Gary Marvin Clark

Gary Marvin Clark, 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep at midnight on November 20, 2025, in Loveland, Colorado, after a courageous but brief battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer. Diagnosed on June 5, 2025, Gary faced this insidious and aggressive disease with unwavering strength and grace. Though his time was cut far too short, his legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born on January 29, 1959, in Hemet, California to Marvin Clark and Marilyn Deskin. Gary's early years were marked by leadership and academic excellence. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School where he served as Student Body President during his senior year. His passion for learning led him to Iowa State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. Determined to make a meaningful impact in healthcare, he continued his education at Drake Pharmacy School, proudly graduating with his PharmD.

Gary dedicated over 25 years of his professional life to Iowa Health Systems (now Unity Point Health), beginning as a staff pharmacist and rising to the role of Clinical Pharmacy Manager. He took immense pride in his work and cherished the relationships he built with colleagues across Methodist, Iowa Lutheran, and Methodist West hospitals. He retired from Unity Point Health in 2013. Not one to sit around, he went to work as staff pharmacist at Diplomat Pharmacy where he made some lasting friendships. Upon moving to Loveland, he started a pharmacist position at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital where he truly enjoyed the work and loved the staff he worked with. That same staff has been a huge support during his battle with cancer and we can't thank them enough for the love and support they showed.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gary was a man of many talents and passions. A true outdoorsman at heart, he found joy in camping, hiking, and biking. He was also a Master Craftsman with an extraordinary talent for woodworking. His handiwork lives on through the custom furniture he built and the homes he transformed—building a garage at his Van Meter home, finishing the basement of his Urbandale residence, and completely renovating his beloved Okoboji retreat. Always ready to lend a hand, Gary's skills were matched only by his generosity.

Gary's presence was magnetic—his booming laugh and ever-present smile could light up any room. Known for his legendary "Dad Jokes," he brought humor and warmth wherever he went. His personality was larger than life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Faith played an important role throughout Gary's life. After moving to Loveland, Colorado, he attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Prior to that, he worshipped at St. Francis in West Des Moines alongside his wife and stepchildren. On the day of his passing, Gary received the last rites and found peace knowing he would be welcomed into heaven by Jesus.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Sarah; his in-laws Anne and David Noah; his children Benjamin (Stephanie) Clark, Adam (Dawn) Clark, Kaitlynn (TJ) Middlemis-Clark, and Jordan (Erika) Clark; and his stepchildren Noah LeVere and Emily (Matthew) McNicol. He adored each of his grandchildren: Thomas, John, Charlie, Caden, Charlotte, Finn, Nora, Margaret, Elias, and Avery. He is also survived by his sisters Melissa (Randy) Trail and Christina Refsland with partner Cory; brothers Eric (Jayme) Mora and Jeff Clark; brother in law Jeffrey Lahey. He is survived by nephews Matthew Trail, Jacob (Christine) Trail, and Zachary Trail (partner Tomas). He is survived by his nieces Samantha Freerksen-Henning (fiance Christopher), Elise Refsland, Olivia Refsland, Olivia (Noah) Castellon, Georgia Clark, and Ketch Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin Clark and Marilyn Freerksen.

Gary's greatest sorrow was not being able to watch his children and grandchildren continue to grow and thrive—but those who loved him will carry forward his memory through their lives. His spirit endures in every project completed with care, every trail explored under open skies, every hearty laugh shared around the dinner table.

We would like to thank the doctors and staff at UCHealth Cancer Center for their guidance and care during this difficult battle. We would also like to thank Pathways Hospice for their incredible care and support during Gary's last couple weeks of life. If you would like to make a memoriam on behalf of Gary, please consider donating in his name to the UCHealth Cancer Center in Fort Collins or Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these fine organizations that helped Gary, Sarah, and their family during this difficult process.

May Gary's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life lived fully—with purpose, passion, humor, and love. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM at The Iowa Taproom Marquette Room at 215 East 3rd Street #100, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Join us in the Marquette Room of the Iowa Tap Room as we do a "cheers" for Gary, enjoy some appetizers, eat some Molly's Cupcakes, and unveil the memorial park bench on the Des Moines bike trails that Gary and Sarah loved to bike together.