Dennis P. Stark

It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Dennis Paul Stark at the age of 75 after a long hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma. He peacefully passed away on Monday, March 17th while surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 15th, 1950, in Fort Atkinson to Ruben and Doris (Twining) Stark, Denny graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1968. He attended UW Whitewater for two years but then decided to take a job with Yerges driving semi-professionally over the road. This allowed him to see a lot of our beautiful country, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Several years later he took a job with Consolidated Freightways and stayed with that company until they closed their doors. After 34 years of driving, he went in a different direction and got his Real Estate Brokers license starting with Wayne Hayes Real Estate, later joining Kim Foelker when she opened Fort Real Estate. He worked diligently with every family to find the best property for them, striving to ensure they would be happy in their new home.
In June of 1984, his 4-year-old daughter was tragically taken from him leaving a heart-wrenching void in his life. He married Jill (Trieloff) Lueder in June of 1987. Seven years after the accident, he was blessed with another child, a son. He also helped raise 3 stepchildren through the years. He enjoyed watching his children's sports as well as coaching them in youth football and basketball.
Denny was a very strong, loving and dedicated man. He was a member of St. Johns Community Church, Fort Atkinson for many years, serving on the church council as president and treasurer for several terms. He also sang in the church choir. He loved his little country church and the very close church family there, including a very special Pastor Kevin Butler.
He dearly loved his WI Badgers, GB Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoyed following the sports teams of schools where his son has worked, including the Kansas Jayhawks, IL State Redbirds and currently the Fighting Illini. Denny relished long walks, playing cards and golfing and especially enjoyed time spent at home with his family as well as his beloved dog, Cooper. He took pride in everything he did and it showed, using the mentality that if you are going to do something, do it right. A special time of year at the Starks was Christmas time. He worked meticulously perfecting the lights and displays that adorned their home, both inside and out.
For over five years, supported by his loving wife, family and friends, Denny's will to live gave him the strength and courage to try every treatment available to him in his battle to overcome cancer. When the treatments were no longer working and there were no other options, he realized it was time to be reunited with Bethany Megan, fulfilling a promise he had made to her many years ago to be with her again. Denny will be dearly missed by his family and friends, but we are happy knowing that he's with his precious daughter once again.
Preceded in death by his beloved daughter Bethany Megan, his parents, mother and father-in-law, and stepson Sean. Denny is survived by his bride Jill, son Derek, stepdaughter Shauna Lueder and stepson Brian. He is also survived by his sisters, Jeanne Stark and Margery (Donald) Clark, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dale and Cris Trieloff, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judy and George Carney, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Denny's memory may make donations to St. John's Community Church or Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson County. Assisted by Dunlap Memorial Home, visitations will be held at St. John's Community Church in Fort Atkinson, WI on Thursday, March 27th from 4-6 pm and at 9:30 am on Friday, March 28th. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11 am with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion.
A very special thank you to Dr. Natalie Callander of UW Health - Carbone Cancer Center and Dr. Shannon O'Mahar of SSM Health - Oncology. Working together with their medical expertise and excellent care, Denny was given more time than this aggressive disease often allows. Thanks also to his faithful friends Dave, Elvin, Jeff and Roger for all their help and support throughout this journey.
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