Dennis Stark, age 79 of Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Dennis was born to Herbert and Ellen (Shafer) Stark on September 17, 1945 in Sparta, Wisconsin, he was the first of 3 children.
Dennis grew up in rural Sparta in a farming family. He attended rural one-room school houses through the 8th grade. His dad gave up farming and the family moved to the city of Sparta. Coming from the one-room school, going to high school was a big change and adjustment. He attended Sparta Senior High School beginning in 1959 through graduation in May 1963. His was the first class to graduate from the new High School.
He married Marilyn J Yeske on September 18, 1964. A son, Todd was born in May 1966. They divorced in 1980 and Dennis became “Mr. Mom” while raising Todd on his own. Dennis had a small hobby farm while also working for Jelco Buses as a mechanic and trouble shooter. He worked for Sparta Motors as a mechanic and salesman and in 1987, he started working for Ashley furniture as an “over-the-road” driver. He put in 24 years and 3 million miles safe driving.
On July 28, 1989 he married Sheila (Fryk) Weeden, someone he had known since she was 15 years old. They were married at Bethany Lutheran Church in Mauston, WI.
In retirement, he had his shop for wood working and his garage for car building and repairs; this was his true passion. He also enjoyed cutting wood and wood splitting. Gardening was something else he enjoyed, especially the harvesting of the produce. Getting on his John Deere and mowing his 3 acre lawn was his favorite after getting a new mower with cruise control.
Dennis and Sheila traveled and camped. They have been to Hawaii twice, Mexico, Alaska and their favorite, Yuma, AZ, where they spent some of every winter for 7 years. Dennis has visited every state, except Oregon and 7 provinces of Canada.
In his last years, he dealt with diabetes, cancer and heart problems. He referred to his social life as doctor appointments.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, beloved son Todd, sister Diane Brockman, grandparents, aunts, uncles and by his precious dog, “Missy”.
He is survived by his step-children, Christine (Larry) Arens and Mark (Janet Gibbens), brother Dwight (Reen) Stark, brother-in-law Bick Brockman, grandson Jacob (Jade Mardjetko) Arens; granddaughters, Miranda Stark and Allyson (Christopher) Wilkinson and great-grandson Jayce Wilkinson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.
A memorial funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:30 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church in New Lisbon, WI, with Pastor Lucy Hardie officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:30 AM.
The Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.
Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Cremator
