Arthur Starks
January 29, 1923 ~ August 28, 2016
Arthur Henry Starks, 93, of Gettysburg, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Faulkton Senior Living.
A memorial service will be held, with military honors, at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Fr. Jerry Kopel presiding. Burial of his cremains will be held at a later date.
Arthur Starks was born January 29, 1923 to Leonard and Frances (Lemler) Starks on the homestead in the northwestern corner of Potter County. He attended Fayette grade school through the eighth grade and then graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1943.
After graduation, Art was inducted into the U.S. Army and served from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed on Manila in the Philippine Islands where he was a member of the 86th AGF Army Band. The band played for troops who were being sent home to the U.S. Art was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to Gettysburg to farm and ranch with his family.
On March 15, 1949, Art married Velma Fiechtner. To this union a daughter was born. On June 6, 1957, Art married Rita Mae Simon Strudle and had one daughter.
Art has played trumpet with a variety of musicians and bands throughout the years. He played in Bob Halsey Orchestra, Charlie Boldt Band, Joe Schomer trio and Tommy Matthews Big Band.
In 1994 Art was inducted into the South Dakota Music Hall of Fame. On April 12, 1994, South Dakota Governor Walter D. Miller proclaimed “Arthur Starks Day” to honor the musical life of this extraordinary musician. He was also a long time member of the South Dakota State American Legion Band. Art was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars of Gettysburg and part of the Honor Guard until he retired. For over 60 years Art played taps at military funerals in Dewey, Sully, and Walworth Counties as well as Potter County.
Art is survived by two daughters: Mary (Gregg) Steever of Gettysburg and Debbie (Erlin) Trekell of Canon City, CO; two stepchildren: Margie Strudle of Hoven and Mark Strudle of Aberdeen; one sister, Vivian (Bevin) Roseland of Seneca; three sisters-in-law: one grandson; and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rita Mae in 2002; his parents; two infant sons; and three brothers: Clyde, Milton and Bud.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Arthur’s arrangements.
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My goodness. I do that he will be greatly missed as I knew him well both as a child and after marrying Arnold Nagel. We used to call him Uncle Artie. He and his family visited my Grandparents a lot. My grandparents were Alvin and Eva Bartels.
To all of the Starks family, we wish to extend our condolences. Art was my Grandma’s Brother and I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Peace to you during this difficult time, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sarah (Roseland) & Troy Trygstad & family
Sorry about Art’s passing. I will always remember Art for playing ;taps for many many Vets possibly over 60 years. Art came from a musical family and he was a gifted trumpet player who played ;taps with great skill…touching all attending each service. God bless Art for doing so and sympathy to his family
Art was always one of my favorite cousins. Rest in Peace Art.
I am Ruth Starks brother and worked for Art, Milton, and Bud for approx five years in the late 1950’s on the ranch mowing hay, cultivating corn, and punching cattle– loved every minute of it. Also played trumpet with Art, Bud, and Clyde (my brother-in-law) in the Bob Halsey band during those same years. Although I haven’t been around them for many years all of the Starks family will always be in my fond memories. They were an integral part of my formative years and I will remember them always. My condolences to Art’s family.
Played many times with Artie in the Tommy Matthews group. Nobody ever will render a sweeter sounding "Sugar Blues."
Mary and family, just wanted to let you know we never knew when or where Art’s service was held. So sorry we did not make it to his service. He will long be remembered as one of my musical friends. Please accept our condolences. Just now found this on the Internet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Virgil and Carol Mikkelsen
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