Service Information
Brian M. Stark, husband of Carol, age 66, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, at his home in Hutchinson.
Celebration of Life will be held Monday, February 21, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, Minnesota, with interment in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Bismarck Township, Minnesota.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 20, 2022, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue one hour prior to the service at the winery.
Memorials preferred to a charity of your choice in memory of Brian.
Obituary
Brian Martin Stark was born September 30, 1955, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Delas and Shirley (Becke) Stark. Brian was baptized as an infant on October 23, 1955 by the Rev. Schira, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 24, 1970, by the Rev. Dohmeier, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Buffalo Lake High School in 1973. Brian went on to play football at Normandale Community College and the University of Minnesota, Morris. He completed his degree in Health and Physical Education while at Morris, graduating in 1978.
On May 13, 1978, Brian was united in marriage to Carol Sierakowski by Father Sieg at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in North St. Paul, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two children, Arlen and Jackie. Brian and Carol moved to Hutchinson, where Brian worked for Land-O-Lakes Dairy, Tombstone Pizza and Nuvera. He also stayed busy with numerous part time jobs - driving school bus for Hutchinson Tiger sports teams, a charter school bus route, and was a frequently requested sober cab driver. Brian spent over twenty years working at the Hutchinson Municipal Liquor store.
Brian entertained many in various forms over the years, whether playing practical jokes, the part of Santa Claus for family and friends each Christmas Eve, or dabbling in local theater. He participated in various Hutchinson Theater Company productions and found a love of acting later in his life.
Brian was an extroverted socialite to the highest degree. His many jobs and social abilities gave him the chance to talk to and meet people from all walks of life. Brian was happy to talk with friends, neighbors, and family. He would talk to complete strangers and form new friendships. Brian knew someone almost everywhere he went. He was such a kind and positive person, always seeing the best in people and situations.
Brian was an avid sports fan at all levels. He attended many Hutchinson Tigers games as well as followed the Gophers, Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Lynx. Brian also coached youth sports in the Hutchinson area. He had a quick wit and enjoyed jokes and sharing his sense of humor with all around him.
Brian enjoyed riding motorcycles ever since his teenage years. He owned various Harley Davidson motorcycles throughout his life and founded the annual “Stark Naked” motorcycle rally with family and friends. Brian had an affinity for buying cars – too many to count. He had a soft spot for animals and was known to bring home a new pet without notice. Brian and Carol traveled frequently across the United States, together or with friends.
Brian experienced a new level of joy as a grandfather to Quinn and Cora.
Brian worked hard and enjoyed life to the fullest. He brought fun wherever he went. Brian enjoyed his last earthly day having a blast with his closest friends and family at a Super Bowl party.
Brian passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 14, 2022, at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 66 years, 4 months, and 15 days.
Blessed be his memory.
Brian is survived by his:
Wife, Carol Stark;
Children, Arlen Stark,
Jackie Mackenthun and her husband, Scott;
Granddaughters, Quinn and Cora Mackenthun;
Siblings, David Stark,
Al Stark,
Harlen Stark and his wife, Belinda,
Gloriann Stark;
Lavonne Stark;
Brothers-in-law, Mike Sierakowski and his wife, Kathy,
Mark Sierakowski and his wife, Veronica
Jim Sierakowski;
Sister-in-law, Julie Killian and her husband, Tony;
Numerous Nephews and Nieces;
Many other relatives and friends.
Brian is preceded in death by his Parents, Delas and Shirley Stark; Father-in-law, Joseph Sierakowski; Sister-in-law, Cheryl Mattson.
The family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Brian.
LuAnn Drazkowski says
Carol and family,
It is heartbreaking to learn of Brian’s sudden passing. He was so distinguished and a likeable man who always had a smile to share. He will be dearly missed. My sympathies and prayers for all.
Please let me if I can be of help during this difficult time.
Scott A Hackbarth says
Al,
Please accept my sincere condolences at the passing of your brother. I have so many good memories of him and your entire family. Wish you God’s peace during this difficult time.
Sarah Mcgraw says
Dear Carol and family
Mom so sorry to hear about Brian. My heart felt sympathy to you.
Thinking of you. Prayers
Sarah Mcgraw
Brenda+Sturges says
My sympathies Carol and family. Just am shocked. May peace and love surround you. Brenda Sturges
Lori & Jeff Swift says
Hugs and prayers to you.
Kim Ofallon says
Carol and family you have my deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear about this! May God give you strength to Carry you through this.
Mark Santelman says
Carol, I was saddened to read about the passing of Brian. As you know, we were in some Murder Mystery performances together, the Hutch Theatre production of 12 Angry Men, and a play in New Ulm. I bumped into Brian last summer and, as always, we had a delightful conversation. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Paul Warshauer says
Sad. Brian was one of our great actors at the State Street Theatre. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Rick+Karl says
Carol, Arlie, Jackie and families,
We were heartbroken to hear the news about Brian. Please know our hearts and prayers are with you all. So many great memories and fun times. We’re currently in Florida, please let us know if there is anything we can do. Will keep in touch. Much love and hugs to you all!
Donna(Ondracek)Engelen says
Carol and family, I am shocked and saddened to hear this! He was a great guy and always smiling. I’d see him when he was driving a party bus and they’d stopped at a local establishment in our town. I’m not sure if he really remembered my name, but he knew I was retired and he’d ask me to “come drive” whenever I saw him. So sorry for your loss.
John Mons says
So shocked and sorry to hear of Brian’s sudden passing. I have so many fond memories, going all the way back to the high school days in BL. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time. Peace be with you!
Bill Haas says
Carol and Family,
My prayers are with you at this very sad time. I always enjoyed Brian whether we were working together at Nuvera or on a Hutchinson Theatre Company production. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Gene and Grace Chrast says
Carol and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. I got know him quite well when I worked at Ward Law Office. He was quite the gentleman and was terrific to work with when he helped the office with a new phone system. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brad Koenig says
Brian was a friend and teammate in several sports. Great sense of humor, always joking around. The last time that I saw him his last words were- “We have to get together and talk over old times again!”. I’ll miss him.
Mitchell Girard says
Carol and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was an amazing person who always knew how to bring joy to others. He was always the nicest bus driver when I grew up. I will miss him greatly and wish I saw one of his Santa gigs before he passed.
My deepest condolences.
Fern Hoff says
Carol, sending sympathy and hugs to you at this sad news.
Mark Lewandowski says
Carol,
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Brian at the liquor store and watching him perform on stage. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
Kay Johnson says
Carol and family,
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Wonderful man. I always enjoyed interviewing him for community theater. He brought enthusiasm and a sense of humor to the roles he played. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Randy and Chris Schlueter says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you all faith, strength during this time
Tanya Ziemer says
Carol and family,
I am still in shock at hearing this news. Haven’t been able to comprehend it. I’ve been thinking of you non stop. I know you have a great support system to get you through the tough times ahead, but do let me know if you need anything. Brian was a wonderful man. So kind and caring to everyone around him. His sense of humor made him the life of the party. I am honored that I was able to get to know him. I will treasure all of the bike trip memories! Sending you strength and love. Tanya
Bruce Christianson says
Carol and family,
I was shocked to hear about Brian. Prayers and support to you and your family. We will all miss seeing his smiling face around. God be with you…
Jill Montes says
So sorry for your loss! My kids will miss him dearly as there bus driver.
Geri Johnson says
Carol & family,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Ralph & Geri Johnson
Dorci Cerrato says
Carol and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I met Brian a couple years ago and he told me a joke about geese that I laughed way too much for. Then every time I ran into him after that, whether at Hutch Liquor or delivering mail to you, he told me the same joke; which became a joke itself! His sense of humor will be sorely missed.
Tracy Hassan says
Brian and I became friends when we performed together in Shadowlands, a play about faith, friendship, love, life, and grief. From the moment we met, I could tell Brian had a heart that was a mile wide. He truly saw people and made everyone feel welcome. Blessings to the Stark family and to all of Brian’s friends who will miss his kindness, laughter, and love of life!
Ben Bouta says
Stark Family –
So sorry for you loss. I got to know Brian the past few years from working with him at the liquor store. He had such a special ability to be able to connect with anyone he crossed paths with. He always had such charismatic stories that would entertain, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Brian seemed to be less than 6 degrees of separation from anyone that came up in conversation – a true testament to his humble character, positive attitude, and larger than life genuine interest and care for others. My deepest condolences.
Bonnie Jensen says
Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss and so sad to hear this news. As you know Brian was my side-by-side coworker and buddy for eight years. He brought lots of joy and laughter to the workplace. Brian was always considerate, kind, caring and willing to do anything for anyone.
He has been missed by our team at Nuvera and I will personally miss his occasional calls to just check in.
He will be missed.
You have my deepest sympathies,
Bonnie Jensen
Craig Almquist says
Carol and Family, So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I will always remember him with a big smile and a wave as he went by on his Honda. Gods Speed Brian you will be missed by many.
Ken Schweikert says
So sorry to hear of Brian’s sudden passing. Prayers going out to all of the family. Brian was always a great guy to swap stories with.
Jean Oleson says
Dear Carol and Family.
Shocked, just shocked to hear this news! Brian had such a caring and bubbly personality, He would always greet me with a smile and always went out of his way to make conversation. He was my kids bus driver for a while, and would always ask what was going on with them out in the country. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this really difficult time…
With you in thought and prayer…
Jean Oleson
Tom and Mary Inglis says
Carol, Arlie, and Jackie,
A smiling, loving, effervescent angel was welcomed into heaven. Our thoughts and love are with you. God bless!
Janet Hall says
Carol and family,
I got the honor to meet Brian through Hutch Theatre Company and he was in a few of the productions I helped with and also ran into him at the liquor store. He was an amazing man and always had a smile on. Deepest sympathies to you, hugs and thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Nohner says
Dear Carol & family,
This is such sad news about your loved one!! Brian was always so kind, involved in the Hutchinson community, helping people, making us all better. This news is a loss for so many…may the support your family receives get you through this unbelievable time. Hugs to each of you!!
Marlene Schmisek says
Carol and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you on Brian’s sudden passing. We will always remember him for his zest for life, great story and joke telling, and the way he brought fun to everything he did. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave and Marlene
Mark & Sara Girard says
Carol & family,
We’re deeply saddened by the news of Brian’s passing. He was the most friendly neighbor and had a smile that was contagious. May your blessed memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Our sympathies,
Mark Jakobitz says
Al, Sorry to hear about your brother. It’s tough to lose a sibling so young. Though I didn’t see much of him in these later years, I will remember the glory days in BL when we were teammates in BB and FB. I think I played softball with him, too. It’s been a long time since you and I were ‘roomies’ at Normandale CC. Now it seems BL Days is the only time I see anybody. Take care.
Carol, Sorry for your loss. You probably don’t remember me, but we met in the ’80s when you and Brian would visit our (Jim Noonan, Joel Schraan) house in Eden Prairie. We had a lot of parties at that house! Take care.
Mark Jakobitz
Joel Schraan & Kathy Abbott says
Carol, we are so deeply sorry for the loss of Brian. He was such a talented and amazing guy with a heart of gold! So, so many wonderful memories, just too numerous to mention. He was larger-than-life and brought light into the world and will ALWAYS remain in the Hearts of everyone he knew and loved most. He will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on! Wishing you peace, to bring comfort, the courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts….. Blessed be his memory
Jo Reck says
Dear Carol and immediate family, and the whole Stark family,
I am so very sorry for this very sad loss in all of your lives. When it’s so unexpected it’s even harder to comprehend. You have my most sincere sympathy as you struggle through the coming days and weeks ahead. I pray that all the wonderful memories you have shared with Brian will help you find comfort and some semblance of peace, as you move forward without his earthly presence. He was a very unique, interesting, and happy-go-lucky person who will be missed by so many~ Jo Reck
Cindy Karg says
Carol and Family, so very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing! May you find comfort in all your beautiful memories! With sincere sympathy!! Cindy and Todd
Bev and Jody Schulze says
Carol and family, so very sorry to hear about Brian. He will be missed dearly. Jody and I will keep you in our prayers
Wade Halvorson says
I had the pleasure of working with Brian as a fellow salesman for 3 years until his retirement from Nuvera. Brian was a master salesman and a really kind person. Brian knew everyone. He will be missed. Prayers for you and your family, sorry for your loss.
Di Eisenschenk says
Oh what a day of rejoicing it tis as Brian enters the Golden City and hearing the words of Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Randy D Anderson says
Carol so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing we will miss seeing him and our chit chats.
Randy & Jodie Anderson
Jill Churchill says
Carol and family,
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all.
My deepest condolences!
Bill and Char Lidberg says
Carol,
Our prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear of this.
Bill and Char Lidberg
Marc and Michele Max says
We are shocked and saddened by this news! Brian will be missed dearly by so many. You are all in our hearts and prayers!
Bob and Jenny Trettin says
Carol and family,
We are so saddened by the loss of Brian! He was always the kindest man at the liquor store! Always there to greet you with a smile and always happy to help you out! Keep your wonderful memories of him close and may they bring you and your family some comfort during such a hard time!
Bob and Jenny
Keith & Laura Adams says
We met Brian years ago at a wine tasting event and were friends ever since. He always had a smile on his face and it was fun catching up whenever we’d run into each other, which lucky for us, was quite often! Our sympathies to his family; he will be missed by many.
Patrick Walsh says
I just learned of Brian’s passing. Let me first offer sincere condolences to Carol and family. Pshaw…
Brian was the Pied Piper of our neighborhood. He was so many things to so many people, including us. He always offered that optimism, that smile and his hand.
God Bless you, Brian. You were a great soldier and will live on eternally!
Genelle Schall says
Carol,
We were so shocked to hear the news about Brian. The memories that went through my head from 40+ years ago are filled with good times and laughter. He sure could make someone laugh and feel as if you’ve known him forever. Our sympathies to your family.
Mike & Genelle Schall
Cindy karg says
Carol and Family, we are so sorry for your loss!!! May your beautiful memories give you comfort during this difficult time!! Our sincere sympathy, Cindy and Todd
Shawn and Kathie Connor says
Carol and family: We are so shocked and saddened at Brian’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Matt & Amy Klitzke says
Carol and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. My wife and I got to know Brian a little through my father, Dave Klitzke (Hutch Liquors). My dad thoroughly enjoyed working with Brian over the years. The thought of those two “working” together, well, ahh, there probably wasn’t much working going on! We would also run into Brian a few times around the Waconia area while he was chauffeuring people from establishment to establishment. Any interaction with Brian was always a laughable and memorable one! Take care and please know that our family is thinking about you all during this difficult time.
Dave Johnson says
I’m very proud to have known Brian and have had the pleasure of working with him at the Tombstone Pizza Company. He was over the top in everything he did. So dedicated to the people around him. He helped everyone around him to be better by supporting them and training them.
Brian was truly a Good Man.
His Legacy will live on.
May he Rest In Peace.
Cheryl Buboltz says
Carol & family,
What a shock it was to hear of Brian’s passing. It brings back memories of Kevin’s sudden passing; they were such good friends. May God hold you in his arms, comfort you, and bring you through this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy,
Cheryl Buboltz
Lori Thul says
Carol, I’m so sorry to hear about Brian. I so enjoyed working with him on theatre productions. May God’s peace comfort you during this time.
Karen & Mike Shaw says
Carol and Family ,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Brian ,
Respectfully ,
Mike & Karen Shaw
Karen & Mike Shaw says
Carol ,
Very sorry to hear of Brian passing ,
Respectfully ,
The Shaw’s
Karen & Mike
Angie Bloemke says
Carol & Family-
So very shocked and saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I remember meeting him years ago with friends at River Song Music Festival in Hutchinson and had been great friends ever since. He was a very dear friend who always made you smile and laugh, so cheerful and helpful to all. Feel blessed to have known him and anyone who knew him was surely blessed as well with his great friendship! He will be greatly missed!
Hugs and prayers to you all! May you always feel him watching over you with his love from above.
RIP my dear friend, will miss you!
Kim+Heikes says
Stark Family —
Brian’s death is a harsh reminder that we are not in control & we do not know when God may decide to call us home.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Brian had an amazing, outgoing personality. I always walked away from him with a laugh or a smile. He definitely knew how to keep people entertained & had a love for life. He was so looking forward to enjoying his retirement and reviewed all the steps he had taken to be prepared! I think he was ready to relax & travel.
He will live on with you through some amazing memories. Treasure those thoughts and good times for years to come.
God bless you all!!
Bob and Lorrie Link says
Carol and Family We are so sorry for Brians passing Bob worked with Brian at the Liquor store for about 20 yrs or so!He said he was quite the character!!I didnt know him real well but he always had a smile on his face! We wish you comfort and peace through this difficult time.
Jay & Brenda Scheer says
Jay & Brenda Scheer: Our deepest sympathy to the entire Stark family.
Roland Huls says
My prayers and sympathy go out to the stark family. So sorry for your loss.
Patricia M Pulkrabek says
Carol and Family, Was so sad to hear of the passing of Brian!!!! He was always full of Life and lots of humer!!! When I started at the Liquor Hutch Brian was the lucky one to train me in!!! Neal would laugh a lot along with Brian and my self!!! The 20 years I got to work with him was always a delite.. He work very hard, and Saturday mornings was always a treat!!!! He will truly be missed bye so many people, must of Hutchinson am sure!!! Take good care of your self Carol, May God be with you and your family during this hard time!! If there is anything we can help with, PLEASE, let us know?? Take Care!!!! Tim and Pat Pulkrabek
Tim Thode says
So sorry to hear about Brian. Whenever we crossed paths, Brian never passed up a chance to reminisce about a football or basketball game from the history of HHS or tell a story. Always positive and enjoyable company. He will be missed dearly.
Condolences to the family,
Tim Thode
Gregg & Linda Sainsbury says
Carol and family,
We are saddened over the news of Brian’s sudden death. We remember him as a gentle man with a perpetual smile and always a friendly greeting. He certainly enjoyed a life well-lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Gregg&Linda Sainsbury
John & Linda Kalenberg says
Carol – You have our deepest sympathy and we will keep you and your family in our prayers
kendall markovic says
Carol & family,
My deepest condolences to you for the loss of Brian. He was a great man and neighbor to us for the last 17 years. He will be dearly missed by everyone. God bless.
Bruce and Terri Holmgren says
To the Stark family….
So sorry to hear about Brian. He was always telling jokes and was fun to work with at Nuvera. He will be missed!
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Joanna Bergs says
Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always appreciate having you and Brian my last year of college and have great memories of you both. Thinking of and praying for you during this time.
John Arlt says
Stark family
Deepest sympathy on the passing of a great man – Brian.
He will be missed by many! Cherish the Memories!
Bob and Sue Shimanski says
Carol and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chiara Maioni says
I was lucky enough to have the Stark family as my host family during my student exchange year in the States in Hutchinson , coming from Italy. The news arrives heavily on my heart. Carol and Brian had such an impact on my life. They were both like a real family to me and I am forever grateful for the way they looked after me ….Brian always made me laugh, was quick in opening his heart to me and made me feel
at home from day one. He took my half way across the country to show me the beauty of his country He was a truly, genuine good man with a big big heart. Men like this don’t come around often . There are never really right words to say at times such as this, but today it is as if I also lost a member of my “soul ” family. I’m so so so sorry for you all. I hope all of you can give yourselves the time you need to grieve……Please ensure you all take as much time as you need, each of you in your own way. Stay together . Hang on to each other. I am sure that many will be there to support you. Brian was loved by many and you as a family are as well. Accept the help. I will be following the obituary information. I’m there with you in spirit from afar. My and my family deepest condolences to you all. Love from the other side of the world .
Chiara
Arvin Vorbeck says
So sorry to hear of Brians passing, always enjoyed visiting with him. I have alot of great memories playing softball with him on D&D Starks team.
Darlene Schmoll says
Carol & family
Once again we are reminded that God will decide when to call us home. I know from experience the heartache the sudden lose of a spouse causes and you have my heartfelt sympathy. You have great support in your children and all those around you. Take care and God bless you.
Deb and Chuck Herlick says
Our deepest sympathy to you Carol and your famiy. We met you and Brian on one of the Stork Naked bike trips up north a few years ago..He definitely was a big personality and a sweet soul.Glad we met you both and may God comfort you. Chuck and Deb Herlick
Keith and Nancy Fischer says
Carol, Arlie & Jackie and family – Words cannot express the sadness we feel for your family. Brian was a very special person and always took time to visit and reminisce. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg Lanners says
Carol and family.
I was so saddened to hear of Brian’s sudden death. I have countless memories of good times enjoyed with him and you at Morris and during my time in Glencoe. He was a very good friend and a wonderful man, whose loss will affect many. Certainly he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Ward and Kris Haugen says
Carol and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Brian’s death. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deep condolences to you all.
Kris Schmisek says
I wanted to express my sympathies to Brian’s family. Brian and Carol lended a hand to my parents, their next-door neighbors, when my dad became very ill. They mowed my parent’s lawn and plowed the snow from their driveway. They continued to take care of my mom in this way after my dad passed away in Oct. ’21. It was so comforting to know my mom had such amazing neighbors. It was a shock to learn of Brian’s passing. My deepest condolences. -Kris Schmisek, Farmington, MN
Norm Meester says
I was very sad to hear of Brian’s passing. He was my Tombstone Pizza boss in 1996. I enjoyed his wit and management skills. The guys called him Starky. Once he brought me his tape he had recorded songs and made me listen to them. He was proud of his singing. He will be missed. My condolences and prayers to all. Norm Meester of Sioux Falls SD
Rod Prochaska says
My heart goes out the Carol and the entire Stark family. I got to know Brian and his family when he and I were roommates at Normandale and on the basketball team. I went back to Buffalo Lake with Brian on several occasions and his family and buddy’s treated me like family. His wit was incredible and he always knew how to make everyone laugh. Brian was a true friend and he will be greatly missed. God Bless you Buddy. Again, my sincere condolences to Carol and all the Stark family. Rod Prochaska