Roger E. Clarke

Roger E. Clarke, 84, of Milan, Illinois, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island.

A gathering to celebrate Roger’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced on Roger’s obituary page at www.CremationQC.com. 

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.  Private burial is in Reynolds Cemetery, Reynolds, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan.

Roger Eugene Clarke was born July 2, 1939, in Moline, the son of Melvin and Lenabelle (Likely) Clarke.  He graduated from Reynolds High School and served in the U.S. Navy.  He married the love of his life, Sharon R. Samuelson on September 29, 1967, in Rock Island, Illinois. 

Roger was a member of Laborers Local #309 and worked most of his career for Normoyle & Berg.  He enjoyed racing, softball and walleye fishing.  Above all else, family was the most important thing to Roger, especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Sharon; three children, Sherri (Andy) Sanquist of Sherrard, Illinois, Scott (Michelle) Clarke of Orion, Illinois, and Jimmy (Ginger Kimmel) Clarke of Davenport, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Larry Clarke and Beverly DeBackere, both of Taylor Ridge, Illinois.  He was preceded in death by his parents.