Donald Stary, 88, of Milltown, WI (formerly of St. Anthony Park, St. Paul, MN and The Villages of Lady Lake, FL)—known for his love of family, quick wit, beautiful smile, and unwavering support of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Wild—passed away peacefully at home on June 20, 2024.

Born in 1935 in St Paul, MN to Agatha (Eklund) and Harold Stary, Don lived a life filled with family, faith, a passion for sports (especially golf) and music, and the best retirement anyone could dream of! His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Peg (Margaret Gockowski); children, Kathy (Jeff) Weeks, Linda (Mark) Ficcadenti, Mike, Bob, Ron (Dawn), and Laura Mussehl; and is cherished grandfather of Melissa, Angela, Kristine, Michelle, Daniel, Kimberly, Brian, Ben, Andy, Allysia, Eric, Jimmy and Adam, and 16 great- grandchildren. Favorite memories surround the lake home Don & Peg had for many years on Long Lake in Centuria, WI.

Don spent part of his childhood in Upsala, MN (even working summers on a turkey farm, starting at the tender age of 10) as well as the East side of St. Paul with family, attending Harding High School. Eventually he graduated from Minneapolis Marshall, where he, along with other friends formed the first swing band he played in for local teen dances. He began his undergraduate years at the U of M School of Dentistry, but in the end became a Teamster (Local 120) and was employed as a foreman at Murphy Rigging & Erecting for 35 years.

Dad lived his passion for sports by rarely missing a chance to cheer for his favorite Minnesota professional sports teams, coaching youth baseball at Langford Park, and watching his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren play multiple sports for countless hours. He was an avid golfer as a member of the Luck Golf Course since 1982 and at various courses at his Florida home. He also participated in various softball and bowling leagues and enjoyed playing cards. While living in Florida, his love for performing the music he played in high school, as well as the Minnesota National Guard 47th Infantry Division “Viking” Band, was rekindled and he picked up the trombone once again to join The Villages Concert Band as well as a swing band. He volunteered at the community hospital and served with Knights of Columbus through their church in Florida.

When our mother was diagnosed with cancer and wished to be closer to family, Dad did as his bride wished. He gave up the Florida home to make her better, and moved back to Wisconsin. He remained active in the Knights of Columbus and church choir, bowling league, cards, and played as many rounds of golf as he could. Proud of his Sea Scout teen years, his children grew up learning the saying, “Red sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” Dad is now sailing on calm seas with forever scenic red skies. Rest in peace, Dad. You will be dearly missed.

Our family is very grateful to the wonderful staff of St. Croix Hospice for their assistance and compassionate care during this heartbreaking and difficult time.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, WI. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Last Update: Jun 25, 2024 1:20 pm CDT