Terry Clarke, a respected teacher, coach, and family man, passed away at the age of 66 on May 17, 2025, in Elmhurst, Illinois, after a courageous battle with cancer.
His death leaves a massive gap in the lives of his family, friends, students, and athletes.
However, his kindness, discipline, and inspirational legacy will live on.
Terry Clarke, born into a veteran family and raised alongside his siblings Tracy, Annie, Mark, and Kevin, was instilled with values of hard work and community.
His love for sports sparked early, during a one-week wrestling class in a physical education course at Taylorville Junior High School.
Coach Jim Podlinsek guides him. Terry found his passion for wrestling, a sport that would shape much of his life.
Terry determinedly pursued higher education after graduating from Taylorville High School in 1976.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Elmhurst University and a Master’s of Arts in Health and Physical Education/Fitness from Chicago State University.
Later, he completed a Master of Science in Public Administration at Northeastern Illinois University, showing his commitment to lifelong learning.
In 1980, Terry Clarke began his career at Elmhurst Public Schools, where he served as a teacher and coach for over four decades until his retirement in 2021.
His impact reached well beyond the classroom.
As a wrestling and football coach, Terry shaped countless young lives, teaching athletic skills and life lessons about strength, humility, and leadership.
Even after retiring, he couldn’t step away from the field, taking on a part-time role as a football and wrestling coach emeritus.
Terry’s impact on wrestling was recognized when he was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame.
His dedication to his athletes earned him respect and admiration; many referred to him as a mentor and a father figure.
In 1985, Terry Married JoAnn, His Biggest Supporter And Love of His Life
After four years of marrige together, they welcomed their son, Anthony, in 1989 and built a home in Taylorville.
Terry often spoke of the sacrifices his family made for his coaching career.
In a 2010 interview, he shared,
“The support I had from my wife at home, everything she had to give up for me to pursue a career in coaching, not having me home. When my son was young, it was tough.”
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He clearly loved JoAnn and Anthony and left behind a family that deeply cared for him.
Terry’s strength was tested in his final years as he faced cancer.
According to Dave Bergy, a former athlete and close friend, Terry fought bravely, even celebrating a victory over the disease before it returned.
He showed strong determination while fighting his illness, just like he inspired his athletes to keep going through any challenge.
Terry Clarke’s death sparked a wave of love and memories from those he influenced.
His sister, Annie Clarke Lotter, shared the family’s heartbreak:
“I’m devastated and sad to say my brother, Terry Clarke passed away this morning. We are all heartbroken!”
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She invited the community to a memorial service on May 27, 2025, at Visitation Parish in Elmhurst, followed by a Celebration of Life Lunch at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook.
Former athletes shared stories that highlighted Terry’s profound influence.
Dave Bergy wrote,
Tyler Bruesewitz recounted a defining moment:
“The first time I lost in the state finals,I walked off the mat and tossed my head gear out of frustration. Coach Clarke stopped me dead in my tracks, pointed at them and told me to pick them up. he put both hands on my face looked me right in the eyes told me I was allowed to be mad but that I was going to be a class act. Then he told me he was proud of me and gave me a long hug. It was a defining moment in my life.
Via Facebook
I’ll be forever grateful for Terry Clarke. Thanks Coach Clarke. I hope you rest easy knowing how many lives you touched..”
Jake Smallwood, another former athlete, remembered Terry’s unique ability to command respect:
Terry Clarke is survived by his wife, JoAnn, his son, Anthony, his sisters Tracy and Annie, and his brother Mark.
He was preceded in death by his brother Kevin and his mother, who passed away in 2018.
Though Terry is no longer with us, his lessons live on in the countless lives he shaped.
As the Elmhurst community gathers to honor him, they will celebrate a man who gave his all to his family, his students, and his sport.
Rest easy, Coach Clarke—your impact will never be forgotten.
