Obituary

JOHN A. STARK, 86 LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND PA PAW ROCKFORD - John A. "Johnny" Stark, 86, of Rockford died at 5:44 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Born Jan. 26, 1925, in Rockford; the son of Hilding J. and Mayme A. (Hangren) Stark. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1943. Married Ruby D. Haun on June 9, 1956, in Rockford. John was employed by Mid-States Industries in the plumbing department, and for 23 years as a salesman for Ny-Del Plumbing, retiring in 1986. Member of Tabor Lutheran Church since 1939, where he served as an usher. Also member of Winnebago Masonic Lodge 745, 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, past Masters Club, Tabala Shrine Temple, and Air Squadron. John enjoyed the trips to East Tennessee every year to visit relatives, and then in the fall to Door County, Wis. He was an frequent patron of Lino's Restaurant, enjoyed the finest chocolates, was an avid jokester, and was always willing to generously support many of the fundraisers in the Rockford area and national level. Survived by wife, Ruby; daughter, Cathy (David) Seidel of Cherry Valley; granddaughter, Emily Seidel; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and cousins. John's family would like to thank the staff at OSF Saint Anthony for their wonderful care and the many neighbors for their care and concern. Service at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with Pastor Jane McChesney officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, in the funeral home, with Masonic services at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send a condolence, visit olsonfh.com