Michael Frederick Stark, age 62, of North Platte, NE, went home to his Lord on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Mike was born November 20, 1954, to Marvin and Joyce Stark at Sutherland, NE. He grew up on the family farm in the North Platte River Valley, north of Sutherland, and attended school in town.

Mike proudly served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged in 1975, he returned to Sutherland and farmed with his dad until he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. Mike worked his way up to being an engineer and was awarded Engineer of the Year in 2008. After 37 years on the railroad, he retired due to illness.

Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and in his younger days, enjoyed trapping. He adored his horses and dogs and enjoyed grilling and smoking meals for his family. He was a member of the Sutherland Presbyterian Church, V.F.W., American Legion, and a life member of the N.R.A.

On September 6, 1997, Mike was united in marriage to Cindy Cain Foster in North Platte. He always said, “I married the woman I waited my whole life for.”

Along with his wife, Cindy, of North Platte, Mike is survived by his son, Travis Stark (fiancée, Natalie Lower), of North Platte; daughters, Darcy Stark (fiancé, Julius Reed) and Courtny (Justin) Foust, of North Platte, Jennifer Stark, of Louisville, KY, and Mary Jo Stark, of Neligh, NE; stepchildren, Eric (Lindsey) Foster and Fauna Garcia, of McCook, NE; sisters, Kathy (Roy) Bailey, of Roscoe, NE, Laurie Stark (special friend, Patty Bear), of Lexington, NE; stepmother, Jean Stark, and stepsisters, Pam Wescoat and Lisa Wescoat, all of North Platte; his dogs, Angel and MOJO, and cat, Pooker; 21 grandchildren; as well as his nieces, nephews and other family.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Stark; mother, Joyce Stark; brother, Steven Dale Stark; and stepdaughter, Terra Foster.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Ned Cooper officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The family requests casual dress or camouflage (Mike’s favorite) for the service. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to H.E.X.