John W. Clark
John W. Clark, a man who never met a challenge he couldn’t fix, passed away on April 26, 2026. While his battle with a rare form of cancer was short, he fought it with the same quiet strength and “valiant” spirit that defined his 82 years.
To honor John’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date at the columbarium at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona.
Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375; or to Encore Hospice, 3655 W. Anthem Way Suite A109-386, Anthem, AZ 85086. Born in Gibbon in 1944 to James and Florence Clark, John was a Cornhusker through and through.
After graduating from Gibbon High in 1962, he was employed at Diamond Engineering for several years. He then attended college at Kearney State, graduating in 1971. After graduating, John worked at Sperry-New Holland in Grand Island as a systems analyst.
In 1985 he was transferred to Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent many years with the Honeywell Corporation until his retirement.
On September 11, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Rogene Katzberg, and together they built a life of 60 years. They had two children and enjoyed sharing time together as a family, hunting, fishing and boating and enjoying the cool air and pine trees at their cabin in Happy Jack.
In retirement, John didn’t slow down — he just changed gears. He was happiest when he was busy — perfecting a recipe on one of his many grills was a favorite and enjoyed by all. His greatest pride was his “Cornhusker Red” 1932 Ford hot rod. If he wasn’t driving it, he was likely working on it or talking about it with anyone who shared his passion for classic steel.
John is survived by his wife, Rogene; his son, James Clark and wife Jen; his daughter, Angela Foulke and husband David; and seven grandchildren who are his greatest legacy, Ryan, Riley, Tyler, Tanner, Caden, and twins Kylie and Connor; sister, Sharon Vian and husband Wayne; and brother, Stephen Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence; his niece, Carol Vian; and sister-in-law, Lola Clark.
John will be remembered every time the Huskers take the field, every time a grill is lit, and every time a vintage engine roars to life. He will be deeply missed.