Frank William Stark

Frank W. Stark, 82, of Altura, MN died Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at Lake Winona Manor in Winona, MN.Frank was born on November 25, 1924 to Albert and Minnie (Glende) Stark on a farm near Altura. After finishing grade school, he worked on several farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Frank served in the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He served in the infantry and was in the Okinawa Invasion. On May 4, 1948 Frank married Bernice Leisen in Elba, MN. Frank's working career consisted of assembling three water towers in Altura, Hayward, and Brownsdale. He also worked as a mechanic for Winona Bearing & Machine and Hubbard Milling in Altura. Frank's hobby after retiring was riding over 400,000 miles on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. He went on many trips with his special riding friend, Ray Koenig. Frank was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Altura. Survivors include six children, Sherrie (Charles) Krenzke of St. Charles; Patricia (Rick) Plank of Faribault; Debra (Randy) Rusert of Utica; Randall (Cheryl) Stark of Altura; Darlene (Gary) Beckers of Altura; and Dawn (Al Bartz) Stark of Bethany, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers, Conrad (Alice) of Minneiska; Marvin (Beverly) of Clairemont; Gerald (Grace) of Goodview; and Curt (Betty) of Rollingstone, and one sister, Lois Ellinghuysen of Lewiston.Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, his parents, an infant son, and a great-granddaughter.A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Altura, MN with the Reverend James Callahan officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery at Oak Ridge. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion of Winona. Friends may call from 4-7 PM on Friday at the church and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Please feel free to share a memory of Frank with the family or sign the on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com