Joe Frederick Stark, 90, passed away Friday, May 1, 2009, in Sun City West, Arizona. Joe was born May 21, 1918, in Edgar, Montana, to Rose and Fred Stark. Joe lived a passionate life filled with his many interests and talents ranging from sports to literature and music. He was accomplished in many fields, intelligent and an exceptional listener. His sage advice was sought by many as he embodied a deep level of both integrity and compassion and a creative humor. As a father, husband and friend he was loyal, sincere and loved unconditionally. Joe's family moved from Edgar to the small town of Fromberg, Mont. when he was seven years old. Along with a brother and three sisters, he spent much of his childhood in nature. He and his brother became avid fly fishers, baseball players and pool sharks. Their father owned the local theatre, pool hall, soda fountain, and tavern. The kids were as at home in the town as at the fishing hole. Joe attended Eastern Montana State University and he taught for one year in Gardner, Mont. He enlisted and served as an Army Air Corps pilot flying the C-47 in World War II. He received the Silver Star award. Back in the states, flying R&R missions and stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., he met the love of his life, Gladys Wenner. They married in October of 1946, honeymooned in Havana then returned to Montana where he completed his B.A. and, later, his M.S. degree in education at the University of Montana, Missoula. His career began in Charlo and his first three children, Tamra, Jody, and Kempy, were born while he coached and taught there. He took his first teams to state championships and would continue to be a highly successful coach in many sports. The family moved to Three Forks for two years and then to Townsend where the fourth child, Kirk, was born. Three years later, in 1957, the family moved to Glendive. Hunting and fishing were still a big part of life. He was instrumental in making Glendive the first home of the Babe Ruth World Series. The family moved to Racine in 1962 where Joe was an administrator at Washington Park High School and completed his career as a principal at J.I. Case High School. Joe's free time was devoted to family and friends, playing and teaching bridge, golf and camping. He was also active in civic organizations including Kiwanis, Lions and Optimists. Joe and Gladys retired to Sun City West, Ariz., 25 years ago and they enjoyed more bridge, golf and bocce. They also realized a life long dream of worldwide travel. He is survived by sister Fredricka (Ron) Wike and brother Paul Stark as well as his four children, Tamra, Jody, Kempy and Kirk and eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, and his sisters, Agnes Skurdal and Rose Stark. Joe and Gladys were interred the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz. Their epitaph reads: Grace Harmony Love. We thank them for the many dreams they have fulfilled for us as their children as well for the enduring friendships they have created and shared with us. Joe will be deeply missed by both family and friends.