Ernest "Ernie" L. Stara, 83, of Bruno passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:30 A.M.
St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Bruno
Rev. Caleb Hile, Celebrant
Visitation Friday 4-7 P.M. Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City
7 P.M. Rosary at the Chapel
Additional visitation 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. at the Church
Committal at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors
Lunch at St. Anthony's Catholic Hall
Memorials suggested to family wishes or masses
Ernest (Ernie) was born December 8, 1942, in David City to James J. and Mary M. (Pecha) Stara and grew up on the farm south of Bruno, Nebraska. He was the youngest of 10 children in the family with 5 sisters and 4 brothers.
Ernie graduated from David City Public High School in 1961 where he was active in FFA and played football. After graduation he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard and served 6 years as a Senior Wireman climbing telephone poles to secure communications. While not serving in the military, Ernie was farming alongside his father and brothers.
On August 20, 1966, he married Jane Roubal at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Abie, Nebraska and they lived on the farm he grew up on near Bruno. Ernie and Jane raised 4 children and taught them the importance of family, faith, and dedication to the land. His strong work ethic was seen on the farm as well as helping out family, friends, and neighbors. Ernie continued to farm even after being diagnosed with cancer last spring, 2025. He was always quick to tell the nurses during chemotherapy treatment that he needed to get home to plant, irrigate, or harvest. Ernie passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the age of 83 at his home on the farm with family nearby.
Ernie is survived by his children, daughter Dr. Michelle Stara (Kim Burlingame) of Lincoln, sons Doug Stara (Carol Martinez) of Ulysses, Chris Stara of Omaha and Greg Stara of Omaha; grandchildren, Cassie Stara of Grand Island, Stetson (Hannah) Stara of Waverly, Caitlin (Millie) Stara-O’Brien of Lincoln, Bailey Stara-O’Brien of Lincoln, Kayden Burlingame-Kroah of Lincoln , Megan Stara-O’Brien of Lincoln, Cole Martinez of David City, and Kylee Martinez of Ulysses; 4 great grandchildren, Delilah and Daphne Stara, and Lux and Koa Martinez; 3 brothers, Albin Stara of David City, Donald Stara of Bee, Nebraska, and Kenneth Stara of Rising City, Nebraska; 2 sisters-in-law Kathy (Vaughn) Wasenius, Glenwood, Ia. and Shirley Stara, Fremont, Nebraska and many other relatives, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, parents, Mr. & Mrs. James Stara, mother and father -in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Roubal; 5 sisters, Marcy Stara, Adeline Jakub, Delores Coufal, Martha Glynn, and Sally Siroky; and 1 brother, Eugene Stara.
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