Stark, Richard "Rick"

Richard "Rick" Stark, age 61 of Dodgeville, formerly of Galena, unexpectedly passed away at home on August 22, 2025. Rick was born on October 1, 1963, in Galena, IL to Donald and Betty (Brotzman) Stark.

From a young age, Rick had an interest in nature. He loved going in the woods, exploring and hunting mushrooms with his black lab Tank, searching the banks of the Mississippi for Native American artifacts, and bow hunting and looking for shed antlers. Rick enjoyed bow hunting so much, he was one of the people who worked with the DNR to reestablish the turkey population in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. His hunts were not exclusive to turkeys or deer, nor were they even limited to Illinois and Wisconsin. For instance, he traveled to Wyoming and got an antelope—something he was so proud of, his good friend Gary tattooed the antelope on his back. Gary's shop continued to be a large part of the artwork on Rick's body depicting Rick's deep admiration for Native American culture.

Rick spent many summers as a child and teenager on his uncle's farm in Platteville where he developed a strong sense of hard work which continued into his adult life. As an adult, Rick worked in various trades, honing his skills before picking up a new one. He spent many years working in both residential and commercial construction, both which allowed him to utilize his vast knowledge and experience of trade work and skills.

When Rick wasn't working, he enjoyed going to both hard rock and classic rock music festivals and concerts. Godsmack and Metallica were some of the most memorable shows. While at the festivals, Rick was the life of the party, making friends at the campground for many years to come. Rick also enjoyed doing all his own landscaping around the house and watching classic movies. He was probably most known for sitting in his chair in the garage and people watching, taking breaks to play games on his phone or looking at Facebook marketplace for a good deal. 

Rick was a lifelong and avid Steelers fan. He was always waiting for football season to start.

Rick loved his grandkids more than life. He loved to spoil them and ensured they always had fun things to do at his house including a swing set and trampoline. Rick shared his love for rock music with his grandkids as well, and loved taking them to various events in Madison, including the Taste of Madison.

A blind date in 2009, led to him meeting the love of his life, Beth Bricco. Beth and her six children quickly became his family as he and Beth immediately became inseparable. They shared many of the same interests and made so many memories along the way. They especially loved going down to Galena for day and weekend trips without the kids. Rick was a wonderful companion to Beth, supportive father figure to Beth's children—especially the younger boys, a fun and loving Papa to the grandkids, and a great friend to anyone who met him.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents.

 Rick is survived by his officially unofficial wife, Beth; his children, Amber and Scott (Kelly); step-children: Cena (Ryan), Suzette, Spenser (Shannon), Silas, Saul (Gwen), CindaKay (Jeremy); 17 grandchildren; siblings: Bonnie (Bill) Powers, Donald (Pam) Stark, Pat (Fred) McConnell, Randy Stark, Sandy (Larry) Ayers, and Paula (Dan) Hilby; special nieces, Mel Stark and Eve Lease; special pups Murphy and Molly; many other nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Per Rick's request, a Celebration of Life will be held on October 17, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Dodger Bowl, 318 King St, Dodgeville, WI. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family or to Suicide Prevention Corporation of Southwest Wisconsin (https://www.suicide-swwi.com/donate)

 Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville  •  608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com