Obituary of Clifford H. Starr

Clifford Harold Starr, age 84, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully Monday evening, February 29, 2016 at home, tenderly embraced by his family. Cliff was born October 4, 1931 in Milwaukee, the second son of Harry and Lorraine Starr. His dad was a tool and die maker and his mom was a homemaker. Cliff married the love of his life, Nancy (Marske) in 1955 and were blessed with more than 60 years together. Cliff was raised in Milwaukee, graduating from Custer High School in 1949. Though he was awarded an academic scholarship for UW-Madison, his wise mother refused to send her party-ready seventeen-year-old there. Cliff attended Marquette University from 1949 to 1963. Obviously, he enjoyed school and was proud of his academic achievements, working full and part time to pay for it himself. Cliff earned a B.S. in 1953, an M.S. in 1963 and an M.D. in 1956, followed by a one year residency in pathology and a four year residency in surgery at Milwaukee County General Hospital. Board Certified, he was a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Cliff practiced general surgery at Riverwood Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids from 1963 to 1984. After that he was the Medical Director at Consolidated Papers Incorporated until his retirement in 1995. Cliff served in the United States Army Reserve and the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Commissioned as a lieutenant, Cliff retired as a colonel in 1997. He served as Brigade Surgeon for the 32nd Division Separate Infantry Brigade. Cliff truly enjoyed his military service and developed many long term personal relationships. He was awarded two Army Commendations Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals and the Legion of Merit. For the first ten years after retirement, Cliff and Nancy traveled twice a year to Guatemala on month long medical mission trips. This was another exciting and rewarding opportunity in their lives and they developed lasting ties to the people and mission in San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala. Cliff received the 2012 Humanitarian Award from the Medical College of Wisconsin as a result of their service and commitment. Together with Nancy, Cliff raised 6 children: Jeff (Julie) Starr of Mosinee, Julie (Ron) Arms of Alexandria, Virginia, Jennifer Dietsche of Wisconsin Rapids, Jim (Sandra) Starr of Kaukauna, Joann (Tony) Becker of Kimberly, and Jacqueline Starr of Blacksburg, Virginia. His nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren cherished their Papa. Mitzi Guzmán, their exchange student from Mexico, was also a special part of the family. Cliff enjoyed skiing, boating, camping, fishing and hunting with his family. At home, his gardens overflowed with flowers and vegetables. In 1970, Cliff and Nancy bought an old "farm" in City Point. For more than forty years, friends and family came to hunt and feast at Thanksgiving and build lasting relationships. Cliff was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church since 1964. He served passionately on various committees and as an elder. With Nancy, he led two Immanuel groups on mission trips to Guatemala. Cliff loved Immanuel and had many dear friends in the faith community there. Cliff was always one season ahead - preparing for the next adventure. He loved the Lord, his church and looked forward to the next great adventure with confidence and excitement - to be with our Lord and those who have gone ahead. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother, Harry Jr., his brother, Ron, his sister, Barbara, his son-in-law, Thomas Dietsche, and His Lord Jesus who went to prepare a place for him. Funeral services will be at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. John Grohs will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. Burial will be on Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Kohler, Wisconsin. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net. Memorials may be designated to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids or Friends of San Lucas 4679 Cambridge Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 (651) 592-0569 https://www.sanlucasmission.org/contact