Donald Stark

MADISON-Donald J. Stark, age 76, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at U.W. Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 16, 1932, in Madison, the son of Julius and Clara (Bodeman) Stark. After graduation from Madison East High School, he served in the U. S. Army and married Patricia Hall on Nov.18, 1953. Together they had three children, Thomas, Deborah, and Jeffrey. They later divorced and on July 24, 1971, Don married Patricia Zobal. She remained his faithful companion until the end of his life. Don worked in various capacities at Gardner Baking Co. for many years. In addition, he enjoyed the time spent driving at Rite-Way Bus Co. after he "retired". He was an avid fan of both the Wisconsin Badgers and Chicago Cubs, as well as an accomplished euchre player. Don is survived by his wife, Patricia of Madison; children, Thomas Stark of Watertown, Deborah Stark of Watertown, and Jeffrey (Helen) Stark of Pickerel; three granddaughters; a great-granddaughter; sister, Marcella (John) Bertelson of Plover; sister-in-law, Phyllis Stark of Portage; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Russell Bodeman and Julius Stark Jr. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation with a lunch and time of fellowship thereafter. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madison Veterans Memorial Park Fund, c/o VFW Post No. 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716. The family wishes to thank the staff at Oak Park Nursing Home and U. W. Hospital for their many acts of kindness.