It’s heartbreaking to report that Monika Weidner Clark left this earth to be with her Lord in heaven on May 5, 2025; after a year-long battle with ALS. She will be missed enormously by her wonderful family and extraordinary friends.
Monika was born in Heimbach, Germany on June 24, 1948, to Hans and Cecilia Weidner. She grew up surrounded by a fun-loving family; and Monika welcomed her brother Hans Guenter when she was 10 years old.
The Weidner family lived near a US Army base in Baumholder, Germany. Monika got a job there, and in 1970 met a handsome lieutenant named Craig Clark. He was married with kids, but he told Monika that he had an identical twin brother working as an officer in Frankfurt named Bruce Clark. He was unmarried and looking for the best and most beautiful girl in the world to be his wife. Craig came to his rescue by introducing Monika to Bruce. After dating a few times, marriage was inevitable.
Bruce got an assignment to Vietnam. Monika flew to USA on May 29, 1970; they were married on May 30, and Bruce left for Vietnam the next day. He was there for a full year, while his parents in Bowling Green, Kentucky fell in love with Monika.
After returning from Vietnam, Bruce got a job and then decided to attend law school at the University of Kentucky. During his 3-years there, Monika worked hard to help pay expenses, and she developed a love for the Kentucky Wildcats. After graduating, the Clarks moved to Frankfort, Kentucky where Bruce engaged in private practice and Monika worked hard in several jobs as an administrative assistant. She was hugely instrumental in the creation and success of a German automotive parts manufacturer, Montaplast of North America.
The Clarks joined the Frankfort Country Club in 1981. Monika found many dear friends on the golf course and tennis courts, and bridge too. Her wonderful personality caused her to be well known as “The Mayor of Frankfort.”
In 1989, Monika was diagnosed with breast cancer. That disease picked the wrong target, as Monika’s strength and determination prevailed. She started the Rally for a Cure golf event which has gone on with lots of support for 25 years. The event has raised over $900,000 for the UK Markey Cancer Center. And Monika asked Gov. Beshear’s wife, Jane, to help support the fight against breast cancer. Jane talked to Churchill Downs, and the jockeys wore pink on the next Oaks Day. It has now become a tradition, thanks to Monika and Jane.
Bruce and Monika bought a vacation home at Pelican Sound in Estero, Florida in 1999. She took her smile and energy to the new development, making the first hole-in-one on the golf course in 2002. She was a successful tennis player and usually brought home $1-3 from playing bridge. Bruce and Monika became full-time residents at PS in 2013. She made hundreds of friends in a truly wonderful community.
Monika and Bruce had an incredible marriage of almost 55 years, and a truly exceptional family of three sons (Thomas, Stephen, and Benjamin) and 9 super grandkids. Monika fought her ALS diagnosis like a true champion. She kept it away long enough so she could watch The Oaks and the Kentucky Derby the weekend before leaving for heaven.
Monika was loved by all and will be truly missed.