OSAGE — Roger Dale Stark, 85, of Osage, died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends (May 25, 1941 — Aug 20, 2026).
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 28, at Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel, 702 State Street in Osage.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, at Champion Chapel. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Roger was born May 25, 1941, in Riceville, the son of Paul and Florence Campbell Stark. He grew up in Riceville and graduated from high school there.
Following high school, Roger served three years in the United States Army, including more than two years stationed in Germany.
In 1965, Roger married Ruth McKenna, and together they raised their son, Ronald Dale Stark.
Roger spent 29 years working for Rockwell Collins, with his career taking him to Cedar Rapids, Mason City and Sumner. He served as a foreman for many years and earned a reputation as someone who worked well with others.
Mechanically inclined, Roger enjoyed figuring out how things worked and finding solutions when something needed to be fixed.
After retiring from Rockwell Collins, Roger moved to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he and Ruth purchased and operated a Taco John’s restaurant. He later returned to Iowa and settled in Osage to be closer to family.
Roger was known as a kind, patient and easygoing man who enjoyed being around people. He had a playful sense of humor and was always ready for some friendly verbal banter.
His favorite pastimes included golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards and shooting pool.
Roger was particularly skilled at pool and developed quite a reputation for his abilities in his younger years. He enjoyed competition, but even more important to him were the friendships and good times that came with the games he played.
Family and friends remained at the center of Roger’s life. He appreciated good company and the simple enjoyment of spending time with the people around him.
Roger is survived by his wife, Ruth Stark; son Ron Stark and his wife, Hollie; grandchildren Terrie Foster and Wyatt Stark; and great-grandchild Johnny Parker.
He is also survived by extended family members Ethan Bates and Cassidy Murl and their daughter, Alara; Jacob Bates and Alison Bates and their children, Clarity, Eleanor and Kaleb; Anna Bates and Clint Brown; along with many nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Florence Stark; sister Sharon Kephart; brother-in-law Jim Kephart; and niece Connie Raymond.
Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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