Denny R Stark, 53, passed away suddenly on the evening of January 7, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Brandy (Lore) Stark of Alliance; his 3 children, Banyn, Cormic, and Jepsen Stark; his father, Mark Saum; his brothers, Shawn Miller (Natalie) of Lakeside, Nebraska, Rod Stark (Kathy) of Maryville, Tennessee, and Tracy Stark of Alliance, Nebraska; his sister, Kelly Stark of Olympia, Washington; his half-sister, Lisa Lott (Dave) of Olympia, Washington; his step-sister, Jen Vogel (Jeff) of Gainesville, Florida; his step-brother, Jimmy Saum (Rana) of Seward, Nebraska; his uncle, Chuck Huber (Sally) of Scottsdale, Arizona; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his twin brother Kenny Stark, and an unborn child.
Denny was born to Dennis and Barbara “Bunny” Stark in Grand Island, Nebraska on March 22, 1972. He attended school in Alliance, Nebraska from kindergarten through 12th grade. His magnetic personality won him many friends and memories. After high school, his work experience varied from the railroad to the hospital, the care center to bartending, Mobius to cement work. Denny played softball for a number of years on teams where he was generally a pitcher. On October 13, 2007, he married Brandy Lore of Alliance. The following year, 2008, Banyn was born, then they lost a child in 2009, Cormic was born in 2011, and Jepsen followed in 2013. With three children running around, Denny actively coached soccer, baseball, and football for about 10 years. His love of the Nebraska Huskers has been passed down to his children and his nieces and nephews, family and friends. Rare to have a quiet Saturday during football season in our house! Denny also loved golf. Our family and many friends spent days on the golf course where they soaked up the sunshine, swung the clubs, and shared their love of the game. He tore down a house and we made it into our back yard; and ripped out a deck to rebuild with his own hands, where we could create memories with family and friends. The yard was full of games and laughter for many years. Cornhole and washer tournaments have been held in the yard, football has been watched on the big screen in the carport, and memories were made that will last a lifetime. Wherever Denny went, there was laughter. He was always quick to tell a story or joke, and wanted to see people happy and make them laugh. There are too many stories to tell and not enough space to write them in, so please, remember him and keep his legacy alive by sharing stories, laughter, and tears. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A celebration of Denny’s life will be held Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alliance Eagles Club.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to our children’s educational funds at Meridian Trust under the name Stark kids.