Karen L. Starck

1944 - 2025

CLEARFIELD - Karen L. Starck, 80, of Clearfield, passed away at UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Born Sept. 21, 1944 in Clearfield, she was the daughter of Richard and Mary (Undercoffer) Gilbert.

Karen graduated from St. Francis High School, Clearfield.

On Nov. 8, 1975, she wed the love of her life, Thomas W. Starck in St. John's Lutheran Church, Lanse. Together they raised their daughter, Jennifer.

She was employed by the Clearfield County Courthouse where she worked as the Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for 16 years. During her time at the Courthouse, she was a member of the Clearfield County Republican Committee. Karen retired in 2008 after 34 years of service. She was also a member of the Clearfield County Republican Women's Club. She had served as secretary for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local union.

Karen loved nature and enjoyed watching birds. Her flower garden was filled with flowers of all varieties, including poppies and four foot, or higher, tree lilies. Karen was known for her pie baking, especially Coconut Crème pie. Fortunately, Karen otherwise known as "Ninny" by her grandchildren, passed her pie baking skills to her granddaughters, a skill they cherish. When she wasn't baking pies, Karen would spend her time playing a variety of card games with her family and friends, shopping at the mall, or enjoying a glass of wine on her deck in the evenings.

She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years; her daughter, Jennifer (Bryon) Whipkey, Wexford; four grandchildren, Alec Whipkey of Decatur, Ill., Grace Whipkey of Lawrenceville, Alaina Whipkey, and Sara Whipkey, both of Wexford. She is also survived by one sister, Mary Jane Baumgarner, Norwell, Mass., brother-in-law, Randy Starck and sister-in-law, Linda Starck, both of Winburne, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard Gilbert III; and brother-in-law, Paul Baumgarner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Clearfield with the Rev. Robert Horgas as celebrant. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.

Friends will be received at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, Inc. on Wednesday, July 23 from 4–8 p.m, and on Thursday, July 24 from 9-9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Clearfield SPCA, 275 21st Street, Clearfield, PA 16830.

The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., of Clearfield is overseeing the arrangements.

To send online tributes please go to www.bennettandhouser.com.