Hello Starr family,  

Hard to believe it's been 3 years today, although I bet you still feel like it was yesterday at times.  

I think of Caleb often, I carry his remembrance coin in my purse.  My family and I have a cottage in Stanton (near Lakeview).  Yesterday, my husband lost his wallet and it was turned in by a good Samaritan to a gas station attendant, who in turn called the Lakeview State Police post.  

Within a couple of hours the wallet contents were personally delivered to us by Trooper Hug, who it turns out was in Caleb's class and knew him very well.  Made us both smile to talk of him, and so close to this anniversary too. 

I hope you are all doing well.  

Hard to believe it's been a full year today.  Sending so much love to all of the family.  Still see Starr Strong signs around the lake.  Had dinner at Clifford Lake Inn just 3 weeks ago and saw a patron wearing a Starr Strong t shirt.  Your presence is still felt and you are missed.  

IT is with a deep heart that I begin this message
I didn't know your family, or trooper Starr... Set this past Saturday I went to a trump parade which I was part of oh, and they are the vendor tables was information and pictures on coins of your son. I'm from Grand Rapids Michigan, and I back the blue no matter what as my uncle was a Kent county sheriff. My condolences to you and your family, and please know that we're doing everything to keep your son's memory alive... The coins were beautiful and here is mine... Much love ❤️ to you and your family

Although I do not know you or your family, you were always a kind face. My 7 year old daughter is obsessed with law enforcement and the many times we have seen you in passing either at the gas station or at public events you always made it a point to say hi to her. I guess it was daddy intuition. Your kindness and smiles will be greatly missed. 
We back the blue, and as always send love to your family in this time both by blood and in uniform. 
With love and sadness,
The Baisden Family 


Dear Starr Family,

I didn't know Caleb, but I've known Jessica for a long time and I know with certainty Caleb was as brilliant, caring, and wonderful as Jessica.   The pictures in the tribute of those two together show their bond and love for each other.  

May your hearts be filled with peace and may his memory be forever in our mists.  

May the Peace of Christ be with you all.  

Robert Zendejas
Atlanta, GA 

My prayers and hugs go out to the family so sorry for your loss, peace and prayers

Shame On The Person, That Killed this Officer

Driving Drunk

My condolences! I am sooooo sorry for your loss. I wish I would’ve connected the dots. My son knew Caleb from school. Caleb even came over to my house when he was little with another mutual friend. My prayers go out to you Alan and Debbie. Along with Caleb’s wife and kids.  💕💕

Sending sympathy and love to Caleb's family. 


To the Starr Family, I wish there were words to assuage your family’s grief. But words fall short when a beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend leave us. I can promise prayers for all of you and the feverant hope that your memories help you through this immensely difficult time. God Speed Caleb. ❤️

My dad is a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant. As an Michigander, I'm proud of Michigan State Police. These are difficult times for our First Responders. Rest easy, my brother. You will always be loved and remembered. Benton Harbor.

Trooper Starr may you R.I.P.  Than you for your service . May God bless.

I am so sorry for the loss of one of our finest, State Trooper, Caleb Starr. I hope all that cared and loved him, find some comfort in their memories. Rest in Peace, Trooper Caleb Starr!

To the Starr family, I do not know your brave husband, however, I feel compelled to send my deepest condolences for your sudden and tragic loss.  I can offer no other comment than to say that no one can possibly feel the pain that your family now suffers.  I can say with conviction that my wife and I have experienced the extreme pain at losing two beautiful and precious grandchildren in tragic auto accidents through no fault of their own.  Please know that we offer your family up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, pleading for His comfort to cover you and your family and help you through this traumatic time.  God bless and keep you all!

Dear Starr Family,

It was with great sadness that we heard the news.   Caleb and I had a lengthy conversation at Indian Lake last summer, as we met one another on our respective morning walks.  (I think he was going for a run....I was walking:)    He was enthusiastic about his career as a state trooper and happy and upbeat about his family and his life.   It was a joy to see him.

We are praying for all of you.

Regards,
Don and Linda Pierce

Mrs. Starr and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. 

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Starr, to you and your two daughters I send my  sincere  condolences to you all. I am prior law enforcement and my son is a Michigan State Police Trooper. My heart breaks for you and your children. Caleb lives in the hearts of you and your children. Thank you for your service Trooper Starr. May the Lord Bless you Mrs. Starr,. May the Lord place a blanket of comfort over you all. Amen 

I am so sorry for the loss of this brave man.  May God grant Trooper Starr’s family peace.  
Thank you for your service and your commitment to this great profession.
God please protect the brave men and women of law enforcement as they Protect and serve our nation.
My sincerest condolences.
I will always support the police!

I have no memory as I never met Caleb, but felt the need to post a message. 

I lay here next to my son who has Batten Disease. It is a slow progressive disease that ultimately ends in death. God has given us the opportunity to say goodbye to him. To have Caleb taken so quickly, without that opportunity, I just can’t imagine your pain, as a wife, mother, father.  My heart just hurts so for you. 

There was such an outpouring of support as a law enforcement officer, a husband, father, and a son in the press.  No one wrote the book on grieving. I understand that.  Again, just felt the need to share my condolences. 

I wanted to send my condolences to Mrs Starr and family.  I didn’t know who Caleb Howard Starr was. But i wanted to donate one of my paintings to show my appreciation for his services. I just wish he would have been able to see what a great piece it is.
I’m glad that the Lakeview msp department accepted it on his behalf. May you Rest In Peace sir and may god look over your family 

       

Extending our sincerest, heartfelt sympathies from my family to the Starr family.....may you find peace knowing that Caleb served his family and country in one of the bravest capacities one could ever have---a Michigan State Police Trooper.   We are so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences. 
Ingrid P. Dean, MSP Retired 

Thank you for your service thank you for protecting us and keeping us safe at night rest in peace tom flint mi

Dear Mrs. Starr and Family, 

May God bless all of you.  



Suzanne Hellner
Chelsea, MI

You raised your son well giving him the foundation for the exemplary life he led.  I have found comfort in honoring and remembering a loved one's life always.  My heart weighs heavy with your loss.

I did not know Caleb or his family, but I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to his wife, their 2 lit’l girls and his entire family. Caleb is in Heaven with our Lord now.  I know it’s impossible for us to understand WHY these things happen.  We must always remember that God is in complete control. He NEVER makes mistakes. God must have had an important task that only Caleb could do. He will 4-ever be in your hearts and in the fond & blessed memories you’ve all shared. I will keep you all in my thots & prayers  in this sad time and in the months & years to come.   “May God grant you the strength you all need during this difficult time and may He bless everyone of you and grant you peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.......”

Chris Scholten & Family
Zeeland, MI

My condolences go out to the entire Starr family.  Thoughts and prayers will be with you during this sad time.


Rachael, girls, and family! So very sorry for the passing of Caleb! We are absolutely heartbroken for you all! Please know you will always remain in our prayers as you begin to navigate this road. I pray your hearts can somehow find hope and peace. God holds you all so very close! Love and prayers always! -Kaylee Hamlin 

Dear Starr Family, 
From our family to yours I wish to express our sincere condolences for our great loss of Caleb.  Our family is large, spreading far and wide and will always be there for you.  Do not hesitate to reach out to anyone in our family and they will assist with your needs.   May you find comfort in our family.   Peace be with you. 
The Galarneau’s (MSP Retired)

Rachel and girls,
We were so sorry to hear about Caleb’s accident. We have been thinking about you all and praying for you. Teddy misses you at daycare! Our love to you and your whole family.

Dear Starr Family,
         We are so sorry for your loss.  May the Lord be beside you in the coming days ahead.  Hold on to all of your good memories. Praying for your family.

Scott and Jane Warren
(Parents of Ana Kate and Jordan Maurer)

Praying for the Starr family today 💙 
While we didn’t know Caleb personally, we are grieving with you as a blue family. Rest easy, Trooper Star, we’ve got it from here.

Blessed are the peacekeepers for they shall be called sons of God.

Sending our condolences, love and prayers to the family, friends and brothers and sisters in Blue of Trooper Starr.  Condolences from a member of your extended MSP Blue Family 

I met Caleb on my first day at AO, Jan 3 2017. He seemed shy/quiet and reserved at first. Things quickly changed as he first told stories about Evelyn and Rachael (he beamed about Rosalie after she came later). With each conversation we learned more and more about each other. Things we had in common like being left handed, swimming in hs, sarcastic humor. And things we were total opposites on, like politics or me eating only the freshest peeps and him liking them stale and crunchy (ew). Our ADD lead our talks down many rabbit holes with many laughs. We had conversations and debates but they were always pleasant, always respectful. His intelligence and heart showed every day. I will think of him every wing Friday, with every Fazoli’s breadstick and every time I see a rubber band (we would fling them at each other over the cubicle walls).  Caleb was one of a kind. He touched the hearts of many who knew him. A truly good person. 

Rachael keeping you and your family in our thoughts so sorry for your loss. 

Dearest Debbie, Alan and family,
No words can express how sorry I am for your heartache. I pray you are sustained by our prayers, family and friends near and dear to you, and the pride you have in the man Caleb became. 
May God bless and keep you,
Pam McGrath

Debbie and Al, know that so much love goes out to you and the entire family over your devastating loss. May God help you through this time. You must have been, and will eternally be, very proud of Caleb. 

Sending our condolences, love and prayers to the family of Trooper Starr. 

May young Caleb always rest in eternal peace. Sending sincere sympathies at your loss. Cherish all the great memories you all shared together. Go Green too.

Respectfully and sadly,

Charlie and Marise Gross
MSP Retired

Dear Starr Family, 
There really are no words that we can say to take the sting out of the pain you are feeling. We hope you are comforted knowing that there is so much love surrounding you and in the memories of Caleb, or Trooper Starr, as we know him. Our son Taylor Sharp, met and connected with him while they were in the 135th recruit class at MSP. He certainly was loved by so many!😊❤️ We will continue to pray for you.
Todd and Susan Sharp

To the Starr and Couchenour Families,

We wanted to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of Caleb. Sending our prayers for peace and comfort. He was honorably serving and protecting us all.
May God Bless you!

Dennis & Shirley Simpson
(friends of Cochenours)

Debbie and Al, keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers💙

To the Starr family, 

We are very sorry for your loss.  We send our deepest condolences and are thinking of you all during this difficult time.  

Chris and Steffani Gerard

Although i never met or served with you, i just want to express my deepest sympothy to your family and thank you for your service. So sorry for your loss.
Deputy Roberts (retired)
Allegan Co. Sheriff dept.

We first met Caleb when he was about 14 years old. He and Jessica were friends with our sons Matthew and Ayden.  They met up whenever we came over to  Mason from England.  Our family offer the deepest condolences to yourself and your girls and to Debbie, Alan and Jess.  

To the family of Trooper Starr,

I am so sorry for your loss! One senseless act has so many terrible repercussions! Please remember that he will always be with you in your heart. I pray that you may feel his presence and that it brings you and your girls peace!

Sincerely,
Kristan Buege Miller

Rachel, I don't believe we've met, but I'm the pastor at Mason First UMC.  I am so so sorry for your loss.  Our daycare staff is devastated and we are all grieving with you.  I have heard over and over again what a good and loving father Caleb was to your girls and that speaks so well of a man.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that we stand ready to assist you in whatever way we can.  May God's presence be peace and comfort to you in these days.   ~Pastor Suzanne

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58

We pray for an abundance of strength, healing and peace for the Starr family during this trying time and may God rest Caleb's soul. In Jesus name, Amen!

To the Family and Friends of Trooper Caleb Howard Starr,

Please accept my condolences and prayers. Although I did not know him, I respect our good Officers and Troopers in the State of Michigan. I would like to say to him "thank you for your service", well done.

Bonnie McPeak

Letting you know we grieve with you in your loss and Michigan’s loss.  Our prayers for you and your family.

Dear the Starr Family,  
My condolence to your family of your lost. Sending Prayers and LOVE to your family during these times. 

I didn’t know Officer Caleb or your Family.  I want to send the family my sincere condolences.  On June 5th, 2016, I lost my only son. He was 33 years old and his name was Kaleb.  Just a letter difference.
I’ve said prayers for your son daily.  I know, unfortunately what it’s like to lose a handsome, brilliant, young man from an absolutely senseless act.  I pray your family and friends find some peace, my heart goes out to everyone who knew him. As with my son, your Caleb was helping people in the State stay safe.  My Kaleb was an MD, PhD Emergency Medicine Doctor at Sparrow.  Prayers 🙏🏽 to the family during this time of grief and the inability to understand why.  The Lord be with all of you. 
KimPatricia Essa Dagenais

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of a husband and father.  I don't personally know Trooper Starr, but he and my son graduated from the same high school, and my son still lives in Mason also. At this time of great loss, please remember what a wonderful person Caleb was and what an honorable profession he belonged to. My son is an officer in Mason and will be involved in honoring Caleb on Saturday. #STARRSTRONG

I have never met Trooper Star.  I retired from the MSP in 1991.
I am very saddened by Troop Star’s death and the circumstances surrounding his death.  It always pains me when one of our Brothers in blue dies in such a tragic accident.  My condolences to his family.  I will continue to include him in my prayers!

I do not know you. I only know of you. Thank you for your service and  sacrafice.  Rest In Peace good sir.

My heart breaks for your whole family and my prayers continue to be with you. I hadn't seen Caleb in many, many years but he was in my Sunday school class when he was a little boy. 

I had the privilege of knowing Caleb both when I was in Elementary School and Middle school when he was my Swim Coach. He always knew how to make me better and make me improve with many things. His willingness to go above and beyond for me showed so much. He was always so kind and caring to all including myself. I will never forget when he would always make me laugh and just be there to talk to both when I needed advice and just someone to be there. He had a heart like no other and he was the greatest friend. I will definitely miss him and his Wit. He will definitely always be the best Coach and friend. God bless Caleb and his family.  

I had the privilege of going to school with Caleb, I believe  since 2nd grade. I don’t remember much being a new student but I remember Caleb being a friend from the start. As we went through each grade together Caleb was always the same, a total down to earth kid that was always smiling and very competitive. We weren’t the closest of friends through out middle school and high school as we each had our differences but if we saw each other  in the hall he wouldn’t hesitate to say something or just to see how I was doing. I wish I would have remained friends but it’s something I can’t change. Distance can do that and sometimes being away doesn’t mean that you can’t be friends or be their from somebody. I know Caleb would try his hardest to remain in contact. I am praying for his family and I am sure he will be looking down on them smiling. RIP Caleb, you will be missed.

I had the honor of working with Trooper Starr as I am a dispatcher.  The last shift I worked with Trooper Starr I asked him about his family. He expressed to me how much he loved his wife and his two little girls. It is a memory I will always cherish. It speaks volumes of his character. I am praying for your family during this difficult time. 

Rachael and family, Having a family with several police officers, My brother-in-law was a state trooper for many years at the West Branch MI post & two nephews that served as officers in  the Ingham county police Dept. , I wish to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Please know that I will be praying for you during this very difficult time. Rick Anthony

Sending all my love to Jessica and the entire family.  We are all thinking of you.

Our hearts and prayers go out to you at the home going of Caleb. May all the wonderful memories you have of him bring you much comfort and when you think of those wonderful memories may those memories bring a smile to your face. Love, Hugs and Prayers to all of you from your law enforcement family.

I wanted to send my condolences to Jessica and  family.  I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope your memories of Caleb provide comfort during this time. 

I didn’t know Trooper Starr but my son, Matthew Krause, graduated from the Michigan State Police Academy with him-the 135th class. My heartfelt condolences to your family. It’s an honorable profession of the highest degree. As parents, we are extremely proud and equally terrified. Please accept my sympathies. My son will be in the patrol motor vehicle procession honoring your son on Saturday. 

So sorry for your loss you are in my prayers ♥️

To the Starr family,

My wife Barb and I both work for MSP in CJIC.  We wanted to express our sincere condolences to your family.  Please know your MSP family will always be here for you! 

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Trooper Caleb Starr but a friend of my son's is a MSP Trooper and knew Caleb. He sounds like a great guy. He will be deeply missed by many. Love to you all. Janet

My heart breaks for you, the family.  I am so sorry for the loss of your son, husband and father.

I did not know Trooper Starr, but I wanted to send my condolences to the family.

I work for the State Police, and I was married to a trooper for 30 years.  It is so difficult when we lose one of our State Police family members.  I wanted to send a hug from one family member to another.  I know this is a difficult time.  My prayers are with you.

Sherrie Loader

I was so saddened to hear this shocking news. My heart goes out to you at this time of grief.

Rachel,

I pray that our Lord brings you and your family the much needed peace during this sad time.  May care and love of those around you provide you comfort and peace to get you through this difficult time and the days ahead.

My deepest condolences to you and your entire family.



I had the privilege of working with Caleb in 2 different departments at A-O.  I was working with him when both of the girls were born, and I was working with him when he made the decision to leave and join MSP.  I considered him a friend.

Even though I was sad to see him go, I knew that pursuing being a Michigan State Trooper had been a dream of his.  I was happy to see him go after that dream.  In fact, I recently looked back and saw that my last text messages with him were the day before graduation.  I congratulated him on such a tremendous accomplishment and told him I was proud of him.

We used to joke about his RBF (his Trooper photo shows it!)...he knew he had it, even though he wasn't trying.   And it also didn't represent what a kind-hearted, funny and intelligent person he truly was on the inside.  I feel like I got to know that person over the years.  

I am very saddened by Caleb's tragic passing.  He will never be forgotten.  Sending  prayers of strength to you, Rachael, and your beautiful girls, as well as to the rest of your families.

I am so sorry for your loss.  As a citizen of Michigan, Caleb is my loss as well and a loss to law officers everywhere. 
 
You'll see him again! May our Lord be with you always. 
 
Bill Neller

Rachael and Family- 

Our sincerest condolences are extended to you and your family.  Please know that you have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.  

Jeff Yonker and Family 

I am very sorry Rachael and thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Rest in Peace Troop.  

My prayers have been with Caleb and all of you, his loving family, throughout this difficult journey.  Those prayers continue  as you mourn the tragic passing of such a good man.  In time, may you find solace in happy memories and may God's loving and abundant grace help to heal your hearts.  Peace and blessings to you...

Prayers to all of you during this most difficult time. May God wrap all of you in his loving arms and give you peace and strength. 

#mspfamilyinblue

Caleb and Rachael were one of those couples that from the beginning you just knew they were meant to be. From the quirky sense of humor they shared to the little slap on the butt you’d catch out of the corner of eye. Caleb always knew just what Rachael needed and when she needed it. They always made time for each other, time to love and time to dream. They knew just how precious time could be and didn’t waste a single moment. 

Caleb was a girl dad and oh how lucky those girls were. But Caleb wouldn’t have seen it that way, he would have wanted people to know how lucky he was just to be their dad. He was proud just to have them around and he wore that emotion on his sleeve.  If you saw the way he looked at them you'd know.  He was their friend, their protector and their biggest fan.

Caleb exemplified the definition of "State Trooper".  He was a natural protector, a gracious hero and a respectful leader. He had a passion and pride for his job that was unmatched.  And while he understood his role as an enforcer of the law, he did so with compassion, with dignity and with respect.  And to those he encountered, he will be remembered as a man who treated them fairly, honestly and with an integrity often rare in these times.  

Caleb was a thinker, a planner and would tackle anything with a little, or maybe a lot, of research.  And with the right tools Caleb could do anything. He showed Rachael what living life to the fullest felt like and they experienced more love and happiness in 14 years than most experience in a lifetime. He taught his girls how to dream and that no obstacle is too big if you believe in yourself. As for the rest of us, Caleb was something to strive for. He was kind and decent during the times it was most difficult. He valued his marriage and filled his home with love and laughter. He worshiped his children and showed them unconditional love. If God were looking for a hero, a protector, and a perfect example of a man, I think he found him. 

Caleb and Rachael gave me a MSP cozy for my birthday and I am taking it everywhere. It remind me to be Starr Strong!

My family send our thoughts and prayers to the Starr family. I work with his brother in law at Parnall. We are sadden by the lost of a law enforcement brother but know he now serves in the heavens. Again thoughts and prayers to the Starr family. 

#StarrStrong

Debbie and Alan, the photos capture so much of the boy I knew and the man he had become. I used to think he looked a lot like Alan but now I see so much of Debbie there too. There are no words my friends. Arms around you and Rachel  and Jess.


I am sorry for your loss. I remember Caleb from coaching him during high school swimming. He always wanted to do his best. It sounds like he continued to strive to do his best in his life.

My condolences go out to the Starr family and those deeply affected by this tragedy. I never met Caleb, but I am sure he was an incredible father and so much more. Over the past few weeks I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with the family as they came through my motor lobby daily. I had a hard trying finding the words to say, but I am blessed to have had the opportunity of connecting with them. RIP Trooper Starr!!!

May the Lord bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow, and remember Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

I had the pleasure of working with Caleb at Auto-Owners. Such a wonderful man who loved his wife and girls so much! I enjoyed hearing his stories about the girls. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Starr family. May they take some comfort in knowing  how many lives he touched.







OBITUARY

Caleb Howard Starr

May 15, 1987 – July 31, 2020

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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