Raymond Monroe Starr

Mr. Raymond M. Starr, 93, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Sunday afternoon, September 3, 2017, at Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, Davenport.

Raymond Monroe Starr was born June 25, 1924, in Maquoketa to the late Truman and Christina (Powlista) Starr.  He attended numerous country schools. Ray served in the Army Air Force during World War II.  He married Ruth Curtis in 1945 and she preceded him in death on December 25, 1946.  Ray married Shirley Stahmer June 29, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Maquoketa.  The couple farmed for many years and raised their family in rural Wheatland.  Ray was a talented mechanic and worked at various Ford and tractor dealerships. 

He enjoyed hunting, talking cars, country drives, wintering in Florida, family functions and spending time with his grandchildren.  Ray was most proud of his lawn, landscaping and keeping an immaculate vehicle.

Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Shirley; children, Linda (Joel) Leinen of Calamus, Lorraine “Kay” Starr of Davenport, David (Melva) Starr of Cedar Falls, Karen (Randy) Dykstra of Fulton, Illinois, Patricia “Trish” (Jason) Ellis of Bettendorf, Kathryn (Rich) Starr-Hake of Overland Park, Kansas, Bryan (Carol) Starr of DeWitt and Timothy Starr of New Liberty; 17 grandchildren; a step grandchild; 29 great-grandchildren, 6 step great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

An infant daughter and a great-grandson also preceded him in death. 

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2017.  A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the funeral home.  Burial and military rites will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Starr, Matthew Starr, Zachary Bonefas, Joshua Starr, Camden Ellis and Andrew Dykstra, Benjamin Hake, Austin Hake, Jeff Leinen and Paul Daehn.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.