Dorothy Stark

Dorothy Helen (Gula) Stark passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Harry A Stark, Sr. and her brothers, Joseph Gula and Louis Gula. She will be lovingly remembered by her favorite daughters, Mary (Dave) Ward, Janet (Jay) Kraima, Nancy (Mike) Kanoza; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson as well as many special cousins and friends. Dorothy was born in Grand Rapids on April 4, 1932, to Joseph Emerich and Mary Agnes Gula. She grew up in Grand Rapids and eventually made her way to the Wayland area where she spent many summers with her grandparents on their farm and working at her uncle’s store, Joe’s Grocery near Gun Lake. If stories are to be believed she met Harry in a tree at John Ball Zoo. They married and settled with their three girls on a few acres outside of Wayland. Dorothy and Harry enjoyed spending time in their garden and Dorothy continued to be surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. They also enjoyed spending time together hunting for mushrooms and caring for their chickens. Dorothy also enjoyed music and dancing, often playing Czech or Slovak music from her homeland to anyone who would listen. You could always count on a polka or two when riding in the car with her. One of her favorite things was to get family and friends together around her player piano for a few songs and a quick chicken dance. Dorothy loved to spend time with her family and friends. Her table was nearly always covered with a puzzle and everyone was invited to put in a piece or two. She also loved cooking and passing along her special recipes. She was especially famous for her crepes, dumplings and home-made sauerkraut. She was also known for her unique collection of potato mashers that lined her walls. In her more recent adventures, she enjoyed visiting with her friends and trying her luck at the casino. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was so proud of all of their accomplishments. Dorothy was so happy to be able to share her stories and memories with her family. She will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Wayland VFW Post, 735 S Main Street, Wayland, MI 49348, beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and followed by a luncheon. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Dorothy’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy Stark, please visit our flower store.