Ernest Stara

1942 - 2026

Ernest Stara

Ernest Stara, 83, of Bruno passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Bruno, The Rev. Caleb Hile, Celebrant.

Visitation Friday 4 to 7 p.m. Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City. Additional visitation 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Committal at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors. Lunch at St. Anthony's Catholic Hall.

Memorials suggested to family wishes or masses.

Kracl Funeral Chapel of David City is handling arrangements.

Ernest "Ernie" was born December 8, 1942, in David City to James J. and Mary M. (Pecha) Stara and grew up on the farm south of Bruno, Neb. He was the youngest of 10 children in the family with five sisters and four brothers.

Ernie graduated from David City Public High School in 1961 where he was active in FFA and played football. After graduation he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard and served six years as a Senior Wireman climbing telephone poles to secure communications. While not serving in the military, Ernie was farming alongside his father and brothers.

On August 20, 1966, he married Jane Roubal at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Abie, Neb., and they lived on the farm he grew up on near Bruno. Ernie and Jane raised four children and taught them the importance of family, faith, and dedication to the land. His strong work ethic was seen on the farm as well as helping out family, friends, and neighbors. Ernie continued to farm even after being diagnosed with cancer last spring, 2025. He was always quick to tell the nurses during chemotherapy treatment that he needed to get home to plant, irrigate, or harvest. Ernie passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 83, at his home on the farm with family nearby.

Ernie is survived by his children: daughter, Dr. Michelle Stara (Kim Burlingame) of Lincoln; sons, Doug Stara (Carol Martinez) of Ulysses, Chris Stara of Omaha and Greg Stara of Omaha; grandchildren, Cassie Stara of Grand Island, Stetson (Hannah) Stara of Waverly, Caitlin (Millie) Stara-O'Brien of Lincoln, Bailey Stara-O'Brien of Lincoln, Kayden Burlingame-Kroah of Lincoln, Megan Stara-O'Brien of Lincoln, Cole Martinez of David City, and Kylee Martinez of Ulysses; four great-grandchildren, Delilah and Daphne Stara, and Lux and Koa Martinez; three brothers, Albin Stara of David City, Donald Stara of Bee, Neb., and Kenneth Stara of Rising City, Neb.; two sisters-in-law, Kathy (Vaughn) Wasenius, Glenwood, Iowa and Shirley Stara, Fremont, Neb.; and many other relatives, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Stara; mother and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Roubal; five sisters, Marcy Stara, Adeline Jakub, Delores Coufal, Martha Glynn, and Sally Siroky; and one brother, Eugene Stara.

Kracl Funeral Chapel