Stanley Starkman, 87, of Ely, dies

Stanley Starkman, 87, of Ely, passed away on June 28, 2017. He was born on June 5, 1930 to Richard and Erma (Dyhr) in Ely. He was a 1948 graduate of Ely Memorial High School. Stan answered his country’s call and was sent to fight in the Korean War where he earned 3 Bronze Stars for Valor in combat. Stan married the love of his life, Marianne Olsson, in 1967 and had two children together. Stan spent most of his working career in the mining industry. He worked in the Zenith Mine in Ely and then at Reserve in Babbitt until 1983. Stan sold firewood for many years until his retirement. In his younger days he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a humble and soft spoken man with a great sense of humor.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Erma, his wife Marianne and brother Ronald Starkman. He is survived by his daughter Britt (Staffan) Axelsson of Round Lake, Ill and two sons Dennis (Christie) Kastama of North St. Paul, MN and Erik (Debora) Starkman of Farmington, MN; a brother Gary (Delores) Starkman of Ely, MN and sister Kathy Douglas of Portland, OR. His is also survived by grandchildren: Amanda (Tommy) McKnuckles, Megan (Josh) Loahr, Ben (Georgie) Kastama, Heidi Kastama, Nick Axelsson, Sam Axelsson, Noah Axelsson, Josh Patterson and Nathan Starkman; six great grandchildren; nephews Michael (Marla) Starkman, Dan Starkman, Kevin Starkman and niece Bridget Hazeyama; aunts BJ Dyhr and Elaine Briggs.
The Starkman family would like to extend a special thanks to the good folks of Essentia Hospice and Care Free Living. Their kindness and compassion was greatly appreciated. There will be no services per Stan’s request.