Eleanor K. Clark, age 98, lifelong Perkins County, South Dakota resident, died March 25, 2009 at the home of her daughter, Lola Jane Ermisch in Cheboygan, Michigan.


She was born April 12, 1910 in Daviston, SD to Henry and Emma (Olin) Knutson. She was the second born of four (Carl, Ralph and Loa Mae), all of whom are now deceased. The family remained in Daviston and when Eleanor was 10 they moved to Bison where she continued her grade school and high school education. Eleanor's notes recall special friends and include Beth Strand from the farm, Loretta "Babe" Rand from town and Eulalie Solberg as her "bosom pal." Eleanor attended the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and received her Associates Teaching Certificate in 1931. She taught at the Spring Creek School from 1931 to 1933 recalling many fond memories.


Eleanor married Floyd O. Clark on August 21, 1935 in Bison. Since her father Henry died in 1926, her brother Carl gave her away. The wedding was held in Francena and George Schar's Bison home. Francena was then the Superintendent of Schools and Eleanor was her Deputy.

Eleanor continued her work at the Courthouse, first with the Superintendent of Schools and later with the Register of Deeds. She recalled many good memories of Margaret Root, also a longtime Courthouse employee. Eleanor retired from county employment in 1968.


Their first child was Lola Jane (Clark) Ermisch, now living in Cheboygan, MI. The second was Dean O. (Judy) Clark, now living in Yankton, SD. Each of the "kids" provided Eleanor and Floyd with four grandchildren and, as of now, ten great grandchildren.


Eleanor prized her many Bison friends and missed all of them greatly when her declining health required more care. Although her writing habits were curtailed, she looked forward to hearing from all of her friends and reading the Bison Courier (it got a real "scrubbing"). Her happy-go-lucky outlook on life was appreciated by many and will be a fountain of great memories.


Eleanor is survived by her children, Lola Jane Ermisch, Cheboygan, MI and Dean O. (Judy) Clark, Yankton, SD, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.


Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009 at the Bison Presbyterian Church. Pastor Florence Hoff will officiate and burial will be in the Bison Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Eleanor's name may be directed to the Bison Presbyterian Church.