Harold (Harry) Douglas Stark, age 77, of Wilson, Wis. passed on June 1, 2025 in Surprise, Ariz. Born Feb. 5, 1948 to Harlan and Marjorie Stark of Spring Valley, Wis., he attended school at Lone Balsam, Gilman Elementary and Spring Valley High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. He went on to raise his family in Spring Valley.
Harry was a hardworking family man. He was brilliant, fun and versatile. Ever ready to lend a helping hand, he fixed many things in his full life. Tractors, cars and broken hearts are just a few of them. He was a highly skilled mechanic and an even better husband and father. He loved life, Packer football and whatever activity involved his grandkids.
As an avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, boating (Eau Galle was fave), and snowmobiling (drifting with Brad). The family were long-time members of SV Snow Valley Riders. He loved mowing the grass, space cruising (family road trips where he drove until he was lost and finding our way back home), or baking his famous chocolate chip cookies. Harry took fashion cues from no one. He would rock overalls, button-up shirts paired with athletic shorts, an array of hats, or whatever he liked in his grandson Lavell’s closet.
He also had a great love of music. Whether at work, in his shop, or hanging with friends shooting the breeze, he had a soundtrack to his life. There was ALWAYS music cranking somewhere nearby no matter the genre. He loved a good joke (practical or risqué) and he loved the joy and laughter of his family and friends.
Many will remember him from his long-time job at Meyer Implement in Baldwin, Wis. or from his business in Spring Valley, Stark’s Repair (have wrench, will travel). He loved talking about old cars/trucks and tractors (especially green or red ones), how many he had in his lifetime, how fast he drove in them, and what was done to make them better. His broad life experience made him a teacher and mentor to many. His life had a lot of promises and struggles, and he shared his experiences for others to learn from... to make their lives better!
After his retirement, he spent the winters in Surprise, Ariz. and summers in Wilson, Wis. Beloved by many, his infectious laughter, joy and love will be greatly missed. Harry’s heart ultimately failed him but the love that came from it lives in all who remember him. His cup overfloweth. Those who knew him will agree that this legend is gone too soon.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents Harlan and Marjorie Stark, first wife Patricia (Stewart), sister Jean Furuglyas, and brothers-in-law Jim Furuglyas, Harold Bartel, Jim Wall, nephew Doug Field and an infant nephew, nieces Missy Banks, Brenda Beers, and sister-in-law Kandy Stewart-Harvey.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years Jan Stark, children Robin Stark, Jamie (Shayne) Stark, Eric (Jessica) Stark and Marjorie Stark; grandchildren Lavell, Mya, Drew, Jordyn, Carter, Patricia, Tyler, Destiny; great-grandchildren Braxton and Lily; siblings Marlene (Dave) Kautz, Wayne (Loretta) Stark, Nita (Tim) Dougherty, Betty Wall, Myron “Zip” (Ruth) Stark, and Joel (Brenda) Stark, brother-in-law Bill (Donette) Stewart, sister-in-law Penny (Neil) Dittman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers: Mike Place and Lee Hanson.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025 at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, Wis. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Private graveside service to follow with a light lunch and memory sharing in the church basement. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
