William Joseph "Bill" Clarke age 62, born April 1, 1963, and passed away unexpectedly on January 22nd, 2026.

Bill was a proud resident of the small town of Hill City; a place he deeply loved and was honored to call home. He took great pride in his community and the people in it, believing strongly in showing up for others and doing his part, no matter how big or small.

Bill worked as a custodian at the local high school. His coworkers often spoke of how funny, kind, and easy to talk to, and his willingness lend a helping hand. Bill wore many hats throughout his life, quietly stepping into whatever role was needed at the moment. He helped without being asked, gave without keeping score, and supported others without ever expecting recognition or anything in return.

To most, Bill was the person they could always count on, the one who showed up early, stayed late, offered advice or baked his deliciously famous banana bread . His selflessness was not loud or showy, it was quiet and genuine and deeply felt by everyone who knew him.

Family meant everything to Bill. During family gatherings, he could usually be found behind the grill, making sure everyone was taken care of, yet he was never too busy to stop and spend time playing with his great-nieces and great-nephews. With a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, Bill was always ready to provide them with their favorite snacks and ice cream treats from the freezer.

Bill found great happiness with the love of his life, Kim Oberstar. Together they traveled, shared new experiences, and created countless memories. Those who knew Bill could clearly see the true joy and love that she brought him. She and her family, the Jensen's, the Nelson's and Dunbar's, were forever changed and will miss Bill greatly.

Truely, there isn't enough time or words to explain how amazing he was. He accepted everyone as they were, not as they needed to be. We would all benefit from being a bit more like Bill.

Left to carry on his memory is his father, John Clarke; his forever and always, Kim Oberstar; siblings, Laurie Clarke, Jeanie Crandall, Patricia Hamilton and Michael Clarke (Jessica); his nieces and nephews, Cassie Bauer (Derek, Cecilia, Clara, Margo, and McCoy), Caitlin Stampley (David, Zakai, and Alani), Amber Crandall (Eric and Elijah), Jonna Mitchell (Donshay,) Tyler Hamilton, Zach Hamilton, Matthew Clarke, Kylie Clarke; great nieces and nephews, Quiaana Border, Jaquaara Borders, Quintarian Borders, Jonniya Borders (Daisy and Quapri) and many extended family and close friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Iralee Clarke; siblings, John Clarke Jr. and Julie Nelson.

Bill will have a special friend waiting for him at the pearly gates. His dog Kai will greet him with a wag of her tail and the expectation of a truck ride to look for deer in the fields.

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at 5:30 PM Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Hill City School Auditorium in Hill City, Minnesota.