“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” –The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Bernard J. ‘Bernie’ Stark, 81, died June 18, 2016. He was born in Waterford on May 3, 1935, to the late Bernard ‘Ben’ and Catherine ‘Kate’ (Schnedecker) Stark, and thus began his love of riding his tractor on his family farm in Waterford. He resided in Edenton, N.C., then Kimberly for 23 years, then Longmont, Colo. It was his passion for his family land that led him back to the Waterford area, where he has resided for the past 30 years, and it was on that same family property where he passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
He married Dorothy ‘Dottie’ (Buska) Stark on Oct. 6, 1956, and they spent 40 happy years together. They traveled to all 50 states. They were blessed with nine adorable children, who often piled into their wood-sided Vista Cruiser – seat belts optional. They enjoyed time together with friends and family, attending church, playing cards, enjoying a Manhattan, cheering on The Packers and golfing.
After his wife’s passing, Bernie married Carol (Todryk) Stark on New Year’s Eve, in 1999. They spent time together golfing, gambling, and traveling, with residences in Waterford and The Villages, Fla. They continued their dedication to St. Thomas Aquinas, Waterford. Along the way, they made more friends, sharing a good fish fry or gathering for a lively block party.
A proud marine, Bernie was a dedicated employee of Wickes Lumber and Empire. As a labor of love, he built his waterfront home on his family’s farm property in 1996. He enjoyed assigning ‘projects’ around his property. He will be remembered best for his less successful ‘projects,’ including putting people in the cherry picker, DNR-approved forts, felling trees, planting trees, burning the woods and a an occasional boat, ice-skating rinks and tire swings.
Surviving him, and often spotted wearing their matching colorful shirts, the ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ crew include his wife, Carol Stark; children, Bonnie (Karl) Lamers, Bernard ‘B.J.’ (Lisa) Stark, Beckie (Jeff) Kettner, Barry (Carol) Stark, Betsy Stark, Bart (Susie) Stark, Barbette (Frank) Santistevan, Brenda ‘Buffy’ (Jim) Stugelmeyer, Bambi (Tom) Wendelburg and Christine ‘Chrissy’ (Mike) Dorner; 25 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and sister, Ethel (Frank) Matezevich.
He was further preceded in death by his sisters, Arline (William) Koetterhagen and Edith Stark; brother, Herbert (Sally) Stark; and Karen Krzyzaniak.
Bernie had a big family. A big determination. A big smile. A big heart. And the biggest lust for life. His legacy will live on through his incredibly proud family.
Friends and relatives may meet with the family at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Waterford for a Memorial Mass Friday June 24, 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery, Waterford, following Mass. Friends may meet and visit with the family at the church 9-10:45 a.m., Friday. Mealy Funeral Home, Waterford, is serving the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Thomas Church or St. Thomas Food Bank.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Aurora At Home Hospice and Dr. Paul Webber.
Well-wishers can visit www.mealyfuneralhome.com.
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