Clark Gruening

Mar 28, 1943 -

Jun 17, 2025

Clark Sanders Gruening passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, in the community he loved, at age 82.

Clark was raised in Juneau and, from an early age, had a love of the outdoors and the people around him. He grew up an avid hunter, fisherman and hiker, a dedicated member of the Juneau Ski Club, as well as an active participant in the community and local civic organizations; all passions he would retain for the rest of his life.

Clark graduated from Juneau Douglas High School in 1961, received a B.A. in political science from the University of Oregon in 1965, and earned a J.D. with honors from George Washington University in 1969. After law school, he returned to Alaska, settling in Anchorage.

As the grandson of former territorial Governor and U.S. Senator and "father of Alaska statehood," Ernest Gruening, Clark felt a call to public service and would soon follow in his grandfather's political footsteps.

Clark served two terms in the Alaska State House from 1974-1978, where he played a critical role in the creation of the Permanent Fund. As Chair of the Special Committee on the Permanent Fund, Clark was one of the key lawmakers that envisioned and facilitated the Fund's enabling the legislation. Later in life, 1995-2003, Clark would continue that work by serving eight years on the Board of Trustees for the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, including one term as Chair. The impact he had on shaping our state's hallmark financial institution was significant and long-lasting.

In 1981, Clark moved back to Juneau to raise a family, where he practiced law as a founding partner of Gruening & Spitzfaden and lobbied for a diverse cross-section of clients across the state, including 25 years as the legislative liaison for the City and Borough of Juneau. He loved advocating for his community and was particularly proud of his role in securing the state funding for the Father Kashevaroff State Library Archives and Museum Building before his retirement.

As a policy maker and lobbyist, Clark was known around the Capitol Building for his approachable demeanor, quick wit and ability to work across the aisle to find solutions for Alaskans.

Moreover, Clark had a tremendous heart for the underdog and a calling to help others; nothing made him happier than making a difference in someone's life. He was a long-time member and frequent volunteer with the Juneau Lions Club, particularly the ski program at Eaglecrest and loved volunteering with Southeast Alaska Independent Living. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Juneau Community Foundation and the John and Deena Hale Ski Foundation and was a Past-President of the downtown Juneau Rotary Club.

His favorite pastimes were reading a good book, skiing, tennis and paragliding off Mount Roberts and other local peaks. He greatly appreciated the arts, other cultures and traveling. Most of all, Clark loved his family and friends and was always willing to lend them a helping hand.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know Clark will remember his warm eyes and smile, his kind and generous nature, his passion for service and his calm and thoughtful intellect.

Statesman and community leader, cherished husband, father, brother and grandfather, Clark left an indelible, positive mark in the lives of those around him, the community of Juneau and the State of Alaska. Gone in flesh but never in spirit, his memory and legacy will live on in the hearts of family and friends, and in the state and community he loved and served.

Clark is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary; sons, Matthew and Nathan (Selena); grandsons, Lincoln and Elias; brothers, Win (Anne) and Brad (Bonnie), all who reside in Juneau; brother, Peter; sisters, Kimberley (Steve) and Tiffany; and stepsons, Jim and John Gute.

State flags will be flown at half-staff this Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in honor of Clark's legacy and passing.

In accordance with his beliefs, a traditional Episcopal service will be held for Clark Gruening in Juneau on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the Church of the Holy Trinity at 2 p.m. A reception will be held onsite following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Juneau Pioneers' Home Foundation, Southeast Alaska Independent Living or the program of your choice through the Juneau Community Foundation.