Lupe Clark

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(Feb. 11, 1931 - March 29, 2013)

Lupe Clark, 82, of Kearney, Neb. (formerly of Holdrege) died Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Mt. Carmel Home – Keens Memorial in Kearney. 

Lupe was born Feb. 11, 1931 in Powell, the youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Jesse (Garcia) Rodriguez. Lupe was baptized and confirmed at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell. She received her education from Powell High School, graduating with the class of 1949.

Following her education, she began a life-long career in retail sales, where she was employed by Kopriva’s Grocery Store and later at J.C. Penney’s in Powell, where Lupe would meet the love of her life and future husband. On April 5, 1959 she was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Clark in Powell. To this union five children were born:  Deborah, Christine, Kenneth, David and Richard.  During her years raising their children, Lupe focused her life on caring for the needs of her family. The couple then purchased the Sears Catalog Store in Holdrege, and later the Western Auto Store in Lexington, Neb., while they continued to reside in Holdrege.  In later years, Lupe was also employed by the Holdrege Public Schools as a para-educator working with the Spanish speaking students until her health forced her to resign.

Lupe enjoyed collecting figurines and photography of the family. She loved entertaining, especially hosting family holiday dinners at their home, and most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. 

She was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church, where she was active with the Altar Society.

Lupe was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Debbie at the age of 25 years; two sisters: Mary who died in infancy and then a second sister, Mary; one brother, Robert Rodriguez; and sisters-in-law: Marlene Clark and Sally Clark.

She is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Ken Clark of Kearney; one daughter, Christine Clark Phipps and her husband, Troy of Lincoln, Neb.; three sons:  Ken Clark and his wife, Brenda of Benedict, Neb., David Clark of Lincoln and Richard Clark and his wife, Nicole of Kearney; five grandchildren: Cassandra Larreau, Dalton and Trevor Clark and Haley and Ryan Clark; two brothers:  Raymond Rodriguez and his wife, Marina of Powell and Joe Rodriguez Jr. and his wife, Lourdes of Southgate, Calif.; brother-in-law, Floyd Clark of California; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian burial will be conducted from the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Neb., on Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. with Father Thomas Lux officiating. Rosary will be held at the church prior to the Mass at 9:30 a.m. 

Following the traditional funeral, cremation will take place and a private family inurnment will be held at the Cozad Cemetery in Cozad, Neb.

A memorial has been established in Lupe’s honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

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