9/13/1950 – 11/ 02 /2024

At his birth, doctors were convinced Richard would not see his first birthday. God had other plans.  Richard went to heaven after he celebrated his 74th birthday.  After each birthday, Richard liked to say, “I’m still here!” and remind us how wrong the doctors were.

Richard thoroughly enjoyed life.  He worked tirelessly at the Waukesha Training Center for many years and relaxed after work by playing Atari while he ate a frozen Twinkie. He had many interests – attending Jesus Cares activities at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin; dancing and swaying to rock-and-roll music – cleaning up the dance floor at family weddings twisting the night away; and building the Lego   airplane that decorated his desk.  He was an avid fan of the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers (and sometimes even sported cheese head gear). He delighted in his mother’s homemade butterhorns, M&M’s, and any kind of chocolate candy.  He never turned down lunch at Culver’s -his standard order was chicken nuggets and a chocolate malt.

In later years, Richard participated in St. Coletta’s Golden Options program Monday through Friday.  He received wonderful Christian care at Padua, his group home in Jefferson, Wisconsin.  Staff called him “a kind soul” as he always said “thank you” whenever someone helped him.

Richard is survived by his two brothers – John (Christine) Stark of New Berlin, Wisconsin; and Paul (Conny) Stark of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He is also survived by his nieces – Rachel (Shaun) Paluch, Karen (Daniel) Knox, and Anika (Brady) Faglie and his nephew Benjamin (Cherry) Stark, together with many cousins and friends.

His parents, Donald F. and Dorothy M. (Degner) Stark predeceased him in death as did his infant sister, Karen Lynn.

Richard was a member at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson, Wisconsin for many years.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Padua and St. Coletta’s for assisting Richard for over a decade and thank the pastors at St. John’s for their frequent visits to Padua to minister to him. We are also grateful for the care Rainbow Hospice provided during Richard’s last days.

Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown, Wisconsin is helping the family with the final arrangements.  A grave side service will be held at Watertown Lutheran Cemetery on November 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson, Wisconsin or to St. Coletta’s are appreciated.

Rest in Peace Richard.