Vivian Stark

Vivian Stark passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 29, 2014. She left peacefully being able to express words of love with her daughters. She was born on her family’s rural farm near Ettrick, WI on June 10, 1932 to Ernest and Clara (Kneifl) Stark. She attended Lee Elementary Country School and then Melrose High School where she graduated in 1950 as the Valedictorian. She then attended the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse where she attained her BS in Education; her minor was English. She returned to Lee Elementary, a one-room schoolhouse, to teach from 1952-1957. She was then called to Red Wing, MN where she taught from 1957-1965 and 1978-1996. The years between were dedicated to raising her daughters. She taught at Jefferson, Burnside and Hancock. She taught a variety of specific grades, was a Teaching Principal for some of these years and spent the last 18 years of her career focused on Title I and Assurance of Mastery Programs. On an evening out with friends after Lenten services in the early 1960s, she was introduced to Mike Stark. They fell in love and married on July 20, 1963 whereby sixth grade teacher Miss Stark became Mrs. Stark. She retired at age 65 in 1996 and in 2001 moved in with daughter Ramona and her family on the horse ranch near Ada, MN to help with the children. In 2010 she moved to a nearby retirement apartment in Twin Valley where she became fast friends with many dear people. With them she enjoyed afternoons playing dominos and evenings down the hall watching TV and visiting. She attended South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church near Ettrick, WI, where she was baptized, confirmed and married. She later joined United Lutheran Church in Red Wing, MN and then Zion and Trinity Lutheran Churches in Twin Valley, MN. She was active in women’s church groups, church council, teaching Sunday School classes and music programs. She enjoyed travel, music, playing the piano, activities with family and friends and caring for wild birds. She was dedicated to visiting many in nursing homes through her whole life. A recent sickness had her briefly hospitalized and living in transitional care at Twin Valley Living Center. She was excitedly anticipating her return home September 3 to be back with her kitty and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Mike (May 14, 1990), sister Wilma Krueger and grandson Samuel Stark. She is survived by her daughters Ramona (Alan) Leiseth of Ada, MN; Kathleen (Wade) Sandstede of Maple Grove and stepsons Paul (Christine) of Princeton, MN; John (Liga) of Wayzata, MN and David (Beverly) Eagan, MN plus 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation was from 3-5 on Friday, September 5, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, followed by the Funeral Service at 5:00 p.m. A Committal Service was Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 p.m. at the Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, MN. Oakwood Cemetery East Ave entrance. Reception following at Country Inn & Suites 4275 Highway 61 West Red Wing , MN 55066 In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials.

Vivian Stark

August 29, 1949 - August 29, 2014