed seldom lasted hours in his manicured and landscaped grounds. Clark, or "Papa" to all family members, always said the best years of his life started with his retirement in 1987. The next 18 years he spent with Elizabeth filled their hearts with a love unmatched by nearly all around. When they became grandparents, Clark enthusiastically took on the role of doting grandfather. Visits from Papa often started with donuts, and sometimes ended with Dairy Queen, but never failed to include an abundance of fun, attention, and love. When they were not spoiling their grandkids, Clark and Elizabeth filled their later years with trips to Florida and travel abroad to Germany. Clark had a beautiful voice and sang in the Christ United Methodist Church choir. Most of all, Clark and Elizabeth enjoyed the simple and wonderful work of tending to things at home. For them, life was special as long as they were together. Clark was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, wife Elizabeth, and oldest son Clark III (Wendy). He is survived by his children, Mark (Carol), Steven, Kristi (Louis) Ziegler, all of Rochester, and Heidi (Kevin) Hicok of San Diego, CA; 11 grandchildren, Samantha, Charlotte (Amos), Matthew (Lisa), Brandon, Alex, Christopher (Erin), Caty, Cameron, Cristina, Lexi, and Charlie; and 6 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Clark's life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral home in Rochester, with visitation one hour prior to the service and luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, Clark wished to have donations in his memory made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600