Milton "Wade" Clark

Milton "Wade" Clark, 85, of Central Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital. Born on September 16, 1940, in Echo Township, Michigan, the son of Charles and Lillian (Hill) Clark.

A graduate of Central Lake High School, class of 1960, Wade remained rooted in the values of his upbringing, always embracing the simple joys that life had to offer. His early years in Echo Township fostered a lifelong love for the outdoors, a passion evident in every aspect of his life. Wade found solace and adventure in hunting, fishing, and camping in the Upper Peninsula, where he relished picking berries, enjoying the beauty of the wild, and gathering stories to later share with friends and loved ones.

Wade took pride in coaching little league in Ellsworth, shaping not just athletes, but young people learning life’s valuable lessons. As a long-time member of the Gold Prospectors Association of America, he found camaraderie and adventure, ever the enthusiast for hidden treasures and shared stories.

Professionally, Wade was a skilled welder, with years of dedicated service at Will-Flow Corporation in Charlevoix, DURA in East Jordan, as well as working at the Ellsworth canning factory.

Wade's character shone brightest in the company of family and friends. He was a ruthless competitor at Yahtzee and card games—traits that only deepened the affection of those who knew him. Many fondly recall afternoons spent on his back porch, Wade watching his birds or reading a western novel. For Wade, he found his greatest happiness simply spending time with those he loved.

He will be remembered for his quick wit and his unrivaled storytelling.

Wade is survived by his daughter, Julie (Rick) Karlskin; son, Jake (Charlene) Clark; daughter-in-law Cindy Clark; his sisters, Lorie Vincent, Mavis Wolff, and Elda (Dan) Telgenhof; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved Weiner Dog, Oscar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lillian (Hill) Clark; his son, Dennis Clark; seven siblings; and several other wiener dogs he had owned over the years.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church, 3055 W Old State Rd, East Jordan, MI 49727. All are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service. After the luncheon, Wade will be laid to rest in Dunsmore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church, or the Antrim County Animal Shelter.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com