June 14, 1945 – January 8, 2026
Better known as “Charlie,” Charles Erwin Clark died of Alzheimers January 8, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife Lynda Steffen Clark, his sisters Myrtleann Clark Westphal (Missoula, MT) and Vicky A Clark (Pittsburgh, PA), his niece Michelle and Carl Thornblade , Elliot Edward and Ian Charles Thornblade(Missoula, MT), Lynda’s sisters, Martha and Michael Schattschneiders’ family (Green Lake, WI) and Mary and David Williams’ family (Fond du Lac, WI). His wife Lynda was at his side.
He was born June 14, 1945 to Charles E. Clark and Gwendolyn Armstrong Clark in Atlanta, GA. His father was a mathematics professor at Emory University. The family moved to Bethesda, MD, then to Evanston, IL. He studied math with his father and took up swimming. In 1960 the family moved to California. He swam and played water polo for Santa Monica High School and UCLA and took up long distance ocean swimming.
He graduated with a degree in psychology from UCLA and earned a MS from Stanford in engineering and a MBA from the Wharton School. Then back to Stanford to study Industrial Economic Systems. He was a passionate follower of Stanford baseball. In Silicon Valley, working at Stanford Research Inc, he helped found Decision Focus Inc. This work enabled him to teach risk management. Later he worked with Electric Power Research Inc.
Both he and his artist wife volunteered at the Stanford University Art Museum. This let them audit art classes and travel with the Contemporary Collectors. Upon retiring in Wisconsin they became active at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. They donated part of their art to that museum’s permanent collection.
Charlie had a passion for gourmet cooking and collected fine wine. He could talk, laugh, sing and dance. He leaves behind a large group of friends scattered around the world who will miss his magnetic charm, wit, and booming voice.
A memorial gathering will occur at 3pm on Sunday April 19, at Capitol Lakes, 333 W Main Street, Madison, WI. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Agrace Hospice, 5395 East Sheryl Pkwy, (Fitchburg WI.) UW Madison Alzheimers Institute, or Capitol Lakes Foundation, 333 West Main Street, (Madison WI).
