Jerome K. "Jerry" Starz

Jerome "Jerry" K. Starz, 98, formerly of Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone.

He was born on June 29, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Anthony and Margaret (Hoffman) Starz. On January 25, 1947, Jerry married Shirley Buchert and began their journey of 71 years. Together they had four children and began creating the Starz legacy.

Jerry was a proud World War II veteran, serving toward the end of the war when he was just 17 years old. Years later, his family convinced him to participate in an Honor Flight, which he would later say was one of the best and proudest days of his life. Though he did not see combat, he came to fully appreciate the important role he played in the war effort. On that trip, he was treated like a king, as he was the oldest veteran and the only World War II veteran on the plane.

He dreamed of owning a bowling center one day. After tirelessly working his own construction company for many years in 1972, Jerry and Shirley sold everything and purchased Brown Deer Lanes ("The Lanes"). With it thriving, they then purchased Sussex Bowl in 1982. Both centers were run by the family and were later purchased by two of their children. Jerry later bought a restaurant with another family member. Today the family has moved on from "The Lanes" and the restaurant, but Sussex Bowl remains in the family and is going strong with one of his grandchildren at the helm.

Jerry enjoyed many sports - baseball, golf, and especially bowling. With numerous 300 games, 700 series, and many tournament titles under his belt, he was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame. He truly enjoyed sharing his love of the game with others and touched many lives with his coaching skills. He never missed a chance to assist bowlers with their problems on the lanes.

Jerry is survived by his children, Lynda (Dick) Graves, Gail (Jeff) Starz-Higbie, Kim (Lee) Starz-Nicolas, and Guy (Mary Jo) Starz; his grandchildren, Tammy Graves, Jason Graves, Angela (Starz) (Joe) Glezen, Stephen (Cassie) Hoehnen, Kailee (Nicholas) (Rebecca) Mateo, Krysta (Ness-Starz) (John) Seder, and Sara (Ness) (Ryan) Chenier; and 11 great-grandchildren: Vance, Wesley, Harlow, and Xander Hoehnen; Aylah, Rowan, and Briggs Seder; Ava and Bode Chenier; and Julian and Frances Glezen.

In August 2018, the love of his life, Shirley, passed away. We are comforted knowing he is with her again. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, a celebration of life will be held at Sussex Bowl N64W24576 Main St., from noon to 4 p.m. The family hopes many of you will be able to join them. A private burial will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park on Monday, May 18, 2026, where he will spend eternity with his wife.

The family would appreciate contributions to BOWLERS TO VETERANS at bvl.org in memory of our parents.

The Crawford Funeral Home assisted the Starz family.