Obituaries : Carrol Ann Stark

Carrol Ann Stark went to see her Lord Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Per mom's wishes, there will be a private family funeral at a later date. Carrol was born on July 28, 1935 to Frank and Grace Brecht. She was the youngest of five children. She was born and raised in Norway, Iowa. She attended Norway School and graduated in 1953. She was a cheerleader at NHS, played the piano and competed in a music recital.

On May 28, 1955 Carrol married Otto Claassen. They had three children and lived in Newhall IA. They later divorced. On June 11, 1976 Carrol married Ted Stark from Newhall IA.

Carrol loved tending her flowers, gardening, Schnauzers (really all dogs and cats), making baby blankets for Birth Right in Cedar Rapids, baking homemade bread, and feeding the birds. She was President of the Newhall Senior Citizens, a member of St Michael Catholic church, a member of National Order of Catholic Foresters / St Marys Court, a volunteer for Mercy Hospice, Benton County volunteers, Newhall Library Board and also at the Norway Baseball Museum. Carrol and Ted repaired many headstones in the St Michaels Cemetery. In 2012 Carrol moved back home to Norway where she enjoyed being a neighbor to Robert Dean and trying to keep up with his energy. She and Ted volunteered for years at Green Square Meals. Faith was important to her and serving at her church for funerals, and going to Mass was a big part of her life.

She loved Norway, was so proud of everything about the town. She was a huge fan of Mike Boddicker, whose mother Dolly lived across the street from her. She worked at Rockwell Collins as an operator and then obtained a technician job, retiring in 1990. Early retirement allowed her to take many, many bus trips with her sister Donna Primrose and trips with Ted to places like Germany, Cape Cod and Colorado. Ted also kept her busy with his many projects.

Her grandkids loved the Easter egg hunts she loved to host, trips to the park and spending time with her.

Carrol is survived by her children, Ellen Becker (Bruce Cross) of Newhall, Bill (Jeanne) Claassen of Pleasant Hill and Sally (Joseph) Meyne of Urbana; six grandchildren, Doug Becker, Bradley Campbell, Shallen Becker, Mallory (TC) Daily, Matt (Kelcy) Claassen and Alison (Chris) Mundt; nine great grandchildren, Colin, Kenley, Brielle, Brinley, Harper, Calvin, Hanley, Emmelyn, Cora; sister, Mary Burrier. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ted; her parents; sisters, Donna Primrose, Jean Johnson, and Fran Uthoff.

Carrol was a loving mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor and will be greatly missed by all.

A special thank you to the staff at Grand Living at Indian Creek and Hospice of Mercy for the great care given to mom. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Camp Courageous. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com

Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is assisting the family.