A Lifetime of Service, A Legacy for the Future

Dr. Clark and Gerry Likness have spent most of their 51 years of marriage quietly showing up for others, often behind the scenes and often when it mattered most. In 2025, they formalized that lifelong commitment by opening the Dr. Clark and Gerry Likness Family Fund at the Watertown Area Community Foundation.

Both were shaped early by families that valued hard work, responsibility, and giving back. Gerry, one of ten children growing up in Madison, knew she wanted to pursue education. Clark, raised in Webster, felt called to medicine. They met at the University of South Dakota, where Gerry studied early childhood and special education while Clark prepared for medical school.

“We both grew up in homes where you were expected to work hard and give back,” Gerry reflected.

During Clark’s medical school years and Gerry’s early teaching career, each encountered separate cases involving children severely burned through abuse. Though unrelated, the experiences occurred within weeks of one another and left a lasting impression.

“Those moments stay with you,” Clark said. “If you have the ability to help, then you do.”

When deciding where to build their life together, Watertown stood out. Close to family and full of opportunity, it felt like a place where they could serve and raise their children. It became home.

After settling in Watertown, they helped establish the Lake Area Child Protection Team, providing immediate care and advocacy for vulnerable children across northeastern South Dakota. There were nights when children arrived at their home unexpectedly, and they responded without hesitation. When they saw a need, they stepped forward.

Service remained woven into their lives as they raised Lincoln, Micah, and Kelsey. Gerry stayed connected to education through substitute teaching. Clark later earned a master’s degree in public health at Tulane University, strengthening his leadership at Brown Clinic while continuing community involvement.

Their commitment extended across Watertown through church, scouting, Jaycees, Town Players, Make-A-Wish, the South Dakota Medical Association, veterans organizations, and numerous volunteer efforts. Clark also served as a medical liaison for Honor Flights. Music has remained a steady thread, from church choir to Clark’s role as drummer for the local Second Opinion Band.

Their children grew up watching service modeled daily. One vivid memory came during a blizzard when the family delivered Thanksgiving meals for the Salvation Army. After hours of deliveries, they were asked to make one final stop to take 67 meals to the county jail.

“The kids couldn’t believe that there were that many people spending their holiday in jail, and that this meal might be the brightest part of their day,” Gerry recalled. “Sometimes it’s the people who need kindness the most that are the ones others forget.”

By the time they returned to the Salvation Army from the jail, there was no food left for the family to enjoy.

“It was a great lesson in humility and compassion,” Clark shared. “That moment has stayed with each of them.”

The couple’s connection to the Foundation spans decades. In 2001, their daughter Kelsey served on the Foundation’s first Youth Council, reflecting the family’s belief in engaging the next generation in philanthropy. The Likness family later supported Giving Back 365 and saw firsthand how collective giving strengthened organizations they cared about. Creating a fund at the Foundation became a natural next step.

After investing in their children’s and grandchildren’s education and establishing scholarships at institutions that shaped their lives, Clark and Gerry opened their donor advised fund to ensure their generosity would continue benefiting Watertown long into the future.

Today, the Dr. Clark and Gerry Likness Family Fund reflects more than decades of service. It represents shared values, lived generosity, and a lasting commitment to the community they love.