A private memorial service will be held. Burial will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Dovary.

Gayland is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Kristine, her children Brittany and Christian, Rachael and her daughter Lily, Katherine, her sons, Preston and Emmett, Elizabeth (Kevin) Mathiowitz, their children Payton and Hunter; his brothers, Garland (Lila) Stark and Gale (Julie) Stark.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gregory and grandson, Justin Zimmerman.

Gayland James Stark was born on June 1, 1950 to Gailord and Donna (Priebe) Stark in Slayton, MN. He attended school in Slayton graduating in 1969. He attended Pipestone Vocational School for meat cutting, graduating in 1970.

On August 15th, 1970 Gayland married Mary Ruppert in Avoca, MN. The first 7 years of their marriage Gayland was a meat cutter for Piggly Wiggly in Albert Lea, Owatonna and Fairmont.

In April of 1977 he was hired by United Parcel Service in St. James. Gayland delivered packages for 32 years, most of that time his route was in Springfield. He very much cared for the people there. One little boy told his mom “he didn’t need Santa Claus her had Gayland. When Gayland retired he said he was finally on his time. He enjoyed many hobbies, hunting, fishing, performing in the syttende mai shows. He was also a member of Rhapsody. He loved the friendships that were developed.

The summers were spent at the lake cabin. It was called Grandpa’s Cabin. He loved to see his grandchildren enjoy spending time there just as his kids had done. When the family was together he would sit in his chair “beaming” as he watched his children and grandchildren. He often said “we should have had the grandchildren first”.

Gayland was very proud of his family, they had his heart. He will be forever loved and missed.

He never met a stranger.

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