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Mike Stark Obituary

RAPID CITY - Michael H. Stark, 45, Rapid City, died Friday, April 15, 2005, at Rapid City Regional Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer that he fought with grace and dignity. Mike was born in Alexandria, MN to Harold Stark and Mary Jordan and moved to Rapid City in 1966. He graduated from Stevens High School in 1979 and college at Black Hills State University and the University of South Dakota with a degree in Mass Communications. Mike worked in the gaming industry for several years traveling extensively throughout the United States. He met Kat in 1992 and married in October of 1995 ... 13 short years but love that will last a lifetime. Mike loved the Black Hills and was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed weekends at Pactola Lake on his wave runners. He enjoyed hanging out with friends and listening to music, especially Jimmy Buffet songs. Mike's family and friends meant the world to him. He lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He also enjoyed the occasional trip to Murphy's! Mike is survived by his wife Kat Stark, Rapid City; his father Harold Stark (Jane), Billings, Montana; his mother Mary Jordan, Pactola; two brothers, Tony Stark (Laurie), Miles City, Montana and Bob Simonich, Billings; and four sisters, Heidi Grau (Tom), La Crosse, Wisconsin, Gale Stott (Dave), April Stark and Karen LaSeur (Jerry), all of Billings, Montana and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Lloyd J. Smith, Rapid City, brother and sister-in-law, Kevin & Jeanne Schoepf of Edgemont, SD, brother-in-law, Michael Smith, Rapid City. Preceding him in death are his grandparents and mother-in-law, Betty J. Smith. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. Christian wake services, Monday, April 18, at Osheim-Catron Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Kevin Achbach presiding and Rev. Mark McCormick as the homilist. The family wishes to thank all medical personnel that were involved in his care and to all the wonderful friends that prayed for him. A memorial has been established. "Thank you Rapid City, Good Night." Friends may offer condolences and sign the online guest book at www.osheimcatron.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rapid City Journal on Apr. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Mike Stark

Not sure what to say?





John, Mona & Jordan Hayes

May 17, 2005

Dear Kat and all Mike's Family,



So sorry this is late but we needed to pass along our sincerest condolences. It is hard to put feelings into words when there are so many wonderful memories of such a great friend. Mona and I will always treasure those memories as he certainly touched our lives forever.



Kat, I hope you know how much he appreciated your love, strength and support as well as the Family's. You took a "true work of art" and made it into a masterpiece.



We feel absolutely privileged to have been a part of his voyage through life. He was apillar of what life should be...love, fun, kindness, positivity and joy. We should all make an effort to follow his footsteps and make the most out of the time we have in this world. It's not where you go in life, but how you enjoy the ride.



God Bless you Mike! And you Kat for being his true love.



Save a beer and a shoe for me Mike.

May 4, 2005

Stan Gebhart

May 3, 2005

Kat ---

So very sorry about Mike, you and the entire family have our families condolences.



Mike was one of the those special guys to me in that he always made you feel good when you we're with him. His sense of humor and always the "cup was half full" type guy. We first meant at USD via his Rapid City Stevens friends and quickly became good friends. We were Miller Lite buds and he could sure eat his share of an R-Pizza (and most of my four piece chicken dinner and tots). Another talent of Mike's was he could diffuse any hostile situation with anybody and before you knew it --- he and the potential combatant were laughing, sharing stories and pulling everyone else into the conversation. He was one guy that -- even today -- many years later if I wanted a little guy time -- I'd call him first. He referred to me as a 'little hondyonker'. I called him Jethrow primarily because he ate his breakfast cereal out of a big salad bowl.



His good nature approach to life will be missed and one I will take with me (emulate) everyday. I miss Mike.



Stan.

Barb Didier-Stager

May 3, 2005

I was so saddened to hear about Mike. He was such a sincerely nice person and friend, and had a great smile. My condolences go out to the Stark family.

Kip Dean

April 25, 2005

Dear family of Mike,



I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Mike and I were best friends in grade school at Cleghorn, and classmates at Stevens High and Black Hills State. We always kept track of each other, no matter how far apart and how much time elapsed between our visits. I have many fond memories of Mike and am blessed to have known him and to have had him be part of my life. He was truly one of the good people. He had a courageous, huge heart, a ready smile and laugh, and a way of being that made you feel good just for being around him. I will miss him, but always remember him. My sincerest sympathy to all his family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brad Johnson

April 25, 2005

I was shocked to hear about Mike, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I will always remember our earlier days, playing sports, and generally just having a good time growing up. We were blessed.

God's love,

Brad Johnson

Lisa Sissenstein

April 21, 2005

Dear Kat,

Sometimes we do not know what one is going through.

How work and home can be two seperate places.

Please know how sad I was to hear about Mike and how my prayers are with you at this time.

If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to call...

You are such a strong and special person but know that there are many friends that are wanting to help you through this. And I am one.

May God Bless and give you peace at this difficult time.

Your Friend

LISA

Mark Fakler

April 21, 2005

Dear Kat and Family

We offer our condolences and prayers for you at this time. Mike was such a special person, he always made time for the people in his life. Mike lived life to fullest extent possible and when I think of Mike I can't help but smile, there are so many wonderful memories. I am saddened by the fact that he is not here with us and I will miss the big man but I know he is in better place. He probably has Buffet cranked, the beers on ice and is enjoying his friends in heaven. Thank you for sharing Mike with the rest of us, we are all better people for having known Mike.

Karen LaSeur

April 20, 2005

I want to share with all friends and family the last words that Mike said to me; "Have fun!" I think Mike invented the word fun. Until we meet again to have fun, my love for him and memories will carry me through. May this bring comfort to others as well, especially his special, special love of his life...Kat.

Mike: till we meet again to dance and sing to Buffett, "Show heaven what fun is!"

Love Karen

Steve Johnson

April 20, 2005

Kat, I am so saddened by your loss. You have been in my thoughts and prayers, and may you find peace and comfort in this time of need.You are truly one of the special ones on this earth, and my condolences go out to you and your loved ones.

Carol Matt

April 20, 2005

To Mike's family:



I was so sad to read of Mike's passing in the paper. Many years ago I used to go to Murphy's after work. I was acquainted with Mike through a mutual friend. If there ever was a person with a zest for life, it was Mike. He was far too young to go, but he must have accomplished all that we was supposed to here with us. Heaven is a richer place now that Mike is there. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.



'Til we meet again.

Verla Kaufman

April 20, 2005

Kat,I have thought of you often these last few days. I cannot imagine what you are going through at this time. I often think of how my life would change if I were where you are now and I find my thoughts are to painful to imagine. I pray that God's grace, mercy and love surround your heart with peace.

Terril Perrine

April 20, 2005

As I sit her and write this I find myself torn between a sadness for the loss of someone who was truely part of the lives of all of the class of '79' and finding comform and even a smile remembering all the crazy, fun, outlandish, wild and exciting things we did as young boys growing into men. Mike was always leading the pack of zanny things whether at sporting events, parties, school dances, road trips, in the class room, or across the county. While we are always sad for the loss of a true friend and will forever look back and say we should have stayed in touch more as the years progressed, we are all fortunate to have been allowed into Mike's world. Each one of us can easily pull back the covers of time and find a wonderful memory of Mike to share with ourselves. The laughter and the enegy that Mike exhibited are what fuels the souls of man. We are all blessed to have known Mike and we are all better people for it. Mike so long for now but I will see you in the future and I trust you will have the big smile waiting to greet me again. Kat thanks for sharing Mike with everyone and staying by his side over all these years.

Eddie & Cindy Blewett

April 19, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike was a wonderful guy from the old school. Great memories of a great man. Godspeed!

Cindy (TEX) & Eddie

Kris Norlin

April 19, 2005

Kat,

We wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and are sadden by the loss of Mike. Please take care and know that we will check in with you when we are walking the dogs by... :) Your neighbors,

Kris, Rolf and Alex Norlin

Vonnie Anderson

April 19, 2005

Kat, I'm so sorry for your lost, my prayers and thoughts are with you, Mike was a special man and brought a lot of joy and happiness to this old world. God Bless!

Bonnie Burgess Moore

April 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mike was always my "other" brother growing up. I continued to run into him at airports or at theaters when visiting Rapid City and a big bear hug was always the hello. He'll be greatly missed by many.

Beth Holliday-Woody

April 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I will always remember Mike as a enthusiastic and wonderful friend and classmate. Class of "79"

Rocky & Dianne Volker

April 19, 2005

Dear Kat,



We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Mike. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, Rocky & Dianne

Carol Pollard-Hoogestraat

April 19, 2005

My prayers are with Mike's family, the days at USD are still fresh in my mind with Mike's great and endless sense of humor. Mike is entertaining them in Heaven now.

Carol Hoogestraat

Dick Johnson

April 19, 2005

Mike's family--I just learned last night about Mikes death. Many great memories with Mary, Mike and the family come to my mind. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this very difficult time.

Dan Horsley

April 18, 2005

From the old crowd - condolences to the family & thanks for the memories.

Kelly Bennett-Hotovec

April 18, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family & friends. "Sparky" was truly a good friend. His sense of humor and love of life will live forever in our hearts. Memories from our younger years will always be cherished. I can only imagine the celebration at the gates of heaven as Mike is welcomed home!

Marie & Dale Ingalls

April 18, 2005

It saddened me to hear of Mike's death as I am a cancer survivor. I'm sure he's in a place where there is no suffering or pain. God Bless you Kat! Derek and Mitz Jensen are my nephew and niece! He sent out an e-mail about Mike's death. Just too young to die. Our son was only 42!

Mark Bsharah

April 18, 2005

I was deeply saddened by the news of Mike's passing. Mike will be missed dearly. My condolences and best wishes to the Stark family.

Mary Jean and Eldon Jensen

April 18, 2005

We recall with fondness your visit to Shadehill, as well as times in RC. It is for sure that Mike never met a stranger. You have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy Finch

April 18, 2005

Kat

I was so sorry to read about Mike's death. From one who has been there and although it seems impossible, time does heal. The loss will always be there but the pain does ease with time. If there is any way I can help, please, give me a call. Thinking of you and all of the family. God bless all of you.

Marlys Clutter

April 18, 2005

Mary and family--So wanted to be there for you at this time; but Dr says to go slow right now. I am therewith you all in spirit and in prayers. It is so wrong to bury our children,Mary; God has the answers-and we will know one day. Be strong; Love Marlys

Janet Olson

April 18, 2005

My prayers are with your family at this time. I have very fond memories of Mike during our years at Stevens High.

God Bless,

Janet Olson, Rapid City

Jack Arneson

April 18, 2005

God bless Mike and his family. My memories of Mike and our younger years will be treasured memories to last a life time, truly a sad loss.

Brett Erickson

April 18, 2005

Great chats and talk of great life. Sometimes so hard to figure it out. Please Lord bless those with strength and bring Mike to you.

Thanks for the advice Mike.

We will all see each other soon.



Love ,

Brett Erickson

Sandra Schwan-Sandmeier

April 18, 2005

Kat,



I was very sorry to learn of you loss. May you find comfort in your memories and strength in your family and friends





Women's Network Member

Mandy Garrett

April 18, 2005

Sorry for your losses. I will be praying for you all!

Kay Richards-Zurcher

April 18, 2005

Kat, it is with deep sadness I am writing to you about the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort & peace knowing he suffers no more and is in the loving arms of his creator. Love Kay & Family

Carla Streeter

April 18, 2005

I have some great memories from our school days together. Mike will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Kat and the family. Rest in peace.

Mike Malon

April 18, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you Kat. My memories of Mike will always bring a smile!

In Jesus' name,

Mike

Jean-Claude "JC" Buffington

April 18, 2005

So long my friend, no more pain. I will always remember the laughs and the good times that we shared together and you will always be in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Till we meet again…God speed!

Bob and Peggy Parlet

April 18, 2005

We are sorry to hear of your lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Bob and Peg Parlet

Bob Simonich

April 18, 2005

Goodbye my friend, my brother. You will be missed in body, your sprit will live on forever. You will always in my heart, and always in my prayers. Thanks for the time shared in life. Now rest and be at peace. Love always and forever.

Osheim-Catron Funeral Home

April 17, 2005

Ozzie & Bev Osheim and staff offer our sincere
sympathy in the loss of your loved one.

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