David F. "Dave" Starker

WEST ALLIS / Cottage Grove - David Frank Starker, age 85, formerly of West Allis, late of Cottage Grove, passed away on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at Rainbow Hospice. He was born on June 24, 1938, in Milwaukee, the son of Raymond and Catherine (Berg) Starker.

David graduated from West Division High School in Milwaukee. He served in the National Guard. He married Janice Drankus on Oct. 10, 1959, in Milwaukee. David worked as a heavy repair welder for AO Smith, retiring in 1999.

David enjoyed going to cars shows and watching races. He had a great dry sense of humor. His love for the great outdoors was evident in the numerous camping trips he took. David was a member of Hales Corners Log Burners. Great memories were also made on vacations to their time shares. He dedicated his life to being active and exercised daily until the week prior to his death.

David is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Kathryn (Bob) Steffel, Jeffrey (Elida) Starker, Jim (Kellie) Starker and Jill (Dennis) Fyksen; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; stepbrothers, Frank (Deb) Auer and Ron (Barb) Auer; stepsister, Mary Prichard; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private Christian Mass and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek or St. Patrick Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420