Roger Dale Stark

Roger Dale Stark, 85, of Osage, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and family.

Roger was born May 25, 1941, in Riceville, Iowa, to Paul and Florence Campbell Stark. He grew up in Riceville and graduated from high school there. Following high school, Roger proudly served three years in the United States Army, spending more than two years stationed in Germany.

In 1965, Roger married Ruth McKenna, and together they raised their son, Ronald Dale Stark.

Roger spent 29 years working for Rockwell Collins, with his career taking him to Cedar Rapids, Mason City, and Sumner, Iowa. He served as a foreman for many years and was well respected for his ability to work with people. Roger was mechanically inclined and had a natural ability to figure out how to make things work. He was also insightful, often able to understand how another person might be feeling or thinking.

After retiring from Rockwell Collins, Roger moved to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he and his wife purchased and operated a Taco John's. Eventually, he returned to Iowa and settled in Osage to be closer to his family.

Roger was a kind, caring, patient and easygoing man. He was outgoing and enjoyed being around people. He liked to joke around, have fun and keep things interesting with his playful verbal banter. Roger enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing pool, and playing cards.

Roger was especially talented at playing pool and he played to win. In his younger years, he became so good that pool establishments would sometimes call him to come and "get someone off the pool table" when a person had been winning a little too consistently.

Roger's greatest enjoyment came from the people he shared his life with. He valued his friendships, enjoyed a good game and good company, and took pleasure in the simple fun of spending time with others.

Roger is survived by his wife, Ruth Stark; his son, Ron Stark, and daughter-in-law, Hollie Stark; grandchildren, Terrie Foster and Wyatt Stark; and great-grandchild, Johnny Parker. He is also survived by the extended family he was proud to have as part of his life, including Ethan Bates and Cassidy Murl and their daughter Alara; Jacob Bates and Alison Bates and their children Clarity, Eleanor, and Kaleb; Anna Bates and Clint Brown; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Florence Stark; his sister, Sharon Kephart; his brother-in-law, Jim Kephart and niece Connie Raymond.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel in Osage, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel in Osage, Iowa, with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.