Robert E Starch

Robert E. Bob Starch, 85, of La Crosse and formerly of rural Stoddard, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. Bob was born on December 19, 1927 to Andrew and Selma (Anderegg) Starch. He married Gloria Carmen Fortun on August 16, 1950 in Coon Valley. Gloria preceded him in death on October 31, 1998. In his youth, Bob enjoyed flying his Piper J-3 Cub as an amateur pilot. For many years Bob and Gloria raised tobacco, cattle and strawberries on their small family farm near Stoddard. He retired from the Trane Company after more than thirty years as a welder. Bob was an avid card player and is remembered fondly by his many friends and extended family.

Bob is survived by a daughter Kathleen (Jim) Brown of La Crosse, three sons, Rodney Starch of Sparta, WI, LaMont (Jennifer) Starch of Davenport, FL, and Peter Starch of Stoddard, and a sister, Alice (Merlin) Gunderson of Stoddard. He is also survived by his very special friend and companion, Jane Stegmann of La Crosse. Bob was known as a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Gloria he was preceded in death by his brothers, Eldon Tony and George Starch.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Pastor Christine Hallemeier will officiate. Burial will be in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Service of La Crosse on Thursday from 6:00 8:00 PM, and at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.