Clarke Arthur Omdahl

Clarke A. Omdahl passed away peacefully, May 15, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born a New Year’s Baby in 1948 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Clarke overcame a bout of polio at an early age to have a childhood full of adventure in Minnesota and Montana, learning how to fly a plane at the age of 15. He attended High School at Fountain Valley School in Fountain, Colorado, where he made lifelong friends. College brought him to Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He majored in Economics and gained a tight-knit group of brothers at Delta Tau Delta. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Linda Dever.

After an idyllic year in Lincoln City, Oregon, Clarke and Linda were married in Salem, and then moved to their first home in Jamestown, North Dakota where Clarke was a Commercial Loan Officer and established a 25-year career in Banking. His beloved children Laura and James were born in Jamestown, but the lure of Colorful Colorado proved strong, and the family moved to the Ken Caryl Ranch in 1980.

Colorado brought many opportunities for Clarke, including a long banking career and later, a chance at being an entrepreneur of his own with Subway restaurants. He also was able to take many opportunities to travel, including many visits to his dear parents Dutch and Ginny Omdahl, his wonderful sister Susan Shaw and brother-in-law Phillip Shaw, and his mountain man brother Jim and his wife Pam. He was able to see the world with his family and visit friends both in the States and abroad. He also enjoyed hobbies such as flying small aircraft, building model airplanes, working on cars, gardening and acquiring Mini Coopers.

His later years allowed him to travel extensively with Linda and together they spent time in their special place, Paradise Village in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They also had epic trips to Alaska, Europe and all around the United States. After acquiring a camper that allowed them to travel with their pack of small dogs, Clarke especially enjoyed spending time in the mountains of Colorado and Mesa, Arizona.

Clarke is survived by his adored wife Linda; his dear daughter Laura Omdahl and her partner Steven Gillespie; his son and buddy-in-mischief James Omdahl and daughter-in-law Stella (Kristin Cannon Omdahl); Sister Susan Shaw (Phillip); Brother Jim (Pam); Brother-in-law Todd Dever (Amy Condit); and many, many close and beloved friends.

The most important things to Clarke were his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

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