Keith "Bud" Starks
April 18, 1919 ~ July 3, 2014
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
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Keith “Bud” Starks, 95, of Gettysburg, passed onto Heaven, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.
Keith “Bud” Starks, 95, of Gettysburg, passed onto Heaven, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel presiding. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Gettysburg. Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2014 with a 7:00 p.m. wake service at the church.
Bud was born on April 18, 1919, to Leonard and Frances (Lemler) Starks, on the homestead in the northwestern corner of Potter County, South Dakota. He was nicknamed “Buddy” and grew up in the river hills of the Missouri. He later attended Fayette School, a one-room schoolhouse six miles from his home.
After 8th Grade, he went to work with his father and brothers at the home place, eventually helping to create the –S- Ranch. At age 29, he picked out the prettiest new schoolteacher, Mary Helen Lesmeister, met her, and then married her on June 28, 1948, in Parade, South Dakota. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage, ranching together until their retirement.
Bud worked hard his entire life, moving from calving season to haying season to wintering season. He enjoyed baseball, playing shortstop for Akaska as a young man and cheering for the Minnesota Twins. Bud also enjoyed rodeos and loved music. His main instrument was the saxophone, which he played for many dances as part of local bands, most notably Bob Halsey and the Bobkatz. He played his saxophone and the violin up until his death. He especially loved to play his horn while his daughter JoAnn played the piano, and could often be heard saying, “Just one more tune.”
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a gentle and kind man, patient with everyone except himself when there was work to be done. He always had a smile and a wave, and he will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Bud is survived by his wife, Mary Helen, of Gettysburg; daughter JoAnn (Jeff) Starks Gunn of Aberdeen, and his two grandchildren: Keith Joseph Starks Gunn and Ashley Rose Starks Gunn; brother Arthur Starks of Gettysburg, sister Vivian (Bev) Roseland of Seneca, sister-in-laws Ruth Starks of Gettysburg, Marla Lesmeister of Piedmont, SD, and Marie Starks of Akaska, SD, and brother-in-laws Marcus (Audrey) Lesmeister of Mobridge and Lawrence (Charlotte) Lesmeister of Whitewood, SD. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, four of whom were like Bud’s adopted children because he and his brother Milton married sisters. Those nieces are Diane (Dave) Peters of Wadena, MN and Kathy (Bernie) Hall of Rapid City, and the nephews are Leonard (Sherilyn) Starks of Pierre and Pat (Marlys) Starks of Selby.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and twin Kathleen, brothers: Clyde Starks, Milton Starks, and Baby Boy Starks (stillborn), sister-in-law Tracy Starks, and brother-in-laws Adam and Louie Lesmeister.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bud’s arrangements.
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Helen, Joann & family: We are saddened by the news of Uncle Bud’s passing. He will be greatly missed. Take comfort in knowing he is now at peace with the Lord. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Troy and Sarah(Roseland) Trygstad
To Keith’s Family, Sending Our Sympathy To All of You.He Lived A Long Life And Truly Will Be Missed With Sympathy Jeff And Jeanelle Schaefer
Jeff & Joann & your family my thoughts and prayers are wi9th you at this most difficult time. God Bless.g
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Starks family. I know what an influence Bud has had on the many lives he’s touched including my brother Jeff.
For years and years…Keith allowed Howard and Kathryn Loitwood,Herman Jost, and I to go through several of his pastures and fences to get to Steamboat Arikara village before it was taken by Oahe Lake. Keith was always kind to us and it was greatly appreciated too. God bless all in his family…
Our prayers go out to all of you as you honor your husband, dad and grandpa. The spirit of Bud will live on in you forever until you meet again. He has impacted so many lives with music, hard work ethic and the love of the land. May God hold you in the palm of his hand as you say goodbye for now.
I am sorry to read of your loss. Many have lost loved ones and want to see them again. The Bible actually shares an encouraging thought at Revelation chapter 21 verse 4. There it brings out that ‘death will be no more.’ This will soon come true in the near future. May this be of encouragement during this distressing time.
To the Starks family,
I was so sorry to hear that Bud was no longer with us. May your cherished memories help to ease your sorrow. When there seems to be no way, let God guide you. When the tears seem to never end, let Him hold you in his loving arms. For each new day, God will make a way for you. Let Him lead you. And surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life, as you dwell in the house of God forever. Psalms 23; Psalms 83:18; Matthew 5:5. John 11:11, 21-25. My deepest condolences over your loss.
Joann, Jeff and Family,
I was saddened to hear that your dad and grandpa passed away. You have many great memories to tuck away in your heart. May God continue to hold your hand as each day goes by.
Mary and JoAnn,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss it sound your husband and father was a wonderful person and will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family