Charles John Stark
May 19, 1937 - January 03, 2024
Obituary
MADISON - Charles Stark passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at UW Hospital while surrounded by family and friends. Charles was born May 19, 1937, in Rockford, Ill., the oldest child of Minnard and Lila Stark. The family moved later to Beloit, Wis., where he graduated from high school. Following that, he attended Beloit College for one year and then graduated from Augustana College with a bachelor’s degree in music education K-12 in 1959. He received his master’s degree in music education, with an organ minor, at Syracuse University in 1967 and his Doctor of Music Education in 1977.
From his first lessons in piano and organ at the age of 10, which continued through high school and college, Charles was involved with performing music in every possible way throughout his life. He was a skilled piano and organ accompanist, performed his own concerts, sang with the Augustana choir, and worked with many groups like the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra, musicals, and church choirs. For several years, he was a music education professor at Iowa State University which later led to teaching in the public schools.
On Feb. 28, 1999, Charles married his loving wife, Sandra, who became his music partner for life, and they were blessed with 25 wonderful years of marriage. They performed as the Stark Duo and Stark Scandinavian Singers in several states. Extra travels brought them to Cape Cod, Canada, Hawaii, and Sweden. In addition to all the musical ventures, he enjoyed photography, reading, and nature walks with Sandy and their dog.
Charles is survived by his wife, Sandra; her children, Shana (Mike) Leith and Erik (Karla) Hendrickson; her grandchildren, Jacob Leith and Lukas Hendrickson; the Walker family, Jennifer and Steve along with their children Morgan and Lauren; and his many cousins and friends. Members of churches, those from Stark Duo venues, Vasa Swedish Club, and various music clubs will all miss this wonderful and caring person. Charles was preceded in death by his father, Minnard Stark; his mother, Lila Stark; and sister, Genevieve Stark.
A celebration of life will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024. A luncheon will follow at church. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, April 5, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charles’ name to the Dane County Humane Society, or to the music departments or food pantries at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761