Reverend Russell Wayne Stark, 85, of Charleston, formerly of Effingham, died at 3:46 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Russ passed away peacefully at home with family and under the loving care of Lincoln Land Hospice.

A celebration of Russ' life will be held on Monday, November 28, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Effingham. Visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. will precede a worship service at 4:00 p.m. with a light meal following. Russell and his family request rather than sending a memorial of flowers, please refrain and make a memorial donation to Effingham First Presbyterian Church, Ashmore First Presbyterian Church or Lincoln Hospice Care.

Russell was born January 17, 1926, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Russell J. and Genevieve (Gibson) Stark. He married Marjorie Glasener on June 5, 1948 in Reinbeck, Iowa.

After Russ graduated from Hudson High School in 1943, he received a governor's appointment with the FBI in Washington DC; then enlisted in the US Navy and served in the South Pacific for 2 ½ years. After receiving his Bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, (he remained a Hawkeye fan ever since), Russ worked at Bishop Cafeteria, John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa for 13 years and worked in restaurants on the side. At age 35, Russ answered a calling to ministry and attended Dubuque University Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters in Divinity and the Young Pastor's Award. On June 7, 1964 Russell was ordained in his sponsoring church at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. He served as pastor in Rowley-Cono Center churches and First Presbyterian in Lake City, Iowa for 5 years. In 1970, Russ accepted a call to serve First Presbyterian Church in Effingham, where he served for 20 ½ years. He retired in 1990 and has served as stated supply pastor in Macon and then Ashmore for nearly 20 years.

Rev. Russ has touched many lives throughout his life and his fifty years in ministry. He was especially devoted to the youth of each community. Russ and Marge chaperoned several youth working trips to the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We all share fond memories of hard work, fun times and close ties from those days.
Russ shared his time and efforts in many community activities. He chaired the community fund raising drive in Effingham for the Vietnam War Memorial. Russ and Marge had the privilege of attending the memorial dedication in Washington and Russ read the names of the deceased for thirty minutes. He has buried one of the boys from Lake City, Iowa.

Surviving Russ are his wife, Marjorie of Charleston; three sons, Ric of Hana, Maui, Hawaii, Jeff of Newell, Iowa and Richard (wife, Lucy) of Charleston; one brother, Glenn Stark of Hudson, Iowa and one sister, JoAnn Kerkove of Jesup, Iowa; 6 grandchildren, Katie (husband, Jason) Crichton of Villa Park, IL, Dan Stark of Moran, Wyoming, Chuck Stark of Chicago, Kelly (husband, Ryan) Lawrence of Chicago, Ryan Stark of Santa Ana, California and Mike Stark of Ely, Minnesota; three great-grandchildren, Maggie Crichton, Charlie Crichton and Noah Lawrence.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Alyce Frances and one brother, Dennis.
The family extends a special thanks to each of the hospice caregivers—their care and services are unbelievable! Thanks to Sara Bush Lincoln Health Care, the nurses, care partners, doctors and those at the Cancer Center. You are great!