GARDEN CITY, Mich. - Joan Marie Stark, 83, of Garden City, Mich., passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2012, at home surrounded by loved ones.
She was born on Feb. 14, 1929, in Boyne City, Mich. the daughter of Richard and Edith Erno. In 1950, she married Donald Stark of Petoskey, Mich.
In the following years, her family made their homes in Petoskey, Scottsdale, Ariz., St. Ignace, Alpena, Garden City, Marquette, and Escanaba areas.
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Joan Marie Stark
Mom enjoyed being a homemaker, and was an excellent baker and seamstress. Her greatest pleasure, though, was raising her children through skinned knees, shed tears, celebrations and disappointments - but especially in guiding her children to a personal relationship with our Lord and Heavenly Father.
She is survived by her sons, Cory (Patricia) of Spring Lake, Mich., Brian (JoAnn) of Calumet, Kevin (Bonnie Smith) of Marquette, Keith (Patricia) of Jacksonville, N.C., Darin (Linda) of Garden City, Mich., Craig (Amy) of Gahanna, Ohio; and daughter, Marie of Hillman, Mich.; together with 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Joan was preceded in death by Donald, her husband of 62 years; her parents, Richard and Edith Erno; and her brothers, Richard Erno, formerly of Tempe, Ariz. and Allan Erno, formerly of Engadine.
Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery alongside her husband.
A memorial service for Mom and Dad is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4, in Petoskey.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial gifts to: Berean Baptist Church, 4677 18th Road, Escanaba, Mich. 49829. Sign a tribute at www.uhtfh.com.