Emil H. Starke Jr., 82, of Hutchinson passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Hutchinson.
 Clergy Officiating: Pastor Brian Nehring and Pastor Steve Olcott; Organist: Bonnie Westmiller; Congregational Hymns: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”, “Beautiful Savior”, “Here I Am, Lord”, “Amazing Grace”; Special Music: “Emil’s Polka”; Casket Bearers: Mark Starke, Randy Starke, Isaac Starke, Jacob Starke, Hannah Piechowski, Abigail Starke, Samuel Starke; Military Honors: Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad
 Emil Henry Starke Jr. was born on May 21, 1943, in Nicollet. He was the son of Emil and Wilhelmina (Bublitz) Starke Sr. Emil was baptized as an infant on June 13, 1943, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on January 1, 1957, both at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nicollet. He received his education in Nicollet and was a graduate of Nicollet High School, class of 1961.
 Emil entered military service in the United States Army Reserves on September 5, 1964, in Nicollet. He received an Honorable Discharge on June 22, 1970 in Winthrop and achieved the rank of Sergeant.
 On September 9, 1967, Emil was united in marriage to Marion Schmidt at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson by Reverend Walter D. Marth. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Mark and Randy. Emil and Marion resided in Nicollet. In March of 1969, they purchased the farm in Hutchinson Township. They shared 47 years of marriage prior to the passing of Marion on May 17, 2015.
 Emil held employment at 3M, Stearnswood, Hansen Gravel, Linder Bus Company, City of Hutchinson, and Vision Transportation. He retired in 2024. Emil was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and recently at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
 Emil enjoyed polka dancing, driving through the countryside, and watching Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed visiting with friends at Cash Wise, going out to eat, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Emil cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.
 Blessed be his memory.
 Emil is survived by his sons, Mark Starke and his wife, Leah of Hutchinson, Randy Starke and his wife, Melissa of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Isaac (fiancée, Kaitlyn), Jacob, Hannah (Matthew), Abigail, and Samuel; great-grandson, Vincent;
many other relatives and friends.
 Emil is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Wilhelmina Starke Sr.; wife, Marion Starke; siblings, Marlys Peters, Ruth Brandes, Harold Starke, Harvey Starke, Dorothy Baumgardt, Vivian Westphal, Bernice Truebenbach.
 Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.