Mary Stark

Mary Frances Stark, age 81, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at the home of her daughter and granddaughter, with her family by her side.  Mary was a breast cancer survivor, and also battled colon cancer for several years.

Mary was born on December 15, 1937, in Kentucky, and was adopted on December 16, 1941, by Charles and Dora Stark.  She was united in marriage with Eugene Stark on August 3, 1963, in Winona, and he preceded her in death on July 9, 2008.

She was employed for over 25 years at WinCraft in Winona and was a member of Living Light (Radiant) Church.

Mary will be remembered for her love of reminiscing about growing up, and she enjoyed her artistic talents by painting, drawing, doing ceramics, and she crocheted many blankets for babies and family members.  An avid reader, Mary would often read a book a day, and was excited to finally get a Kindle.  Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she enjoyed spending time with her daughter and Tom Sobeck, and spending some holidays and two weeks in the summer with her son and son-in-law.  She especially cherished the time that she spent with her grandchildren, and they looked forward to accompanying her for scooter rides around the neighborhood.  She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her, especially the many friends she met that became very close to Mary.

Mary is lovingly survived by her children: Rodney (Howard) Austin, New Hope, MN; Robin (Tom Sobeck) Pumpkin, Fountain City, WI; granddaughters: Shantel Majerus and Sasha Majerus, both of Winona; great-grandchildren: Samual Sultze, Isaiah Sultze, Elijah Noonan, and Sierra Sultze; sister: Norma Steffensmeier, brothers: Earl Vermeesch and Perry Vermeesch, all of Keokuk, IA; her cousin, Gwen, with whom she had a close relationship; as well as nieces, nephews, friends, and many who called her Grandma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, granddaughter, Samantha Majerus; a close dear friend, Brian Jonsgaard; siblings: John “Buster” Stark, Betty Knight, Patsy Best, Gale Barrow, Zeina Vermeesch, and Evelyn Vermeesch; and her pet Toby, who was very special to Mary and Eugene.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Saturday, December 14, 2019, from noon until the funeral service at 2 PM.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.