Carla was born Dec. 28, 1954, in Independence, MO, to JD and Florence Little. She lived in several places during her father’s time in the military before settling with her aunt and uncle, Leah and Wayne Heiden, in Wheaton, IL. She was a graduate of St. John’s Lutheran School and Wheaton North High School, class of 1972.
Carla married Jim Stark on Aug. 24, 1974, and they made their life together in Winfield, IL, for 43 years before retiring to Dixon, IL.
Carla enjoyed tending their large vegetable garden, raising miniature dachshunds, cross-country skiing, running, and spending time in her swimming pool. Her meticulous nature manifested itself in her oil painting and keeping a spotless house. When Jim would create woodworking projects, Carla painted and put the finishing touches to make them beautiful, including personalized Christmas ornaments for their extended family and many nieces and nephews.
She and Jim also spent a great amount of time fishing and gardening at their property in Woodhaven Lakes.
Carla is survived by her son, Nick (Jackie) of Delavan, WI; her three grandchildren, Alex, Maddie and David Stark; her brothers, Don Heiden, Gary (Pat) Heiden and Ken (Wendy) Heiden; sister, Karen Hasse; sisters-in-law, Linda Gruber, Janice (Don) Prill, Nancy (Scott) Shirley, Peggy Whitman and Laura Stark; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and her beloved dachshund, Sadie.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jim; her parents; brothers, Eugene Heiden and Allen Heiden; and brothers-in-law, Robert Stark, Thomas Stark and Charles Gruber.
Memorial services will be private, with interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.
