Darrel H. Starken

Funeral Mass for Darrel Henry Starken, 61, of Hoyt Lakes, will be 10 am Monday, December 23, 2013 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Hoyt Lakes with Fr. Steven Daigle as celebrant. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-5 pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora and will continue for one hour prior to the mass at church on Monday. Burial will be in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery. Darrel died Sunday, December 15, 2013, surrounded by his family at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born March 30, 1952, in Thief River Falls to Paul and Lucille Starken. He married Carla Blauert on May 11, 1974. In 1970, he began his 31 year career with the Erie Mining Company (later LTV) working primarily as a millwright, retiring in 2001 on account of LTV ceasing operations. He later worked at the Villas at Giant’s Ridge as a maintenance man. At various times in his life, Darrel enjoyed coaching Hockey, cutting firewood, camping, fishing, hunting, playing softball, bowling, holey boards, throwing darts, and playing Sudoku. His chuckle and wise cracking spirit were always a welcome sight along with his ever-present Schmidt. He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend that will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Carla; children: Kevin (Lindsey) Starken of Grand Rapids, MI and Jennifer Starken of Elk River; grandson, Henry Starken; mother, Lucille Starken of Chisholm and a sister, Paulette Greskowiak of Chisholm; numerous nieces and nephews; and two affectionate beagles, Buddy and Bella. He is preceded in death by his father, Paul.