Clark A. Jennings

Madison, WI – Clark Alan Jennings, age 61, succumbed to a decade long battle with cancer at his home on January 17^th 2024.

Clark was born in Kansas City, Missouri on August 11, 1962 to James ”Jim” and Sarah “Sally” Jennings. At the age of 3 the family moved to Elmhurst, IL where he grew up and graduated from York High School in 1980.

During those formative years Clark could be found dismantling virtually anything he could find – just to figure out how it worked. Then he would put it back together – often with enhancements to make things work better. It didn’t matter if it was a transistor radio, an engine, a lawnmower, or even a transmission on a car. He was curious – and loved to work with his hands and learn, so he could create things on his own. He also loved to draw and create artwork – which led to a career as a commercial artist starting at the age of 18 – where he was mentored in the advertising world.

He spent his life learning how to create unique visual art using every tool available – all of which he mastered. This passion, coupled with the advent of Apple computers allowed him to start a successful free-lance graphics business – continuing to bring his various artistic talents to a wide array of clients.

Clark moved from Elmhurst to Madison in 1998 – where he forged new friendships and business associations – and found a lasting home. At that time - he built a workshop to expand his artistic and creative endeavors – designing and building kitchens, making various period style and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, and design/build of beautiful outdoor decks and pergolas – just to name a few of his projects. In his eyes – every project was a work of art – built to perfection with precision and pride. There was never a project he wouldn’t take on. The more unique and difficult the better.

So much of his artistic and design talent was honed using the latest Macintosh products and software - thereby leading him to his last career move in a Mac IT role. Although he often said he could only work for himself – and could never imagine working in a corporate environment – he found great joy in this work. In this role, Clark was able to touch many people with his talent, his wit, his ability to find humor in just about anything – including the corporate world of which he was leery. He made great new friends and acquaintances that were drawn to his spirit. He continued to work until he was disabled.

Clark also shared a life-long passion for golf – which may be the only pursuit that he couldn’t master (although he was quite good).  He loved the challenge of the game – along with the relationships made with his fellow golf enthusiasts – including weekly rounds alongside his father for many years.

Clark was a great son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was always available to support his family and friends and found great happiness in those relationships. He was a tremendous volunteer – always there to support others by sharing his time, talents, and treasure. And ultimately – although immensely talented – he was humble. He loved to share. His life was a celebration of limitless possibility – where he put his mind and energy towards his passions.

Clark was preceded in death by his father, Jim. He is survived by his mother, Sally; a brother, Brian (Laurie) Jennings, a sister, Jennifer (Greg) Irick; nephews, Alex Jennings and Ben (Amber) Jennings; along with great nieces Kinslee Jennings, Aubree Jennings, and great nephew, Gavin Jennings.

Although there will be no memorial or burial service – there will be two separate celebrations of his life for family and friends in the spring and summer of 2024.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com