Robert Irvine Starke

Robert Irvine Starke, 66, of Washington, Utah, unexpectedly passed away at his residence on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Robert was born in Burbank, California, and lived there for most of his youth. He was the youngest of 5 children, and the only boy.

Robert shared the love of baseball with his father. He played little league when he was a young boy and inherited his love of the Dodgers from his dad. There was always a Dodgers game on at the Starke home.

Robert was known by many names, Bob, Bobby, Robert, Roberto, Dad, and occasionally homer (a special nickname from his wife). Most people knew him as Bob.

He met his first wife, Vicki, who lived just 2 doors down from his childhood home. They grew up together and were childhood sweethearts. They married at a young age and had 2 daughters, Sheryl (known as Sherry but her dad always called her Sheryl) and Teresa.

The marriage eventually came to an end, and Bob needed a big change. With the help of his loving parents and a special friend (Randy), he relocated to St. George, Utah.

After a short time he met his second wife, Debbie. He instantly gained a family of 7. Debbie had 3 boys, Chris, Cory, and Curtis.

Bob was finally on a path that he always wanted. He was thriving. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helping take care of his family. He loved to workout, explore new places, and go camping.

After a few years, they relocated to Northern Utah to be closer to family members. Bob was able to find a new job that he absolutely loved. He began working for a popular Ice Cream Company, Farr's Ice Cream. It was a fantastic job for him.

He started as a truck driver delivering ice cream to many stores across the Valley. He worked extremely hard and was eventually promoted to a Sales Manager position. Bob had a gift for sales. He was very persuasive. It was impressive to see him in action. During this time, he and Debbie shared 18 good years together.

Bob had six grandchildren, who were his whole world. He would do anything for them and wanted to be involved in everything he possibly could. They brought him so much Joy. He always expressed how blessed he was that his daughters had found and married such incredible partners. He knew they were loved and well taken care of.

Bob fought so hard to be the best, father, brother, grandpa, husband, and friend. He had a contagious smile, a huge heart, and loved bigger than you can imagine. He will be missed deeply. Rest in peace daddy. We will love and think of you often. You are in our hearts forever.

Survivors: Robert is survived by his daughters, Sherry (Jason) VandenBerg, their children, Logan, Ashton, and Dillon; Teresa (Chris) Boots, their children, Lindsi, Oaklee, and Krew; and his sisters Olivia Strongo, Gail Easton, and Pamela (Thomas) Stockle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Virginia Starke, and his sister, Georgia Standley.

God Is Watching

• God is watching us everyday
• with Faith that we'll pull through
• Hoping that we will always pray
• while facing a challenge that's new.
• 
  
• He knows that learning can be painful
• and that happiness is forgiving
• Mistakes can be very sorrowful
• but knowledge is part of living.
• 
  
• Life is what you make of it
• It can be either happy or sad
• Depends on what you do with it
• You can be good or you can be bad
• 
  
• Don't you dare say that it's a bother
• to have someone who cares up above
• It is your special Heavenly Father
• who will always greet you with his love.
• 
  
• (a poem written for my dad a long time ago)
• He held it close to his heart.