Marjorie E. Stark's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Marjorie Ellen Stark, age 88 of Charleston, passed away at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. A celebration of Marge's life will be held Monday, November 24, 2014 at the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church, 203 South Illinois Street, in Ashmore, Illinois. The funeral service honoring her life will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Reverends Drew Holloway and Maureen Clark officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from10:00 a.m. until service time. Inurnment will be in Iowa at a later date. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church or to the Illinois Cottey College Scholarship Fund. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Marge Stark was the fourth of six children, born to the hardworking Black Hawk County, Iowa farm family of George and Lucy (Pratt) Glasener on December 13, 1925. Discipline and work were Marge's middle name. Her biggest personal challenge was her stuttering. This was so severe that she frequently struggled even to say hello when answering the phone. This may have discouraged many people; however, Marge worked through this challenge with professional help, thus inspiring us all in dealing with adversity. From her early childhood days of tending to the asparagus field on the farm, Marge learned that the dirt under her fingernails and a love of growing plants were her earthly connection to God. She loved her church and prayed daily for everyone who touched her life. Marge never sat still. There was always work to be done. Her house was immaculate. She walked daily for exercise and to collect litter along Lover's Lane. For respect of God's earth, Marge made sure that the litter was recycled. There were always projects to be done. Rugs to be braided, lap quilts to be made, hats to knit, flowers to be arranged. With each stitch, Marge said a loving prayer for the recipient. For 50 years her P.E.O. sisters were very important to Marge. She worked on projects, socialized, conspired, and shared the joys and sorrows of life with these special friends. Marge married Russ Stark on June 25, 1948. Marge and Russ touched many lives in their 50 years of ministry with the Presbyterian Church USA. Russ preceded Marge in death on November 22, 2011. Marge's survivors include sons: Ric Stark of Ocean View, HI, Jeff Stark of Storm Lake, IA, Dick and Lucy Stark of Charleston, IL; six grandchildren and their families, Katie and Jason Crichton (Maggie, Charlie, Ethan), Dan Stark and Sarah Peterson, Chuck Stark and Wendy Clinard (Sophia), Kelly and Ryan Lawrence (Noah, Eli), Ryan Stark, Mike Stark; a sister, Ann and Gene Hultman; a sister Alice Glasener; a brother-in-law, Glenn Stark; and a sister-in-law, Joann Kerkove. In addition to her parents and husband Marge was preceded in death by a sister, Hattie Eslinger and two brothers, Bill and Dale Glasener.
What’s your fondest memory of Marjorie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marjorie?
Share a story where Marjorie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marjorie you’ll never forget.
How did Marjorie make you smile?