Raymond E. Starken, 88, of Bettendorf, Iowa, was one of the last decent guys, he passed away on March 6, 2022. Visitation, Friday, March 11, 2022, 5-7pm. Funeral, Saturday, March 12, 2022, 10 a.m. Services at Weerts Funeral Home, Burial will follow at Davenport Memorial Park.
Raymond was born March 9, 1933 in Thief River Falls, MN to Henry and Theresa (Cuno) Starken. Raymond proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1955-1958. Raymond was a hard worker and dedicated 40 years to Alcoa. During that time he fell in love and married his wife Elsie on September 3, 1982. Both had children from previous marriages but love built them a bigger family.
Raymond adored and playfully enjoyed bickering with his wife of 40 years. He like traveling with Elsie, taking her dancing, playing guitar and singing country western classics from Johnny Cash and the Highwaymen.
Raymond enjoyed the simple life and had a loving and caring soul. He loved a good meal and spending time with his family. Raymond especially loved being a grandpa. He would enjoy singing and rocking his babies to sleep. Raymond never shied away from a buffet, especially if it had good chicken noodle soup and fried chicken. No family get together was without Grandpa's cowboy beans.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings, as well as Angie, Brian, Scott and Raynel. He was survived by his wife Elsie G. Starken; children, Tim (Karen) Starken, Thomas Starken, Devon (John) Burger, Bronwyn Townsend, Julie Henson, Carol Williams and Paul (Shelly) Regan. Grandchildren Amanda (Terry) Harbour, Eric (Katie) Williams, Alyssa (Jesse) Valdez-Quinlan and Travis (Katie) Phillis. Great-grandchildren, Madison, Isabella, Evan, Henry, Noah, Carter, Genevieve, Mia and Asa.
Memorials may be left to the family. Online condolences maybe expressed at weertsfh.com
