Dakota D. Clark, 31, of Oxford Junction, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, October 15, 2026.

Dakota David Clark was born on June 15, 1995, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Kevin Todd and Kathryn Marie (Willey) Clark. He grew up in the Ozark area and attended Bernard Elementary School before continuing on to Cascade High School, where he was a graduate of the Class of 2014. Dakota carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength throughout his life.

Dakota was a hardworking man who took pride in earning his way and doing a job well. Over the years, he worked at several places, including Connolly Construction in Peosta, Cascade Lumber for a short time, and later as a welder for XL Specialty Trailers in Manchester. He currently was employed as a welder at American Iowa Manufacturing in Cascade, Iowa. He was respected by those who worked alongside him for his dependable nature, strong work ethic, and willingness to help wherever he was needed.

Outside of work, Dakota found joy in the outdoors and in the simple pleasures of life. He spent a lot of his time with his dog Turbo, who was more of a best friend than just a dog. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting, firearms, trap shooting, and riding his side-by-side. These interests were more than hobbies to him, as they were part of the life he loved and the memories he created with family and friends.

Those left to honor his memory include his parents, Todd Clark of Bernard, Iowa, and Kathy Clark of Anamosa, Iowa; his siblings, Dempsey (Jessica) Clark of Bernard, Iowa, Derrick Clark of Delmar, Iowa, and Kadie Balichek of Oxford Junction, Iowa; his adored nieces, Addy and Lainey; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Huffman of Maquoketa, Iowa; his aunts and uncles, Daine and Tim Crowley of Las Vegas, Nevada, Karie and Jim Heuer of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Kelly and Mark Goodman of Florida; and many cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Donn and Nancy Willey; his paternal grandfather, Richard Clark; and his aunt and uncle, Kimberly and David Gombert.

A celebration of his life is pending and will be announced at a later date.  A private burial will be held at the Ozark Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.