Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Stark, age 56, a lifelong resident of Shakopee, MN, passed peacefully in the presence of family, on Thursday afternoon, January 20, 2022, at his home. Jeff was a loving son, brother, husband, and uncle. He had an amazing sense of humor. Jeff was extremely polite and would give the shirt off his back for anyone. He attracted friends easily with his approachable and lovable personality.
Family and friends are welcome to honor Jeff at a visitation on Thursday, January 27, from 4-7 pm and on Friday, January 28, from 9:30-10:30 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held following at 11 am, at the Church of St Mary (The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne), 535 Lewis Street South, Shakopee. Pall bearers will be Joe Notermann, Jeremy Notermann, Casey Stark, Austin Pitschneider, Dan Ince, Greg Mueller, and Rich Baer. He will be laid to rest at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery, immediately following the Mass.
Robert G and Barbara S. (Cox) Stark, proudly announced the birth of their son Jeffrey Lee Richard born on March 9, 1965. The second of four children, he and his siblings, Shelly and twins, Bob and Barb, all grew up in Shakopee. Jeff had a very active youth and found many passions in life. Not many young men could break dance, but he could and was quite talented. Jeff loved bowling and spending countless hours roller skating at Skateville, in Burnsville. He enjoyed anything that had speed, motorcycles, dirt bikes and snowmobiles. While in high school, Jeff participated in V.I.C.A and even dabbled in track.
The Stark family collectedly had many great adventures. They enjoyed camping and especially the
annual summer family vacation up north. For 44 years, Jeff and his family have enjoyed the shores of Leech Lake, at Horseshoe Bay, Big Rock Resort and Agency Bay, in Walker, MN. Here, the family spent countless hours water skiing, swimming, sitting around the campfires, and watching the family grow.
After graduating from Shakopee High School in 1984, Jeff furthered his education at Hennepin Vo-Tech focusing on the printing industry. In 1986, he put his degree to good use and accepted a position with Kuljiti. Jeff later followed his boss to Integra Prints System. In 2010, his position was eliminated, and Jeff was on the hunt for a new start in his career. During this time, Jeff worked diligently for several companies as a contract agent in production and in the warehouse. He spent the last several months at Entegris.
In 1997, at the Church of St. Mary, in Shakopee, Jeff married Laurie Grant. On April 26, they would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Through these years, Jeff and Laurie continued the tradition of camping. Staying within the borders of Minnesota, they loved exploring the county and state parks. Many Labor Days were spent camping on a small island at Campers’ Paradise, in Nevis, MN.
For nearly 15 years, Jeff and Laurie played the rolls of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The weeks leading up to Christmas, they embraced the weather elements and welcomed the children coming to the home of Shakopee Winter Wonderland on East Shakopee Avenue. The excitement of the kids’ faces seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus warmed their hearts each year.
Forever missed, Jeff will remain in the hearts of those who loved him, wife, Laurie; parents, Bob and Barb Stark; siblings, Shelly (Mark) Notermann, Bob (Wendy) Stark, Barb (Tim) Jirik; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Brian Grant, Michelle Grant, Jon Grant, James (Jocey) Grant; many aunts and uncles, relatives and friends.
Welcoming Jeff home in eternal peace are his parents-in-law, Dennis and Sandra Grant, along with grandparents and other relatives.
