Denise Stark

Denise Stark, 76 of Winona, passed away peacefully Monday, June 8, 2020 at her home. Denise was born on February 22, 1944 in Winona to Hector Sr. and Ida (Selke) Olson.

She was united in marriage to Frederick "Fritz" Stark on February 29, 1960 in Caledonia, Minnesota. Together Denise and Fritz made their home in Pickwick, Minnesota raising four children, Lori, Kimmy, Theresa, and Fritzie until their move to Winona in 2015.

Denise held various jobs throughout her life and retired from Goodson in 2006. As her husband tended to the annual garden, she took pride in spending many long hours as the "Master" in canning produce to nourish her family. Many family and friends would have to agree that Denise made the best pickled beets, dill pickles, and salsa. It was proven each year when her cellar shelves were filled with the jars of "true labor of love." Denise was a great seamstress as she had sewn matching dresses for herself and daughters for many family events. She enjoyed caring for her Pickwick yard, especially the beautiful peonies that bordered the driveway and she also baked the best apple bars from the fruit picked from their trees. It can't be left unsaid, Denise was also known as "Dr. Denise" with remedies of her own, such as how to treat the common cold with Vitamin C or the homemade poultice of warm milk and bread to draw out an infection. As many may have heard, "It is what it is" were common words stated by Denise. She lived life to the fullest and to the best of her ability by following the words of the Serenity Prayer, "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference." She was known to put other's feelings first and instilled goodness in those she loved.

Survivors include her children; Lori (Tim) Kropidlowski of Winona, Kimberly (Randy) Brommer of Alma, WI, Theresa (Daniel) Houdek of Dubuque, IA, and Frederick (Pennie) Stark III of Centerville, WI, grandchildren; Jeremiah (Danielle), Jennalee (Henry), Tausheena (Bryan), Lindsey (Jeff), Augustes (Brittany), Abby (Francis), Elizabeth, and Charity (Dan), great-grandchildren; Vaida, Madelynn, Deliah, Elijah, Wyatt, Ethan, Emma, Amelia, Emma, Margaret, Braydin, Isaac, Gideon, Garret, Levi, and Braxton, siblings; Janet, Sonja, twin brother, Dennis, Doreen, Debra (David), and Hector (Karen), brother-in-law; Robert, sister-in-laws; Barbara, Sandra, and Norma Olson, and many nieces and nephews.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fritz, great-grandsons, Delsin and Able, brothers, Ralph, Arlen, Carlyle, Roger, and Loren; and sister, Karen.

A prayer service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the prayer. Denise will be laid to rest in Bush Cemetery in a private family service. Following CDC guidelines, the family prefers visitors wear masks and maintain social distancing. Please leave a memory of Denise and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Forsyth, for the comfort and care provided to Denise on her final days of life.