Bernard Stark

Some people achieve greatness by some notable act, something that is recognized in the newspapers or mentioned on the radio. Others, like Bernard “Bud” Stark, are quiet heroes, whose kind, selfless deeds are softly given to the people fortunate enough to have them in their lives. Bud was a humble, hardworking man, who always volunteered his time, his effort and his love to everyone around him. His years of dedication afforded him both a happy place in life, and a family that loved him dearly.

As the United States was celebrating a time of peace and prosperity between the two world wars, Jacob and Maude (Bogerd) Stark of Grand Rapids, Michigan had a celebration of their own with the birth of their son, Bernard, on November 20, 1925. Bud, as he was called, grew up in their family home on the south side of Grand Rapids, where he attended area schools and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1943. In early 1944, he followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Montrose (troop carrier) in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Following his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Grand Rapids and attended Davis Tech (now Davenport University) learning the accounting and office management skills that would become his career.

Bud’s life took an exciting new direction when he met Joyce Poort at his sister’s house in Grand Haven. The two fell in love and were happily married on November 27, 1953, in the First Reformed Church in Grand Haven. They settled into married life together, first in a two-family home on Worden SE in Grand Rapids. In 1959 they built their first home in Standale and raised their family. They remain in the area as "empty nesters."

Bud and Joyce had four children: Linda, John, Steven and Rodney, who brought them great pride and joy. Time spent as a family was important to Bud, and they enjoyed going camping in their pop-up camper and doing some fishing. Nothing made Bud happier than being surrounded by his family and sharing treasured moments together. He loved his family dearly, and he and Joyce enjoyed 59 wonderful years of marriage.

Bud was very frugal with his money, yet he was immensely generous with his love and time. As a man of great faith, he loved to volunteer at his church, Standale Reformed Church, serving as a Catechism and Sunday School teacher, and on the Consistory. Bud also enjoyed accompanying the annual church bike trip, driving the “sag wagon.” Bud was never one to be a leader, but he would rather be the “worker bee” buzzing around getting things done in the background. His unassuming nature spoke volumes of his character. Sadly, Bud passed away somewhat unexpectedly on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, at the age of 87.

Although Bud will be dearly missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children: Linda (Stark) and husband, Bruce Ensing, John Stark, Steven Stark and wife, Michelle, Rodney Stark; grandchildren: Rochelle Wildey and husband, Andrew, Michael Stark and fiancé, Katie VanderArk, McKenzie Stark, Colton Stark, Benjamin Stark; great grandchildren: Brandon Wildey and Alana Wildey; sister, Shirley Franks; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 3, at 2 p.m. at Standale Reformed Church, 202 Cummings NW. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Tuesday, April 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W., Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to Standale Reformed Church Bag Lunch Ministries. To share a memory or sign Bud’s online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.