Gene Morris & Virginia Mae Clark

Gene M. Clark, age 92, and his wife, Virginia Clark, age 83, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully just weeks apart, surrounded by their loving family. Gene died on March 13, 2026, at Benedictine Senior Living Regina. Virginia passed away on March 30, 2026, at Hastings Senior Health and Living Augustana.

Gene was born on May 18, 1933, in Ruby Township, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, to Chester and Ivy Taplin Clark. He was the second oldest of ten children and proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing two years of active duty including time stationed in Korea. Following his military service, Gene worked at Armour Packing, later at North Star Steel, and then spent many years with the Minnesota State Highway Department.

Virginia was born on September 11, 1942, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Glen and Mildred Thompson. She was raised on a farm outside of Wanamingo, Minnesota, the youngest of three children. Growing up on the farm she developed a lifelong love for animals, was active in 4 H, and played piano and organ while singing in church.

Gene was first married to Vivian Priem in June of 1957 in Duluth, Minnesota, until her passing on July 28, 1980. Virginia first married Darrell Larson in 1959 in Iowa. Gene and Virginia were married on August 22, 1981, and shared more than 44 years of marriage filled with family, travel, and time spent together.

Gene enjoyed fixing and building nearly anything and took great pride in caring for his home and yard. Virginia dedicated more than 36 1 2 years working as an administrative assistant for Marsh McLennan Insurance and had a lifelong love of horses, spending many years attending horse shows and camping with family. The two first met while watching their daughters compete at horse shows and continued to share that interest together, along with many travels including cruises to the Caribbean and Hawaii.

Virginia was a longtime member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Hastings, where she was active in quilting and church activities. She also volunteered at the Hastings Senior Center and with the Hastings Women’s Auxiliary. She was known as an excellent baker and cook and took great pride in keeping a beautiful home and yard.

Gene and Virginia are survived by their children, Kimberleen (James) Roberts, Debbie (Bob) Buchardt, and Cindy (Erik) Bergmanis; their grandchildren, Jacque (John) Nordahl, Lindsey (Lance) Lisowski, Justin (Mercedes) Buchardt, Amy Larson, Kelli (Josh) Adams, Jenna (Pat) DeBaere, Andrea (Matt) Nord, Jared (Claudia) Buchardt, Samantha (Adrian) Gerard, Robbie (Tori) Rowe, Maddie Rowe, Jake Bergmanis, and Jenna Bergmanis; and 24 great grandchildren. Gene is also survived by his brother, Chester Clark Jr.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ivy Clark; his first wife, Vivian; his son, Dallas Larson; and eight siblings. Virginia was preceded in death by her first husband, Darrell Larson; her son, Dallas Larson; her sister, Glennis Gordon; and her brother, Melroy Thompson.

A celebration of life for Gene and Virginia was held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 400 W 9th St, Hastings, with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service. A reception will follow at the church with burial at Lakeside Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.