Donna M. Stark

Donna M. Stark, age 87 of Grafton passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Donna Margaret Erlendson, born October 6, 1926 in Grafton, ND the youngest of six children born to Eggert and Margaret (Gillis) Erlendson who emigrated from Iceland in the 1880's with their families. The family suffered the loss of their mother in 1931 leaving Eggert to raise six children ranging in age from 16 to 5. Donna and her siblings remained very close despite the family being split up for a few years after their mother's death. As a young girl, Donna spent the summers in Gardar with her Auntie Stina who was an important influence in her young years. Donna attended Grafton schools and graduated from Grafton High School in 1944. She was employed as a stenographer in the Welfare Office of the Walsh County Court House until her marriage on August 5, 1949 to Gordon Stark, son of Alfred and Christine (Mohagen) Stark of Grafton. Donna and Gordie honeymooned at Lake Sallie near Detroit Lakes, MN. While Donna raised her children, she enjoyed reading, bowling, sewing clubs, hunting for antiques, crossword puzzles, was a Girl Scout Leader, and a member of the Icelandic Club. Donna's love of her Icelandic heritage and genealogy was passed on to her children and grandchildren. Donna also had a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers and indoor plants. Her clematis with its beautiful purple flowers was enjoyed by many as they drove by her home. Donna also was an animal lover, especially cats. She and her kids especially enjoyed Buttermilk who lived with them for 16 years. When the children grew older, Donna began working full-time at the Carnegie Bookmobile Library located on 5th street and eventually in the Carnegie Library across from the old Central High School. She retired in March of 1992. After Gordon's death in December, 2003, Donna moved into an apartment at the Villa DeRemer and later entered the Lutheran Sunset Home in May of 2008. Donna is survived by her loving children: Sandy (Tom) Wallner, Bismarck, ND; Roger (Sandy) Stark and Steven Stark, both of Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Brian (Molly) Wallner, Bismarck, ND; Ryer (Katie) Stark, Kody Stark, and Abby (James Campbell) all of Grafton, ND; great grandchildren Ava and Rocco Hepokowski, Vaya and Zola Stark, all of Grafton, ND; and JemmaWallner of Bismarck, ND. She is also survived by one sister, Lois (Ed) Cranston, Stratford, CT, sister-in-law, Betty Stark and special cousin, June Erlendson, both of Grafton, ND. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters: Joyce (Harold) Peoples and Betty (Vern) Roterud; brothers: Marvin (Helen) Erlendson and Bertel (Buddy) Erlendson, sisters-in-law: Doris (Stark) Molland and Lucille (Berg) Charlton; brother-in-law, Fred Stark; and daughter-in-law Valerie (Havis) Stark. The Stark family would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Sunset Home for the excellent care Donna received for the last five years. Memorial services will be Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grafton Lutheran Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Graton Lutheran Cemetery.