Clark Reynolds

Date of Birth

Sep 08,1937

Date of Death

Apr 25,2016

Clark Reynolds, age 78, of Virgil, IL, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Monday evening, April 25, 2016.

He was born September 8, 1937 in DeKalb, the son of Francis and Neva (Berg) Reynolds.

Clark and his family moved often when he was young, but settled in Maple Park just before his father passed away in 1947. They kept their home, bursting at the seams with what would be 11 children and one foster sister, for many years.

Clark attended local schools and graduated from Maple Park High School with the class of 1955. Clark’s work ethic was forged early, often balancing school work with a full schedule of milk deliveries, working for local farmers as well as shifts at the local foundry. A few years after graduation, Clark opened his own gas station in town, but had to sell it at a loss because he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War.

Upon his honorable discharge at the age of 27, Clark began working as an electrician and was proud of the work he did at various sites, some more famous than others, such as the Sears Tower in Chicago. Although he wore many other “hats” throughout the years, each job was treated with high regard and dedication.

June 13, 1981 was a day that lives in infamy, at least in Reynold’s family, when Clark married Doris Stockl at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Doris was a widow who was busy raising a full house of children but Clark never bat an eye. He took on the mantle of husband, father and sometime “confessor” depending on what kind of trouble the kids got into.

They made their home in Virgil for all of their married life, only moving once just next door to Doris’ parent’s house. The family roots ran deep in Virgil, its history etched into the stories and tales (some taller than others) that meander across the generations.

Clark was a proud member and officer of the Maple Park Lions Club, and also a member of the Maple Park American Legion, where he managed the bar for many years. His faith was strong as bedrock and he served his parish, S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Virgil, with a depth of devotion, not only as a member for many years, but also as a Deacon, beginning when he was ordained in 1992.

Clark was larger than life, with an even bigger heart. He was the quintessential “gentle giant” whose smile and ingratiating manner made you feel at home and surrounded by family. His generosity was well known, whether buying a car for his mother or making it possible for all his siblings to come home for the holidays. Clark had a soft spot for the underdog too, and would give the “shirt off his back” to anyone in need. In his younger years, he was known to tear up the dance floor at the Blue Moon and skate circles around the competition at the local roller rink in DeKalb. He became an avid sports fan, thanks in large part to Doris, and watched all of the Chicago teams with fervor, except of course the White Sox. Clark was one of the first on the block to embrace the video camera and was eager to embrace any new technology. He wasn’t a stranger to a bike trail and logged thousands of miles traveling between Virgil, Sycamore and to DeKalb and back. Clark loved the arts and traveled to many destinations including Branson, MO and Nashville, TN, to sample the local music scene. Once a year for the last seventeen years, the whole family would trek to the Wisconsin Dells for a weekend filled with good times and even better memories. His shadow loomed large in every sense of the word and the world is poorer for his absence, but his legacy of memories can be celebrated by one and all.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; seven step-children: Deb (Roger) Reynolds, Tim Stockl, Dan (Claire) Stockl, Roger (Kim) Stockl, Greg (Kim) Stockl, Russ (Anne) Stockl and Doug Stockl; Thirteen grandchildren: Joe (Casey) Reynolds, Kristi (Ryan) Kunkel, Bruce (Caitlyn) Stockl, Elise (Josh) Houswerth, Darren (Liz D’Amico) Stockl, Seth Stockl, Courtney Stockl, Michael Stockl, Jenna Stockl, Nick Stockl, Jake Stockl, Ryan Stockl, and Josh Stockl; Four great-grandchildren: Jack and Harper Kunkel and Ellie and Finn Reynolds; Ten siblings: Toby Reynolds, Barbara Eder, Armine Bartle, Colette Theurer, Susan Hatley, Frank Reynolds, Penny McCabe, Jane Lean, Tom Reynolds, Francine Weaver; too many nieces and nephews to count and an countryside of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Neva Reynolds and one foster sister, Rosemary Brengman.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A mass to celebrate his life will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a time of visitation from 9:30-10:15 a.m., at S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5N939 Meredith Rd, Virgil, Saturday, April 30, 2016. Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Clark’s name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the “Clark Reynolds Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

A mass to celebrate his life will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a time of visitation from 9:30-10:15 a.m., at S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5N939 Meredith Rd, Virgil, Saturday, April 30, 2016.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date.

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