Shirley Stark

Shirley Dawn Stark, 93 of Janesville, WI (formally of Eau Claire) died September 26th, 2026 at Mercy Hospital, Janesville WI.

Shirley was born March 5, 1933, the only child of Richard and Jessie Haas, in Eau Claire, WI. She attended schools in Fall Creek and Eau Claire.

Shirley married Ernest Stark on March 6, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico where they lived briefly while Ernest was in the U.S. Air Force. She lived in Riverside, CA for two years as an Air Force wife. They later moved to Manitowoc, WI, where Ernest was employed by North Central Airlines. They returned to Eau Claire, in 1961.

Shirley, with her husband, owned and managed Sunshine Travel Service, Inc. with offices in Eau Claire and Menomonie for 20 years. She was active in civic organizations, including the Menomonie Chamber of Commerce, Menomonie Rotary Club, and American Legion Auxiliary.

Shirley was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire. She served on numerous boards and committees, including Women of ELC, Good Shepherd Apartment Foundation Board, Just Because Baskets, social concerns, and served on the Church Council.

Shirley loved her family, her home and her flower gardens that were admired and enjoyed by all who passed by.

Shirley is survived by: three children; Steven (Paula) Stark of Eau Claire, Linda Schmitz Curcio (Richard) of Milton, and Russell (Dawn) Stark of Chippewa Falls; four grandchildren, Heather Stark (James) of Eau Claire, Ryan Stark of Marquette, MI, Eric Stark (Heidi) of Altoona, and Jessie Schmitz of Madison; great-grandsons, Tristan and Jasper; one sister-in-law, Ruth Hanson of Elk Mound, and several nieces and nephews. She also considered Dan Schmitz (Jessie's Dad) family. She was preceded in death by; her parents, her husband, Ernest in 1999, and a grandson, Nicholas in 2008.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street, with Pastor Josh Toufar officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services. Online condolences for Shirley's family may be left at www.lenmarkfh.com.