Bruce Starkey

On Sunday, October 23, Bruce K Starkey, loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend passed away at the age of 70 after a battle with lung cancer. Bruce was born on November 21, 1951 in Elwood, IN to Betty (Rhodes) and Ralph J. Starkey Jr. He graduated from Wendell L. Willkie high school in Elwood, IN in 1970, and attended Ball State briefly. Bruce had two children with his former wife Betsy Svilow, Carl Starkey (29) and Lydia Starkey (23).

Bruce was an extremely fun and social person who will be missed by many. He could often be found at his favorite ‘watering hole’ in Stoughton chatting with a close friend or a total stranger. Bruce was incredibly funny with a great sense of humor. He had a large, infectious laugh, and laughed often with the many people who loved him. He loved baseball, especially his St. Louis Cardinals, and enjoyed watching other sports. He had a passion for music and loved going to concerts; he attended dozens each year. He enjoyed the outdoors greatly and camped often at nearby state parks. Bruce lived his life to his fullest and never cared what other people thought. He was an amazing friend, and a wonderful father and family man to those around him. He will be remembered for his great personality, his strength, and his positive impact on others.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Ralph, and his mother, Betty. He is survived by his children, Carl and Lydia, his brother, Jeff Starkey, his granddaughter, Kira Starkey, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

A memorial celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Sunday November 6, 2022, at 1:00pm at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, WI with a visitation beginning at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bruce’s name. Thank you.

Please share your memories of Bruce by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244