Quentin "Quinn" Clarke

Quentin Audie Clarke was an unforgettable presence in the lives of all who knew him, played with or against him, encountered him randomly, and especially in the lives of those who loved him. As so many did because Quinn was easy to love. 

To say that there are no words to express our collective grief is an understatement and an oversimplification of just how devastating it is to write about his death at the age of 24. But Quinn taught us how to do hard things and keep going. 

Born May 7, 2000, Quinn’s charisma was evident from the very start. Quick to laugh, and with a luminous smile, he was an energetic and vibrant child. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just before his second birthday, Quinn taught us all that things which happen to us do not define us. We define ourselves. 

His was a typical Wisconsin childhood and adolescence. One rich with family celebrations and trips to North Dakota, the Northwoods, and Washington D.C. And sports. Quinn began playing hockey as a mite in grade school and then fell in love with lacrosse. He played for the DC Everest Evergreens team at his high school, graduating from DC Everest in 2018. He then attended Chatham University in Pittsburgh, playing as #24 on their lacrosse team, the Cougars.

The pandemic years challenged Quinn as they did so many, and he returned to Wausau. Quinn’s talents shone as he took on the roles of mentor and assistant coach with the DC Evergreens, Team Sconnie, and the Wausau Wilds co-op lacrosse team. 

He was first to laugh and generous with his affection. It’s no wonder he had so many diverse groups of friends, he had so much love to share. His hugs were a delight and his meme-curation top notch. He loved music and was a terrible singer (what wouldn’t we give to hear him sing again…). He loved his family and was the kind of brother who hated the sappy stuff, but always would tell you he was proud of you. And he was imperfect, as we all are. 

This endless list of moments in Quinn’s life, these things he did, they are not the sum of who he was and continues to be in the hearts of those who love him and whom he loved wholeheartedly in return. His legacy will be those he leaves behind and how we honor his memory. 

Quentin Audie Clarke is survived by a world that misses him…specifically he is survived by his parents Dee Clarke, Paul Clarke, Jr., and his S-mom Deb Clarke; his grandparents Connie Wahoske, Frank Epstein, Elaine Clarke, and Molly Hoffmann; his sister Josie Clarke and brothers Jake and Eli Grant; his aunts Marni (Adam) Servais, Kelly (Rick) Lehnherr, Miriam (Steve) Tessmer and Rebecca Hoffmann; cousins Isaac (Abigail), William, and Joseph Servais; Tyler, Katelyn, Brianna Mathes and Kamala Lehnherr; Elroy Phillips; and an extended family that spans the globe. 

Quinn was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dennis Wahoske, Arden Hoffmann, Paul Clarke, Sr., and his beloved Ahma, Chris Clarke-Epstein.

The family wishes to thank all those who have reached out in the long days since Quinn’s death. The outpouring of love and grief has been overwhelming and gratifying to his memory. We take comfort that Quinn was so well-loved by many in his short life. 

Quinn’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9th at the Brainard Funeral Home in Weston (5712 Memorial Court) with a private family service followed by a public reception from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. You are invited to bring your very best Quinn stories. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or the BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation).