Rita Grace Stark

Rita Stark (nee Kramer), age 94, of Blaine, Mn passed away on July 13, 2023.  Rita was born on the Kramer Century farm in rural Seaforth, MN on September 4, 1928.

During her lifetime, she pursued many passions- teaching, singing in the Church Choir, raising a family, and watching her beloved Western movies.  Rita was blessed with many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 Rita was a devout Christian, and long-time member of two choirs. She was very active in the church choirs of St. Timothy’s Catholic church in Blaine, and Epiphany Catholic church in Coon Rapids, serving a total of 65 years.  She just recently retired from the Choir.

Rita spent several years working for Honeywell and developed life-long friendships.  She also developed a friendship with some of God’s smaller creatures, including a herd of squirrels, and a large flock of neighborhood birds.  Her one vice in life was buying 50 lb. bags of peanuts-in-the-shell for the squirrels and 50 lb. bags of sunflower seeds for the birds.   

She leaves behind four daughters, Anita Martinson (Gale), Beverly Steele, Cathy Merritt (Jeff), and Dorothy Kellogg (Michael).  She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, infant grandchild (Vincent), and son Edward Mathias Stark; son in-law, Tim Steele.  Rita named her children alphabetically, to keep them organized.

Viewing and Visitation are scheduled for Aug 11, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN  55432.

Burial will take place Aug 12, 2023, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 295^th Ave, Seaforth, MN 56287, at 1:00 p.m.  Marge Kramer will lead the graveside, Rosary.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Epiphany Senior Housing, 10955 Hanson Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids, Mn.  55433.  Please note “Attention Kelsey M”.

https://www.epiphanyseniorhousing.com/donations