94th Infantry Division Society Taps Obituary Page

Infantry Division
Historical Society

Major General
Harry J. Malony
Commanding General
94th Infantry Division
9/15/1942 - 5/21/1945

TAPS 2019

Current Taps

William C. ‘Bill’ Clarke Jr.

William C. “Bill” Clarke, Jr., a resident of New Hampshire since 1957, passed away peacefully in Peterborough on Dec. 13, 2019, just a few days shy of his 98th birthday.

Bill was an amiable but reserved individual, deeply committed to his wife of 75 years, Ann P. “Penny” Clarke, and beloved by his three sons and their wives, and as well by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill spent his early years in Westerly, R.I.. He attended Amherst College, from which he later graduated, until drafted into the U.S. Army during the Second World War. He married his longtime sweetheart, Ann, in 1944, shortly before being deployed to Europe with the 94th Infantry Division. He saw action in France and Germany from the fall of 1944 through the end of the war in 1945.

After his return home in 1946, Bill began working in a series of sales jobs for large companies, but yearned to run his own business. That opportunity arrived in 1956, when Bill responded to an advertisement from a small stuffed toy company in Keene that was seeking a managing partner. Thus began his long association with Douglas Co., Inc., for which he served as vice-president and later president, CEO, and owner until his retirement in 1995. Douglas remains in Clarke family hands to this day, now run by his son, Scott.

Bill was fond of sailing, golf, vegetable gardening, playing the piano and reading. He set an example of diligence, independence and hard work for his sons, and demonstrated a welcome capacity to change — albeit reluctantly — and adapt to new circumstances and new ideas. He cared deeply for those around him, and enjoyed the company of his extended family.

William C. Clarke, Jr., is survived by: his wife, Ann P. Clarke, now of Peterborough; his sons: William C. Clarke III, of Monkton, Md.; Christopher S. Clarke of Rochester, N.Y.; and Scott T. Clarke of Keene. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and no public memorial service. Memorial contributions to any charity are welcomed, as are the good wishes of those who may once have known or worked with him. His family gives thanks for a long and productive life, well lived and peacefully concluded.

George A.F. Lundberg, Jr., MD - C/301 Passed, September 1, 2019

Dr. Lundberg went on his final house call to Heaven where he will be reunited with his wife, Lois, of 72 years. George was the son of Dr. and Mrs. George and Esther (Anderholm) Lundberg.

He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Robert Blake. George left behind his four children: George; Charles and his wife, Pam; Julie and her husband, Ed; and Kate and her husband, Mac as well as 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In addition, he leaves a niece, Tina Anthony; a nephew, Kip Blake; and was predeceased by his niece, Karen Greszko.

Born in 1923, George was a member of the 'Greatest Generation'. He answered his country's call to arms and was shipped to The European Theater of World War II to fight under General George S. Patton's 3rd Army 94th Infantry Division. He spent over 200 days in active combat culminating in the Ardennes, Southern Siegfried Line at The Battle of the Bulge where he carried and fired the company flame thrower. Because of his bravery under fire he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After the war ended George was chosen by General Patton as a member of his personal detail, accompanying the General on many of his post-war public relations duties.

George returned home to Manchester and married Lois. After earning his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, he joined his father's medical practice. During the next 50 years Dr. Lundberg happily treated and cared for the people of Manchester by being available to his patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Medicine was his life and it showed.

In his spare time, he volunteered his services to Manchester Little League and Midget Football as an attending physician fixing all the bumps and bruises endured. Planning and detailing exciting family travels as well as some rounds of golf perfected his off time.

Pride for Manchester Memorial Hospital encouraged George to publish a book entitled "Manchester Memorial Hospital, The First 75 Years". As George winded down he was able to enjoy time with his grandchildren during summers at Giants Neck Beach. 'Pipe', 'Pop', 'Grandpa' would be seen taking the kids to pick berries, read books and watch the "Red Slops" (affectionately dubbed depending on the season they were having.)

In lieu of flowers donations to the Salvation Army 661 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040 would be greatly appreciated as this organization was immensely helpful to the soldiers of WWII.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday evening, September 4, 2019 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home 400 Main St. in Manchester. A private burial with Military Honors for the family will take place in East Cemetery.