Carol Ann Krzyzaniak Stark

Carol Ann Krzyzaniak Stark, 84, of Flippin, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on September 25, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born on December 13, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Harry and Wanda Todryk. Her father passed young and Wanda later married Clovis Hassert, so Carol was no longer an only child and gained four brothers and sisters.

Carol grew up in Milwaukee, WI, where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Ken. They began their life together in South Beloit, IL, where they made many wonderful friends. In 1972, they moved to Waterford, WI, where Carol would spend the next 44 years. Ken was a band director and musician, and Carol always enjoyed supporting him and sharing in the many concerts, musicals, and band events throughout the years.

Carol and Ken both had a passion for the library, and she was blessed to work at the Waterford Library, where she made many special friends. Carol and Ken loved their church family at St. Thomas Church in Waterford. Carol enjoyed camping with Ken and their daughters every summer and, again, made special friends whose friendships and memories the family will never forget. Church services in the mountains of Wyoming around a campfire and singing around that same fire in the evenings with family and friends, are cherished memories.

After Ken’s passing in 1994, Carol married Bernie Stark on New Year’s in 2000, when she became part of a large family with nine stepchildren and their families. Carol loved being a grandma and then a great-grandma. During this time, she suffered the loss of her daughter, Karen, and her mother, Wanda. She and Bernie enjoyed traveling and spending their winters as snowbirds in The Villages, FL, until Bernie’s passing in 2016.

In the fall of 2016, Carol moved to Flippin, AR, to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Mike. She found a new library and new friends, as well as a second church family at St. Andrew’s, both in Yellville, AR. She enjoyed her time at the library, reading, and being involved in church activities. You could find her helping at funerals, working at the yard sale, and especially enjoying the fellowship of Donut Sunday and special holiday meals. Most of all, Chris and Mike were blessed to have her nearby during her last 12 years.

Carol will be remembered by her family and friends for her kind heart, warm spirit, and the love she shared with those around her. Many will remember her for the baby blankets she loved to crochet. She treasured her extended family and the many lifelong friendships she made throughout her life, especially her friends from childhood, camping, churches, and libraries, as well as her best friends in Wisconsin and Arkansas.

She is survived by her kitties, Mischief and Blackie; daughter and son-in-law, Chris (Charlie) and Mike; brother-in-law, Tom; nieces, Cheri and Michelle; nephews, John and Bob; step-sisters Sally and Joan, nine Stark Children with their families and by special friends Joe & Family, Marcie, Heather, Cindy (AR) Thea, Judy, Sue & Mike, Katie (WI), Ken & Karen (IL), Carol (CA) along with her Library friends and Church families at St. Thomas and St. Andrews.

She was preceded in death by. Parents Harry and Wanda, In-Laws Frank and Anne, Husband Kenneth, Daughter Karen, Husband Bernie, Stepson BJ, Stepbrothers Arnie and Fran, Stepsisters Leona Joan, Sister-In-Law Barb, Special friends Pat & Bill, Ken, Vonnie & Nils, and her special Kitties Tiger and Sassy.

Carol's family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating her life.

St. Andrew Catholic Church in Yellville, Arkansas, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Visitation at 11:00, Mass at Noon with luncheon to follow.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Faith Community (305 S 1st St, Waterford, WI 53185) on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Visitation from 10:00–11:15 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Arkansas to Yellville Library or St. Andrew Church Charity Fund. In Wisconsin to Waterford Library or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. If you knew Carol, you know she would be honored to be remembered with a Mass for her in the future.

Carol leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, friendship, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Stark family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home
• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185
• 262-534-2233
• www.stencelfh.com