Honorable Christopher Clyde ‘Kip’ Starck passed away on August 16, 2025, peacefully in his home. Born on May 6, 1954, in Deerfield, Illinois, to Daniel and Polly Starck, Kip is survived by his wife, Laura, and their four children – Elizabeth (Brian) Coughlin, Katherine (Jacob) Self, Christopher Starck (Miranda Sanders), and Samuel (Marie) Starck – who will forever carry his love in their hearts. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren James, Rory, and Cameron, as well as his siblings Laurie Sirus and Peter Starck.
Kip lived a life defined by service, honor, and joy. After completing his undergraduate degree at Carroll College, he went on to earn his law degree from Loyola University. He began his career practicing law and later served with distinction from the bench. Kip was a judge for the Nineteenth Circuit Court, and was ultimately elected to Chief Judge of Lake County from 2004-2007. He was selected for numerous committee appointments including the Chair of Supreme Court Special Committee on Capital Punishment. In retirement, he consulted for the Illinois Supreme Court overseeing the implementation of the e-filing system. His fairness, wisdom, and dedication left a lasting impact on the community he served.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kip was a man of many passions. He found peace in fishing, joy in shelling along the beaches of Sanibel Island, adventure in scuba diving, excitement on the ski slopes, and pride in his woodworking. Kip was a loving father who coached baseball, attended choir concerts, and smoked countless briskets for his family.
Kip was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001. Despite all the obstacles he faced, he never let MS get in the way of living his life.
Visitation for Kip will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday August 23, 2025 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church 22333 W. Erhart Rd. Mundelein. Funeral mass will begin at 11:00 AM.
A private memorial service will be held for close family and friends. Kip will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.
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