Obituary of Werner Stark

Werner Stark passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 3, 2025 at the Assiniboia Union Hospital Integrated Care Facility at the age of 95.  Exactly, 1 year after the passing of his dear wife, Irene.

Werner was born in the Valor District to Rudolf and Pauline Stark.  He was the third of four boys – Rudy, Harry and later Norman.  Werner was their first child born in Canada.  Soon after, the family moved to the “Home Place” Southeast of Mossbank where Norman was born.

He attended Hilton School and later took night classes at S.T.I. to hone his skills as a welder and machinist.  He became the “Go To Guy” in the area if anyone needed something welded, fixed, modified or invented.  These skills were passed down to the next generations.

As a young man, he pursued job opportunities throughout Canada with some friends from the area.  To name a few, he worked in Medicine Hat building a Gas Plant then on to Sudbury to work in the Nickel mines.  After trying these jobs and having many adventures, it was time to come home to pursue his true passion of farming.  He purchased the Gabe Volden farm and was ready to settle and put down roots.

In 1959, Werner married the love of his life, Irene Cooling, and brought her to the farm where they lived in the “Honeymoon Shack” until he built a new house for their growing family.  He said he started building the house after harvest and they moved in before seeding.

Werner was usually out and about quite a bit – hence his C.B. handle “Roadrunner” and Irene’s handle was “Homesteader”.  When he wasn’t in the fields or in his shop, he could usually be found playing Rummy with the guys at the rink or in the back shop at Campbell’s.  He loved to “dicker” on machinery, vehicles and anything else.  Getting a good deal made him very happy.  He enjoyed fishing trips, and his idea of a good holiday was going somewhere with his travel trailer.  He pulled it throughout Saskatchewan and a few trips into the southern states.  He belonged to the Elk’s Club, the Trinity Lutheran Church and was involved in various community projects including the construction of the rink.

Werner was a very hard worker and in addition to farming and metal work in his shop, he took on extra work building and renovating several houses and pole sheds in the area. 

Irene and Werner moved off the farm to Mossbank in 1984 to a new house that Werner built.  In his retirement years, he enjoyed woodworking and made many pieces of furniture along with many, many clocks, some of which can be seen in various facilities around town.

Werner enjoyed good health and independence well into his 90s.  He made daily trips to the farm to check up on the goings on and to make sure the boys were hard at work and doing everything the right way.  He loved his farm and was very proud of the legacy and how it has thrived with the family working together.

Werner and Irene were especially proud of their family.  They welcomed three children, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren with more to come.

Kevin married Denise and they have 2 sons; Clay (Taylor) and Cole (Mercedes).

Dale married Merilee and they have two children; Daniel (Colleen) and their children Brody, Tessa and Calder; Brittany (Dillon Hauck) and their children Mya and Rylan.

Lisa married Mike Hodnefield and they have two children; Lane (Chaydin) and their children Wells and Bowen; Shelby (Clint Olson) and their children Rudy and Callan.

The family would like to extend so much appreciation to the Assiniboia Union Hospital Integrated Facility staff for the tremendous care and compassion Werner received during his time there.  He truly appreciated everything this new family did for him.

A Public Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at the Mossbank Cemetery, Mossbank, SK. Lunch and fellowship to follow at Cornerstone Gospel Church in Mossbank. Everyone welcome.

Memorial donations in Werner’s memory can be made to the Mossbank Artificial Ice Fund (Box 129, Mossbank, SK S0H 3G0) or via e-transfer mossbankartificialicefund@gmail.com