Timothy D. Clark

IN LOVING MEMORY

Timothy D. Clark

Timothy Daniel Clark, 62, of Cottage Grove, MN, surrounded by his wife, daughter and family, died peacefully from complications of cancer Tuesday, May 5, at United Hospital - Regina Campus in Hastings, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 18, at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home, Woodbury, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Tim was born Dec. 20, 1963, in Sheboygan, WI, to Alvira (Garman) and Jackie Clark.

He graduated in 1982 from Beloit Memorial High School, Beloit, WI; and then from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in December 1986 with a marketing degree.

In his early years he earned the nickname "The Crusher" for his round face and similar haircut as the wrestler Reggie "The Crusher" Lisowski. The nickname evolved to “Crush” as Tim was known for his home-run hitting.

Tim and the former Heather Messerschmidt were married June 27, 1987, at St. Jude's Catholic Church, Beloit, WI. Family members still remember the Elvis impersonator at their wedding dinner.

After marriage, Tim and Heather resided in Machesney Park, IL. He began his career in sales and later continued that work in the Twin Cities. He was also proud to work part-time for O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home for four years. The funeral service was one of his passions.

Several years after moving to Woodbury, MN, the Clarks welcomed their daughter, Emily Elizabeth in 1997.

Tim loved sports, but baseball was his game. He and his brothers played Little League, Pony League and Legion baseball in Beloit. He and his brother Denny coached a Beloit Legion baseball team for several summers. He traveled to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, the year his baseball idol, Kansas City Royals' George Brett, was inducted.

He played slow-pitch softball in Woodbury until he was sidelined by a wrist injury. He coached his daughter's softball team for several years. He later shared her passion for women’s softball at the University of Oklahoma, especially when Emily attended school there (boom soon, baby!).

Tim had a big heart and always supported the kids in his life. He was an avid cheerleader for his nieces and nephews, attending games and activities. For years, he and his next-door neighbor in Woodbury constructed a hockey rink in their backyards for everyone in the neighborhood. He served as a confirmation sponsor and small group leader. He was his daughter’s biggest fan.

Tim was a devout Catholic. Attending Mass was a priority for him, and he was involved in various church activities at St. Ambrose. He had a deep faith and trust in the Lord’s plan for him.

He was a good connector, the glue keeping the Clark family together through texts, emails, phone calls and visits. He was always genuinely interested in "what's going on?" He was known for keeping up with friends and checking in on the people in his life.

One of his greatest self-proclaimed achievements was bragging that he never, ever had a cavity.

Tim became an advocate for timely cancer screenings after his first screening in 2014 showed evidence of cancer. He went through treatment like a champ and was in remission until 2025 when the cancer returned. He was known for his “someone’s always got it worse” mentality that allowed him to focus on the positives in his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Heather; his daughter Emily, the light of his life and best buddy, of Denver, CO; three brothers - Jim (Sue) Clark of Manitowoc, WI; Tom (Cindy) Clark of Merrillan, WI; and Denny (Mary) Clark of Eau Claire, WI; two sisters - Teresa Clark Derfus of Stratford, WI; and Paula (Dan) LeVahn of Bloomington, MN; brothers-in-law Heath Messerschmidt of Beloit, WI, and Michael (Amy) Messerschmidt of Janesville, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Laura "Lolo" Clark in 2025, grandparents and many uncles and aunts.

The family extends its gratitude to his oncology care team and the medical staff that cared for him in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the M Health Fairview Achievement Center, St. Paul, MN, or Pyr Paws & Fluffy Tails Rescue in Oklahoma.