Stark, Jerome H.

Jerome H. Stark, age 71, of Waupaca, WI., passed away on Sunday, October 30th, 2011. He was born in Wausau, WI., on May 29, 1940, a son of the late Harold and Crescent (Britz) Stark. Jerry led a full life. He attended Mosinee schools and excelled in football and hockey. Jerry then earned collegiate athletic scholarships for football and hockey to Northland College in Ashland, WI where he was also a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. Jerry also attended St Mary’s School of Nursing in Wausau, WI from which he earned a Nursing Diploma in 1964. He married Maxine A. Fischer on June 1, 1963 in Wisconsin Rapids. Jerry was employed as a Registered Nurse at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King, WI from 1965 until retirement in 2000 serving as Director of Inservice Education and Staff Development for most of his years. Jerry proudly served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army Nurse Corps. He served on active duty in Vietnam with the 71st Evacuation Hospital from 1967-1968. Jerry then served in the United States Army Reserves, and was Commander of the 44th General Hospital , King section from 1970-1992. He again served on active duty in Nuremburg, Germany during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Jerry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Jerry also received recognition for outstanding service from the Vietnam Veterans of America Wisconsin State Council. Jerry was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jerry proudly co-founded the Waupaca Youth Hockey Program in the 1970’s and coached the hockey youth of Waupaca for many years watching the program grow into a respected community organization. Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing and shared his love of the outdoors with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hobby farming on the beautiful property he called home with his wife and children, and also had a love for restoring antique tractors. Jerry was an avid sports fan, and was especially proud of his grandsons’ athletic accomplishments. Jerry also enjoyed and looked forward to traveling adventures with his wife Maxine, especially to Hawaii, Nebraska, and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Jerry was a hero in the eyes of his family and the many people whose lives he touched. He was extremely proud of his family’s achievements of whom he named “The Awesome 11”. He held strong to the man that he was until the very end. Survivors include his Wife: Maxine Stark, Waupaca, WI; Children: SuZanne (Grant) Rogers, Elkhorn, NE; Terie (Casey) Holmquist, Avon, CO; Scott (Toni) Stark, Elkhorn, NE; Grandchildren: Scottie Stark; Jack and Sam Rogers; Sister: Mary (Leonord) Williams, Marinette, WI. He is further survived by nephews, other relatives and dear friends. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Community in Waupaca at 10 AM today, Thursday, November 3rd, 2011, with Father Jerry Hoeser, officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Farmington, Waupaca Co., WI. Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9 AM until the time of the service at the church. The Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.