Bruce Lowell Clark

Bruce Lowell Clark, of Wausau, died on January 25, 2026 after a 25-year battle with polymyositis — an autoimmune disease. Bruce was born in Wausau on June 9, 1957 — the oldest child of Dolores Ellen (Comer) Clark and Robert Lynn Clark, Sr.

Music was the core of Bruce’s life: he played trumpet in both the Wausau Story Drum & Bugle Corps, Wausau East High School’s Tophatters jazz band, and Wausau Concert Band. He also played trumpet and accordion with the Jay Tlusty Orchestra for many years. Bruce was a consummate educator, having taught music lessons — particularly on trumpet, flute, guitar, voice, and piano — to hundreds of students over 50 years.

Bruce was proud of the fact that, even though it took 27-1/2 years, he eventually completed his bachelor of music education degree from UWSP. Bruce then went on to successfully complete three graduate degrees including a master of arts in music education, master of divinity in pastoral care, and master of arts in religion.

Bruce was a kind, gentle, and artistic soul. He began creating macrame sculptures while in high school and continued to produce unique and beautiful works of macrame art throughout his life. Bruce embraced an active outdoor life and enjoyed scuba diving, skiing, and bicycling as long as his health allowed. His love of animals meant that Bruce’s home was always graced with furry companions.

In the 1980’s, Bruce moved to Minocqua, and opened The Minocqua Music Studio. He later founded the North Central Wisconsin Conservatory for the Arts which became the renowned Campanile Center for the Arts. Bruce eventually returned to Wausau and continued teaching private music lessons through The Music Studio until just before his death. Of his many accomplishments, Bruce was most proud of his son Seth, and he considered raising Seth to be the greatest honor and privilege of his life.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest brother (Steven Hale Clark), and his stepdaughter (Emily Willegal). Bruce is survived by his son, Seth Emanuel Clark (Kateleigh Hewins), two grandchildren (Emmeline Hewins Clark and Anthony Hewins Clark), and his brothers Jeffery Alan Clark and Robert Lynn Clark, Jr. (Sheri). Bruce will be deeply missed by his family, his friend Sheila Garske, and his many former students.

At Bruce’s request, no public funeral or service will be held. Donations in memory of Bruce can be made to the Humane Society of Marathon County, 7001 Packer Dr., Wausau, WI 54401 or at https://catsndogs.org.