Calta, Clark C.

Clark C. Calta, 57, of Mount Vernon, died Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, following a brief illness. A celebration of Clark's life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Sharon Center United Methodist Church, Sharon Center, with the Rev. Doug Cue officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.

Clark was born Nov. 15, 1953, in Iowa City, the son of Cletus and Gloria Calta. He was a graduate of City High School and had received associate degrees from Colorado Aero Tech and the University of Iowa. Clark served his country in the U.S. Army.

Clark was born a fighter with a most creative imagination. He saw the possibilities and was not limited by the realities. His motto was “make cool things happen.” He nurtured those around him with his patience, wit and wisdom.

Clark had been employed at Capital City Boilers and the Quad City Boilers for a number of years as a project manager. He had owned and operated Phat's Speed Shop, the Altered Ego Costume Rentals and Clark Calta Enterprises.

Clark was a gifted engineer who built, rebuilt and maintained aircrafts and automobiles (anything that had a motor). His love for the classics was evident in everything he did.

Clark had been a den leader in Boy Scouts. He was a member of numerous professional associations over the years, most recently the Good Guys Rod & Custom Association, Wizards of Rods (Wisconsin street rods), Cruiseamatics of Iowa City, Eastern Iowa Vintage Racing Association and the Ercoupe Owners Club.

Clark is survived by his family, Barbara Chadwick; four children, Alexis Wakefield Chadwick and Andreas Isaac Franklin Chadwick, all of Mount Vernon, and Ty and Troy Calta of Florida; his parents, Cletus and Gloria of Suffner, Fla.; his mother-in-law, Lucille Bowers; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to

Published Oct. 15, 2011, in The Gazette