Rev. John W. Clarke, 88

Rev. John W. Clarke, 88, of Atlantic, formerly of Imogene, died Oct. 23, 2009, at Wesley Heritage House in Atlantic.

Father John William Clarke was born on Feb. 25, 1921, in Davenport, the son of Thomas M. and Mary Charolotte (Coen) Clarke. Father Clarke graduated from Dowling High School, Dowling College, and St. Paul Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 11, 1945, at St. Augustin Church in Des Moines.

He served as Assistant Pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines. At St. Anthony’s parish he served as Assistant Pastor and then Administrator. He next moved to Sacred Heart in Woodbine and St. Anne in Logan, as Pastor. He served as Pastor of the combined parishes of St. Boniface in Waukee and St. John in Adel. The new church in Adel was built while he was Pastor. His last pastoral assignment was St. Patrick’s in Imogene, until his retirement in 2000. He retired in Atlantic and spent the last four years in Wesley Heritage House.

Father Clarke is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mary Clarke; his brothers, Edward and Father Dan Clarke.

A visitation will be held from 1-2:30 p.m., Oct. 27 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Imogene, with a Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 2:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 in the chapel at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, with open visitation to follow until 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Oct. 28 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.

Burial will he held at 3:30 p.m., Oct. 28 in the Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, to care for pregnant women and homeless families.

Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic is in charge of the arrangements.