Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Elmer Stark Obituary
Growing up on a rural N.H. farm, the Starks all relied on Finnish ingenuity. This fostered a lifetime appreciation for any new innovations. Anything was possible!
After serving in WWII, upon guidance from Headmaster Hjalmer Maki, Elmer earned his Mechanical Engineering degree at UNH. The highlight of his career was proudly designing trajectory systems for the Apollo Space Missions.
He married the love of his life, Thelma, raised seven children, got his pilot's license, built every house he
lived in, and traveled worldwide with Thelma. They never missed a Finn Fest!
Sadly he lost Thelma to cancer. Then at eighty drafted a bucket list. Up in a hot air balloon, down in submarines, Greenland to the tropics. He covered it.
His kindness, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit will always be cherished.
Elmer is survived by his children Nancy, David, Alex, Laurie, Karl, Katrina, and Erik, 12 grandchildren and a growing list of great grandchildren. We are forever indebted to his nephews Allan Stark and Bill Kivela and to Abi Mills who helped Elmer stay independent in his later years.
Elmer is predeceased by his loving wife Thelma (Dolan) Stark and his parents John and Minnie (Makela)
Stark as well as his siblings.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at The New Ipswich Congregational Church, 156 Main Street, New Ipswich. Burial will follow immediately after the service at
Smithville Cemetery, Binney Hill Road, New Ipswich.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you follow Elmer's example and go on an adventure of your own.
Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elmer Stark
Joanie MacPhee
July 4, 2017
Oh, sorry I missed Elmer's funeral and the chance to meet more of his (and my) family. My grandmother, Hilma Makela, came from Finland when she was 16 and lived with her cousin Minnie (Elmer's mom) on Fox Farm Road for a while before getting a job in Fitchburg in the very early 20th century. I got to know Elmer when we'd discuss the family tree at parties at the Anderson house in his later years. Hanna Makela Anderson was another Fox Farm Road cousin. Sorry that I will see him there no more. What a life he led!
Here we are just about 90yr.s old and hanging in here
Walter Muhonen
November 29, 2016
Walter Muhonen I was two years younger then Elmer I live in Buffalo MN 55313 and still going
Peggy Goodrow-Coobick
November 28, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Stark family. I worked with Elmer at GE Ordnance back in 1966. He was always very nice and a true gentleman.
Jane Kincaid
November 27, 2016
To all the Stark family,
I knew both Thelma & Elmer,I lived on the same Road at one time,My sympathy's to all the family, They will both me missed,
Douglas Wiedeman
November 26, 2016
Elmer-Good bye old friend.Thanks for the fun we had working together.
You made working an enjoyable experience.
You made knowing you a fond memory.
November 24, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
Cheryl Jankowski
November 22, 2016
My condolences to Elmer's family for this great loss. i also spent time taking care of Elmer in his later years allowing him to his independence as much as possible, and was truly blessed with this time with him making him as comfortable as possible. He was truly a joy and a very strong kind hearted man. He was a wonderful man. God bless his soul and peace and oomfort to his loved ones.
Gunell, Makela and Sundqvist families
November 22, 2016
We all offer our deepest sympathy.
Amanda Belle-Isle
November 22, 2016
Sincere condolences de la part des Belle-Isle
Jellison Funeral Home The staff at Jellison Funeral Home
November 22, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Elmer Stark's name
Memorial Events
for Elmer Stark
Funeral services provided by:
Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services25 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH 03458
How to support Elmer's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elmer Stark's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
