Charles John Stark

Charlie was a great step father and role model as I became a step father. He showed Jennifer, Margaret and I unconditional love during a significant time in our lives. I often share with others how we grew up with a harpsichord in our home. I often tell people with pride of his accomplishments as a PhD in music and photographer. I thoroughly enjoyed how he took an interest in our passions and shared his with us. He helped me get a start in the insurance business when I worked with him as a teenager. We love and miss you, Charlie. Phillip Edwards Step son

Charlie was more than my stepfather, he was my father. He bought me my first pair of designer jeans, went to all my basketball games, and encouraged my love of animals. He was the only one who could call me Jenny and I was the only one who could call him Chuck. Jennifer Walker

Merle and I were happy to have Charlie for a friend. Our condolences to Sandy and the rest of his family. Marjorie Bengston

To the Family and close Friends of Charles Stark...from his cousin Steve Stark here in Machesney Park, Illinois. I am the middle son of Charlie's dad's (Minnerd) little brother Stanley and have unfortunately missed the celebration of life...even residing so close to Madison. I heard his solo work on the organ and piano as a kid. He was my crazy cabin counselor for choir camp at Camp Augustana and there taught me to swim when I was afraid of the water. Heard him sing with that college's great choir and later did four years of draft dodging there myself. Sang under his direction in Zion Lutheran 's(Rockford) choir. Our extended family was delighted to be entertained by Charlie and his lovely bride at Dad's 100th birthday celebration in 2008 here in Rockford. We once drank a beer together! (He bought!) Charlie was a delightful goofball and very good to all of us Starks. We were joyful for him when Love came to him later in life. Thankyou, Eternal God, for this good man. Blessings to all of you who gather together this day and remember. I have missed a very good thing. Steve Stark