Michael "Mike" Clark

Michael “Mike” Clark, 72, lifelong resident of Pesotum passed away Thursday evening, December 23, 2021 at Illini Heritage Healthcare, Champaign, Illinois.

As one might expect, Mike requested that no visitation services be held at his passing.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, December 31, 2021, with military rites accorded at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pesotum, Il with Rev. Ken Young officiating.

Fondly known as “Shorty” to many friends, Mike was first born of six children to Wayne and Genevieve “Geni” (Decker) Clark, on November 11, 1949 at Mercy Hospital, Urbana, IL.  He was proud of his Veteran’s Day birthday date.

Mike married Linda (Walden) Carico on December 23, 1988.  She preceded him in death on December 15, 2015.  Also preceding him in death were his parents, Wayne and Geni Clark.  Survivors include two stepsons; Willie (Monica) Carico of Rantoul and Bob (Deena) Carico of Mansfield, step-grandchildren; Bobbi Jo, Neal, and Kennedy.  Also surviving are Mike’s five siblings; Carolyn Clark of Savoy, Janey (Dale) Harper of Savoy, Jill (Tom) Messina of Raleigh, NC, Vic (Coree) Clark of Tolono, and Jo Anne Clark of Champaign, five nephews and two nieces.

Upon graduation from Unity High School in 1968, Mike enlisted into the United States Air Force where he spent four years as a maintenance technician on flight lines and traveling to countries all over Europe and Asia.  After honorable discharge for the military, he spent the next 40 plus years as a semi-truck driver.  He retired from Woodworth Trucking in January 2015 after 38 years of service.

Mike was a lifetime member of the Tolono VFW Post 1237 and the Pesotum American Legion Post 580.  He enjoyed NASCAR and most sports especially the St. Louis Cardinals.  He prided himself in keeping and maintaining his beautiful pickup trucks throughout the years.

Mike will be sadly missed by his family and many close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or charity of donor’s choice.

Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with the arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at freesefh.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael "Mike" Clark, please visit our floral store.