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TSGT Stephen B. Clark

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TSGT Stephen B. Clark

Birth
Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia, USA
Death
23 Sep 2021 (aged 68)
Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, USA
Burial
Cremated Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Stephen B. Clark (TSgt USAF Ret.), 68, of Randolph passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, WI. Military Honors for Stephen will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. by the Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146.

Stephen was born on December 12, 1952 the son of Rodney R. (Sgt. Major USMC Ret.) and Virginia N. (Posey) Clark in Weston, West Virginia. On February 8, 1975, he was married to Robin K. Hlastala in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 46 years Robin; his sons: Robert Clark of Tucson, Arizona, and Rodney "Joe" (Jean) Clark and their children: Ella and Grace of Columbus, Wisconsin and daughter Jennifer Clark of Randolph, Wisconsin; his mother Virginia Clark of Havelock, North Carolina; his brother Mark Clark of Birmingham, Alabama; his sisters: Rodnea (David) Brunson of Columbus, Ohio and niece Andrea Brunson; Robin (Mack) McPherson and nieces Callie Nichols and Marla McPherson of Wichita Falls, Texas; Melissa Clark and nephew Graham and niece Caroline of Bogue, North Carolina. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends from all over.

He was preceded in death by his father Rodney.

Stephen graduated from Havelock High School in Havelock, North Carolina (Class of 1972). He lettered in Track two years and was given the nickname "Flash" for his speed. He was nominated team Captain of the track team his senior year. Stephen set track records which held in place for many years. He went on to study a year at East Carolina University.

Stephen proudly served in the United States Air Force taking him and his family to many wonderful places. He was assigned to countless duties including Advanced Guard for the delivery of Space Shuttle Columbia to the Air Force at Edwards AFB CA; Base Career Advisor (for many years); Disaster Response Force; Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Recon/Decon Team (Best in NATO, 1986-1991); Port Calls/Departures Requestor/Authorizer, where he scheduled departures of American personnel on Pan AM-101 and Pan AM-102 to arrive in time for personnel in Great Britain to out process at McGuire Air Base, NJ. This thoughtful act to have Airmen and their families back to the United States at a good time, averted any U.S. loss of Airmen or their families on Pan Am Flight 103; and NCO in Charge with the AFROTC at the University of Wisconsin, just to name a few of his duties throughout his long career with the United States Air Force. He made many recommendations that were adopted by the USAF and was given many awards for his outstanding service. He Received 29 medals and ribbons during his military career, including four USAF Commendation Medals and one USAF Achievement Medal. Stephen retired from the USAF as a Technical Sergeant (E-6).

After retiring from the United States Air Force, Stephen went on to work with CHAMPUS/TRICARE (Healthcare) as a Claims Processor/Adjuster. Later Stephen became a U.S. Navy PSD (Federal Civil Service) and a U.S. Navy Healthcare Finder (Consistently awarded U.S. Civil Service Superior Performance Awards). He was chosen to train HUMANA insurance adjusters on U.S. military healthcare issues. He was a U.S. Navy Federal Advocate, Internal Affairs Investigator and Veteran Administration, Education Administrator (Federal Civil Service). Stephen received Four U.S. Navy Letters of Commendation and a U.S. Navy Meritorious Unit Citation (MCU) while working with the Federal Civil Service. After relocating back to Wisconsin to be closer to family, Stephen went into Protective Services as a Private Parks Lead Ranger before retiring permanently.

Lao Shifu Stephen had a great passion for the Martial Arts. He was first introduced to Martial Arts in 1960 at the age of 8 and grew his interest into achieving Grandmaster (Ch'uan Fa). He studied many styles of Martial Arts over the years. Stephen donated his time training many students over a long span of time, never accepting payment for any of his training or teaching of the martial arts. Lao Shifu Stephen had a great passion for training members of the military, police, and security force members, serving as Senior Naval Security Forces Force Protection Instructor. Over the years, his students were able to enter 11 different martial arts tournaments (7 International Championship Open All-Styles events, and 2 National Championship Open All-Styles events) and 2 events for Chinese Martial Arts schools, styles, or systems. Stephen was a U.S. Team Coach in Great Britain (1986-91) for the British International Open (all styles). He was inducted in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame in both 2004 and 2005, as Grandmaster and Pioneer. Lao Shifu Stephen served with honor as a Chief Judge for many years at the International Kuo Shu Fu Championship Tournament in Baltimore, Maryland. He was also involved with the Carolina Association of Chinese Martial Arts. Stephen was Senior American Student to Shifu Raymond Goh, 14th Generation Grand Master of Wu Chia Kung Fu while stationed overseas. Lao Shifu Stephen loved sharing his knowledge of Martial Arts in which he was a true historian on many styles and concepts. Endless conversations were had with many over the years forming many friendships and bonds with other enthusiasts and Grand Master's around the world.

Stephen was also active in many areas outside of Martial Arts. Many other accomplishments and memories were made including his many years of being a Youth Soccer Coach, Youth Baseball Coach and Cub Master for Cub Scouts. Stephen was the Inaugural Season Varsity Soccer Coach for Columbus High School (Columbus, WI), in which he helped open the door to many great teams since. He was a kind loving owner to all his dogs over the years. He was also a very passionate Survival Training Enthusiast, Marksman, Camper, Fisherman, Firearm Enthusiast, and humble Christian.

While it's impossible to list all Stephen's great accomplishments, one thing is sure…Stephen will be missed by all his family and friends. May God bless him on his new journey as we await our reunion with him in Heaven.

"Never tire of learning. Be willing to sacrifice when needed. Always set a good example to others. Practice and apply what you know. No disrespect. Be eager to learn; ask questions. Your word is your honor. Believe in yourself. Set goals - and work to achieve them. Believe in hard work. Be patient. Smile in the face of adversity. Be charitable. Take necessary action." -Stephen B. Clark

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.

Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home
Stephen B. Clark (TSgt USAF Ret.), 68, of Randolph passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, WI. Military Honors for Stephen will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. by the Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146.

Stephen was born on December 12, 1952 the son of Rodney R. (Sgt. Major USMC Ret.) and Virginia N. (Posey) Clark in Weston, West Virginia. On February 8, 1975, he was married to Robin K. Hlastala in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 46 years Robin; his sons: Robert Clark of Tucson, Arizona, and Rodney "Joe" (Jean) Clark and their children: Ella and Grace of Columbus, Wisconsin and daughter Jennifer Clark of Randolph, Wisconsin; his mother Virginia Clark of Havelock, North Carolina; his brother Mark Clark of Birmingham, Alabama; his sisters: Rodnea (David) Brunson of Columbus, Ohio and niece Andrea Brunson; Robin (Mack) McPherson and nieces Callie Nichols and Marla McPherson of Wichita Falls, Texas; Melissa Clark and nephew Graham and niece Caroline of Bogue, North Carolina. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends from all over.

He was preceded in death by his father Rodney.

Stephen graduated from Havelock High School in Havelock, North Carolina (Class of 1972). He lettered in Track two years and was given the nickname "Flash" for his speed. He was nominated team Captain of the track team his senior year. Stephen set track records which held in place for many years. He went on to study a year at East Carolina University.

Stephen proudly served in the United States Air Force taking him and his family to many wonderful places. He was assigned to countless duties including Advanced Guard for the delivery of Space Shuttle Columbia to the Air Force at Edwards AFB CA; Base Career Advisor (for many years); Disaster Response Force; Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Recon/Decon Team (Best in NATO, 1986-1991); Port Calls/Departures Requestor/Authorizer, where he scheduled departures of American personnel on Pan AM-101 and Pan AM-102 to arrive in time for personnel in Great Britain to out process at McGuire Air Base, NJ. This thoughtful act to have Airmen and their families back to the United States at a good time, averted any U.S. loss of Airmen or their families on Pan Am Flight 103; and NCO in Charge with the AFROTC at the University of Wisconsin, just to name a few of his duties throughout his long career with the United States Air Force. He made many recommendations that were adopted by the USAF and was given many awards for his outstanding service. He Received 29 medals and ribbons during his military career, including four USAF Commendation Medals and one USAF Achievement Medal. Stephen retired from the USAF as a Technical Sergeant (E-6).

After retiring from the United States Air Force, Stephen went on to work with CHAMPUS/TRICARE (Healthcare) as a Claims Processor/Adjuster. Later Stephen became a U.S. Navy PSD (Federal Civil Service) and a U.S. Navy Healthcare Finder (Consistently awarded U.S. Civil Service Superior Performance Awards). He was chosen to train HUMANA insurance adjusters on U.S. military healthcare issues. He was a U.S. Navy Federal Advocate, Internal Affairs Investigator and Veteran Administration, Education Administrator (Federal Civil Service). Stephen received Four U.S. Navy Letters of Commendation and a U.S. Navy Meritorious Unit Citation (MCU) while working with the Federal Civil Service. After relocating back to Wisconsin to be closer to family, Stephen went into Protective Services as a Private Parks Lead Ranger before retiring permanently.

Lao Shifu Stephen had a great passion for the Martial Arts. He was first introduced to Martial Arts in 1960 at the age of 8 and grew his interest into achieving Grandmaster (Ch'uan Fa). He studied many styles of Martial Arts over the years. Stephen donated his time training many students over a long span of time, never accepting payment for any of his training or teaching of the martial arts. Lao Shifu Stephen had a great passion for training members of the military, police, and security force members, serving as Senior Naval Security Forces Force Protection Instructor. Over the years, his students were able to enter 11 different martial arts tournaments (7 International Championship Open All-Styles events, and 2 National Championship Open All-Styles events) and 2 events for Chinese Martial Arts schools, styles, or systems. Stephen was a U.S. Team Coach in Great Britain (1986-91) for the British International Open (all styles). He was inducted in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame in both 2004 and 2005, as Grandmaster and Pioneer. Lao Shifu Stephen served with honor as a Chief Judge for many years at the International Kuo Shu Fu Championship Tournament in Baltimore, Maryland. He was also involved with the Carolina Association of Chinese Martial Arts. Stephen was Senior American Student to Shifu Raymond Goh, 14th Generation Grand Master of Wu Chia Kung Fu while stationed overseas. Lao Shifu Stephen loved sharing his knowledge of Martial Arts in which he was a true historian on many styles and concepts. Endless conversations were had with many over the years forming many friendships and bonds with other enthusiasts and Grand Master's around the world.

Stephen was also active in many areas outside of Martial Arts. Many other accomplishments and memories were made including his many years of being a Youth Soccer Coach, Youth Baseball Coach and Cub Master for Cub Scouts. Stephen was the Inaugural Season Varsity Soccer Coach for Columbus High School (Columbus, WI), in which he helped open the door to many great teams since. He was a kind loving owner to all his dogs over the years. He was also a very passionate Survival Training Enthusiast, Marksman, Camper, Fisherman, Firearm Enthusiast, and humble Christian.

While it's impossible to list all Stephen's great accomplishments, one thing is sure…Stephen will be missed by all his family and friends. May God bless him on his new journey as we await our reunion with him in Heaven.

"Never tire of learning. Be willing to sacrifice when needed. Always set a good example to others. Practice and apply what you know. No disrespect. Be eager to learn; ask questions. Your word is your honor. Believe in yourself. Set goals - and work to achieve them. Believe in hard work. Be patient. Smile in the face of adversity. Be charitable. Take necessary action." -Stephen B. Clark

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.

Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home

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