Ernest "Ernie" Clark Sr., age 81, of Callaway, MN, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at his daughter's home under the loving care of his family and HIA Hospice.

Ernest Duane Clark was born April 17, 1945, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the son of Daniel and Rena (Spry) Clark. Ernie grew up in Callaway and attended school in Detroit Lakes.  Following his schooling, he entered the workforce. In 1965 he was drafted into the United States Army.  He served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1967. Ernie returned to Callaway and his job at Tomlinson Lumber. On August 4, 1990, Ernest was united in marriage to Deborah Tonstad. He embraced Deb's five children like his own and together they were blessed with a son, Ernest Jr., to make their family complete. They made their home together in Callaway where Ernie continued working at the lumberyard. Following the closure of Tomlinson Lumber, Ernie began working for Foltz trucking until his retirement.

Ernie loved to fish and go hunting with his buddies. In his younger years, he and Deb enjoyed going to WE Fest and spending time together with Deb as his co-pilot traveling across the states for his job. Together they also looked forward to game nights, especially playing Triva Pursuit with Bob and Gretchen. Ernie will be remembered as a kind, caring and compassionate individual with a unique sense of humor. His loving nature will be missed by many.

Ernest leaves behind his children: Ernest (Raquel) Clark Jr., Lisa Torblaa, William (Mandi) Murray, Regina (Paul Pemberton) Murray, Gene (Melanie Schultz) Murray, and Brian Murray; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Green; a brother-in-law, Wayne (Gayle) Tonstad; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Deb; brothers, Bill Clark and Bob Clark; sisters and brothers-in-law: Dorothy (Bud) Watson, Ruth (Leo) Hutson, and Alice (Bob) Desjordins; brothers-in-law: Tony Tonstad and Jim Green; and nephew, Christopher Tonstad.

Blessed be the memory of Ernest D. Clark.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Assumption of Mary Catholic Church, Callaway, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Callaway.