Clark Ehlers

Clark Ehlers, a resident of Davenport passed away peacefully at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice Home, on October 30, 2025. A private family burial at the Rock Island Arsenal will be on Monday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 o’clock, a Celebration of Life church service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa following the service, a meal and visitation will be held. Memorials can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Tapestry Farms, Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House or your choice.  Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Picture of Clark Ehlers with birds age 12 - SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

Clark was born on July 30, 1937 (07/30/37) in Davenport, Iowa, the son of the late Henry and Mamie Ehlers. Some of Clark’s interests relate to his parents. His father was a great cook on the grill and his mother allowed him to enjoy nature and birds. Katherine his sister relates to when they lived at 517 Grant Street, the side of the porch had a trumpet vine. Clark would go out and make a sound and a sparrow would come out and sit on his finger. He would bring injured animals in the home and nurturing them the back to health. During his life time he would have many pet crows, ducks and rabbits. Also, he would do bird counts with the Audubon Society and loved falconry. Later he raised different breeds of chicken and had pet wild turkeys on their property.

Graduate of Davenport McKinley and Sudlow, Bettendorf High School, joined and served in the Air Force in Germany, attended St. Ambrose University, and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1964 with scholastic honors. His practice was located in Davenport. He later joined the Rock Island Arsenal as Supply Analyst for the Armament Command retiring in 1994

In retirement, Clark joined the Rock Island Auction Company as Senior Firearms Specialist as expert on sporting arms, single shot, and Schuetzen rifles. Bidders have relied on the advice of and accurate copy in the catalogue written by Clark. A member of the Cast Bullet Association (CBA), American Single Shot Rifle Association (ASSBA) and International Single Shot Rifle Association (ISSRA). Joined the Davenport Shotting Association (DSA) which was established in 1852. The club is perhaps one of the oldest continuous operating Schuetzen Clubs in the United States. Member for over 40 years and yet missed only few matches as he enjoyed the competition and fellowship. Clark enjoyed the fellowship of the Regional and National competitions. Clark is known and recognized for winning many National and International Championships and his craftsmanship for making beautiful gun stock. He also enjoyed making custom rifles. Thanks to Angie and Rob Kaufman, he was able later in life to go to matches at Raton, New Mexico and Quigley, Montana.

He married Carol Ehlers, in 1967. They later build a home with some acreage which offered Clark and Carol the opportunity to enjoy nature, birds, and sun rises and sun sets for 58 years. They have an apple orchard which attracted deer and other animals. Clark enjoyed maintaining his orchard of apple, peach pear trees and loved making apple cider with the antique apple press. They planted 10-inch pine trees to border the driveway that are now approximately 50 feet tall on the property. Every day was living in the country with the convenience of the city for Clark and Carol. 

Picture of Clark and Carol - SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

Clark was preceded in death by his sister Verla Brown, accomplished lecturer and artist, brother-in- laws, Bill Brown and Joseph Neal Sawyer Jr. He was survived by his wife Carol Ehlers and sister Katherine Sawyer and several nieces and nephews. Clark was the big brother who offered adventure and great memories such as ice skating at Vander Veer, roller skating, fossil hunting, swimming in downtown Davenport at the Natatorium. or a road trip in the Chrysler sedan to California. He taught her building skills as they entered the SOAP BOX DERBY and how to climb trees or run as Clark and his friends would chase her with snakes. Whether it was living at 517 Grant Street or later at 20 Riverview Park Drive, Clark would spend time enjoying his life with his sisters, parents, Aunt Mill and Aunt Vera and their families. 

Neal and Katherine Sawyer and Clark Ehlers -  SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

The family would like to thank the support of Clarissa C. Cook Hospice house. The support of Paul Sass, Brian Schmidt, Rob and Angie Kaufman, Randy Paper, the Elizabeth Boland Family and Boland Boys for Clark.