Alta Jeane Starr (Spitchke)

Starr, Alta Jeane (Spitchke), Age 91, of Big Lake, MN (formally of Princeton, MN & Wickenburg, AZ) passed away on January 7, 2020.  Alta was born the second child of Edward and Blenda (Anderson) Spitchke on July 16, 1928 in Hines, MN.  During her youth, she was raised in the train depot in Tenstrike, MN with her parents and two sisters.  The family moved to Pequot Lakes, MN where she attended high school and graduated in 1946.  After graduation, Alta lived and worked in Brainerd, MN.

In 1953, she met Richard Starr, while marching in the Drum and Bugle Corp, the two began a long-distance courtship, with her moving to California and him joining the US Army.  They married on August 11, 1956 in Pequot Lakes, MN.

The newlyweds moved to Glendive Montana, where they began their life together.  Moving back to Minnesota in 1959, back to Glendive in 1960 and once again back to Minnesota in 1968 settling in Princeton.  With Richard’s career and their family growing to 7, Alta was a homemaker until she started working with the Princeton School District in 1970.  Over the next 20 years, she held positions as an Aide in Special Education, the Nurses Office and the Media Center.   After 20 years of working she retired in 1990.  Now with the freedom of time, Alta and Richard began wintering in Arizona and summering in Minnesota. She spent her time golfing, woodworking, sewing and spending lots of time with her grandchildren.  The couple permanently moved to Wickenburg, Arizona in 2001, where they spent years in the southern sunshine.  In February 2016, they moved to Big Lake, Minnesota in order to be close to family due to health reasons.

Alta will be deeply missed by her children, son Craig Starr, his wife Pam. Grandchildren Tina Whitmill; Angie Young; Cassie (Justin) Thompson. Great-grandchildren Wyatt and Andrew Whitmill; Maximus Young; Maverick and Lexus Crawford and Alahna Thompson.

Daughter Lynn Lawson, her husband Russell. Grandchildren Jill (Chris) Puffer; Kyle Engebretsen.  Great-grandchildren Mason and Maya Puffer.

Daughter Patti Nemeth, her husband Todd. Grandchildren Lance (Joni) Klofstad; Richard (Bryana) Klofstad; Samantha Sewill; and Jeremy (Lauren) Nemeth. Great-grandchildren Ivorie and Marek Klofstad; Liam Klofstad; Ariana and Jameson Sewill; Bentley, Aubree and Beckett Nemeth. 

Son Scott Starr, his wife Peggy. Grandchild Brittany (Cody) Stearns. Great-grandchildren Colton and Lane Stearns.

Daughter Vicki Jones, her husband Joe. Grandchild Leandra Parker. Great-grandchildren Jacob and Jaiden Stanley and Cole Parker.

Many nieces, nephews and other extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband Richard, her parents, sisters, LaRue Buhn and Berniece Jokela and niece Barb Friberg.

Visitation Sunday January 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services held Monday January 13, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior at Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River.

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