Gerald W. Stark, 81, of Sparta died Sunday, February 17, 2008 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta. He was born on October 23, 1926 to Willard and Blanche (Rooker) Stark.  He grew up on a farm in the Sparta area.  He attended Sparta High School.

     On June 16, 1949 he was united in marriage to Arlys I. Livangood at St. Patrick’s Parsonage in Sparta, WI.  After marriage they farmed.  In 1965 they purchased a farm in Brackett Valley.  He retired from farming and moved to Sparta.

     He is survived by his wife, Arlys of Sparta; his children, Stephen (Dona Mitchell) Stark of Sparta and The Villages, Florida, Cheryl Hamilton, of Fitchberg, Susan (Wayne) Whitehead of Cashton, Kathleen (Thomas) Francois of Sun Prairie, Christine (Steven) Steinke of Janesville; eight grandchildren; a sister, Ethel Pettis of Yakima, WA; several nieces and nephews; 4 step grandchildren, 9 step great grandchildren.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Blanche; one sister, Alice Wagner of Michigan; and an infant sister, Nellie.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Thursday at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. There will be a  Rosary service at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.