Rosa Lee Stara

Rosa Lee Stara, 86, of Bruno, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Butler County Health Care Center.

Memorials can be directed towards St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Aquinas Catholic School, or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Bruno. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 6 until 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary service all at the church. Visitation will resume Wednesday from 9 until 10 a.m. Burial will be at the St. Anthony's Cemetery with lunch following back at the church fellowship hall. Moravec Johnson Mortuary is handling arrangements for Rosa Lee's Family.

Rosa Lee was born on April 5, 1939 in Loma to Raymond and Margaret (Navratil) Kriz. She graduated with the class of 1957 from Brainard High School. After graduation she worked in Lincoln for three years for Russell Stover Chocolates. One night at a dance in David City with friends, she met her future husband Donald A. Stara and they were married on June 18, 1960. Four children were born to this union.

Rosa Lee was a faithful and devoted member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where she gave generously of her time and talents throughout her life. She served as the parish bookkeeper for over 60 years, a role she took great pride in. Rosa Lee also shared her deep faith by teaching CCD classes for many years and remained a lifelong member of the Altar Society/PCCW. She was always active in parish life, including pro-life activities, and always looked forward to working the raffle booth at the annual parish duck dinner, where her warm smile and welcoming spirit were a familiar sight. Beyond the church, Rosa Lee served her community as the unofficial village secretary of Bruno for 49 years.

Rosa Lee’s love for her family was evident in everything she did. She was known for making the best kolaches, passing down her cherished baking traditions to her children and grandchildren. She found great joy in gardening, tending to her flowers and cultivating a large garden that provided food to be preserved and shared with her family throughout the winter months. Rosa Lee also loved gathering with family and friends to play cards, especially a good game of pitch. She led by example in a life of service and faith, inspiring two of her sons to serve in the military. Rosa Lee will be remembered for her kindness, her strong work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family, her faith, and her community. 

On behalf of Rosa Lee's family, they would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Brookestone of David City for the excellent care she received from their wonderful staff while she was a resident there. 

Rosa Lee is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald A. and her children: Kevin (Betsy) Stara of David City, Loran (Julie) Stara of Lincoln, Cindy (Glenn) Thomas of Frisco, Texas, and Lyle (Angie) Stara of Waverly; brothers: Dean (Lynelle) Kriz, Jean (Char) Kriz, and Dennis Kriz; 18 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, infant grandsons John and Brian Stara, and sisters-in-law Kay Kriz and Paula Kriz.