Clark Wilhelm Ostrom, 59

“You can tell that a man is good if there is a dog who loves him.”
~ W. Bruce Cameron

Clark passed away June 28, 2024, in Kalispell from complications of an existing condition. He was born November 1, 1964, in Kalispell to George and Iris Ostrom.

Clark served a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, and held various jobs over the years, including as a jet fueling scheduler at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. His last position was providing maintenance and security for the Kalispell Center Mall, where he was beloved by staff and visitors alike for his quick wit and genial disposition. In fact, from the time he was a toddler, Clark engaged all he met (especially those of the female persuasion) with his roguish charm.

In school, Clark was involved in Kalispell’s first-ever wrestling program and took to the sport with natural ability. His favorite sport — and one he knew absolutely everything about — however, was football. Clark supported his precious Seattle Seahawks when they were a fledgling team and was a fan to the end. He made sure his family members were too, by purchasing T-shirts, hats, and other paraphernalia for all.

Clark was a math whiz, which contributed to his affinity for playing cards. He was particularly gifted at cribbage, frequently taking home the family “Lord of the Board” traveling trophy.

Clark loved the great outdoors. Sit him around a campfire shooting the breeze with family and friends (a beer in one hand and a hotdog in the other), and he was a happy man. He appreciated that simple pleasure in life, along with good music, good books, and driving his Hummer, “Beast Mode”.

A couple highlights of Clark’s life were a special trip to Costa Rica with his dad and brother and receiving an award from the Montana Newspaper Association for a closeup shot of a live rattlesnake.

In 1987, Clark married Michele Nielsen, the love of his life and best friend. He and Shelly spent a number of years in the Seattle area, but returned to Kalispell to be with family when Shelly received a terminal diagnosis. Clark tended to her every want and need throughout their 18 years together and during her final days with the greatest of tender love and care. And although they eventually parted, Clark and his second wife, Shauna Mccorkle, enjoyed ten years together, with Clark helping to raise her son, Terry Schreck.

As he was passing, Clark was uncomplaining and unflinchingly brave, thinking not of himself, but of those he was leaving behind. One of the last things he said to his sisters was “take care of my kids.” Clark’s kids were of the four-legged variety, including his new puppy Bosworth (pictured). No one loved dogs — his own and others — more than Clark. And they, and we, loved him dearly in return.
Clark was preceded in death by his late wife Michele (Nielsen) Ostrom, his brother Shannon, and most recently by his mother (Iris passed in January of this year).

He is survived by his father George, sisters Heidi (Scott) Duncan and Wendy Ostrom (Shawn) Price. Clark leaves behind niece Tana Duncan, nephews Parker Duncan and Wyatt Price, great nephews Zenovio “Novi” Negron (Tana’s son), and Aridian “Ridi” Price, along with many loving cousins.

No services are planned, but we do invite you to think fondly of Clark….and hug a dog.

Notes of condolences for the family can be made at: www.buffalohillfh.com