Paul Robert Clark

Paul Robert Clark, Grand Forks, ND, entered eternal life January 20, 2026, having lived a life of devoted faith and service, with a quiet strength and compassion that inspired all who knew him.

He was born May 20, 1950, to Theodora and Victor Clark in Winnebago, MN. As a young man growing up in Brooten, MN, Paul embraced life fully – playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track. Known affectionately as “Chopper,” he carried a sportsman’s determination, humility, and teamwork into every season of his life.

Paul attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where he met Terri Bushaw, with whom he built a life centered on faith and family. They were married on September 16, 1972.

With a career spanning 40 years in the Facilities Dept. at UND, Paul retired as Associate Director of Facilities in 2012. His dedication touched many lives and made a thoughtful and lasting impact with a legacy of leadership, dependability, and excellence.

Throughout his employment, Paul was a fixture at every UND sporting event that had a puck or a ball in play. Retirement provided him with more opportunities to enjoy fishing, hunting, and cheering on Fighting Sioux sports.

Service was not only a principle – it was at Paul’s core and in his heart. He volunteered faithfully to help others through the St. Mike’s Men’s Club, and numerous ministries at St. Michael’s Church and St. Vincent de Paul.

Living with multiple myeloma for many years, Paul met this challenge with the help of his cheerleader, Terri, and always persevered with steady courage, persistence, and grace. God bless the memory of Paul Clark.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Theodora and Victor, and his sister, Karen. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 53 years, Terri; his children Lisa (Josh) Christianson of Fargo, ND; Tricia (Jim) Sladky of Clearwater, MN; Anne (Steve) Deplazes of New Richmond, WI; Greg Clark of Rancho Mirage, CA; sister-in-law Skip Schlenk; brother-in-law Bob Ogdahl. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Will, Lauren, Drew, Eloise Christianson; James, Ethan, Kendra, Kate Sladky; Clark, Audrey, Cecelia, Lucas, Adele Deplazes.

Paul closed every email with a reflection of how he lived his life:

“Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” – J.M. Barrie

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Michael’s Church or St. Carlo Acutis Middle School.