Alta Joan Clark

Alta Joan Clark, 89, a lifelong resident of Correctionville, lowa, passed away at home on July 4, 2024 with her three children by her side. In her last days she was visited by or spoke with every one of her grandchildren.

Alta was born on a farm outside Correctionville on September 23, 1934 to Lesley and Lola Fitch and graduated from Correctionville High School in the Class of 1953. She married her eighth-grade sweetheart and high-school classmate, Daniel Ray Clark, on July 18, 1954. She always said she noticed him first and had to have him, leading to a 68-year marriage.

Alta is survived by her three children: Dawn McCrea, Darla Ludvigson (Park), and Murray Clark (Andrea); 10 grandchildren: Myles McCrea (Courtney), Calvin McCrea (Lindsey), Trevor McCrea (Caitlin), Kellen Ludvigson (Kayla), Keisha Kleeman, nee Ludvigson (Andy), Kari Ludvigson, Arenne Stoner, nee Clark (Brendon), John Clark (Sarah), Annika Pillado, nee Clark (Joseph), and Grace Clark; and 20 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, all seven of her siblings (4 brothers and 3 sisters), and an infant son, Calvin Dean.

After high school, Alta worked as a teller at Corn Belt State Bank in Correctionville, until she and Danny had saved $1000, their pre-marriage goal. After the wedding, Alta, her husband, and his parents ran Clark’s meat locker until the late 1960s, when they bought and ran Clark’s IGA grocery store. She and Danny built their own home during that time, and Alta’s three children were born. Later, Alta apprenticed and then worked at Vera McCune’s upholstery shop, also in downtown Correctionville. Having mastered the trade, she and her older sister Grace Groszkrueger, nee Fitch, opened their own successful upholstery business. Alta was an expert seamstress and enjoyed making clothes and quilting. She was also a gifted athlete, playing basketball and softball, and for a while became an avid golfer. As a mother and grandmother, she enjoyed passing along many of her skills and talents. It has been and will remain a challenge to duplicate “grandma’s” rolls or tea ring, because the recipes were only in her head and hands.

Working side-by-side together as they nearly always did, Alta and Danny helped establish the Van Houten Roadside Park along US Hwy 20. They could be seen frequently hosting friends and family on their front porch, facing Main Street—later named Driftwood Street. After retirement, they wintered over at the Acacia RV Park in Donna, TX for 20 years, meeting and cherishing a select circle of friends. Alta could be both gently affectionate and sharp tongued. Her intelligent sarcasm never relied on profanity. Her smile and famous “Dimples”—a nickname from high school—softened every hard lesson or quick correction. She wielded wit and humor as a love language until the very end. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Alta requested there be no funeral service. Her family and friends will gather for a graveside observance. Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com. “Al” will be interred beside her beloved Danny at Correctionville Cemetery.