Angels Camp, CA…Mr. William B. Stark September 9, 1935 ~ July 11, 2026 (age 90).  William Bert Stark passed peacefully on July 10, 2026 at the age of 90 at his home in Angels Camp, CA. Bill and his wife Gail were long-time residents of Mountain Ranch, CA where together they raised their five sons.

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Bill moved to Oakland, CA as a small child where he spent his youth. After high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps, quickly earning the rank of Sergeant and being recognized as an expert marksman. With the end of his enlistment and the Korean War over, Bill married his first wife Sylvia Eikeberg and had three boys before she unexpectedly passed away. He had established his career in the title and real estate industries in Contra Costa County where he then met and married Gail Ustvedt. In 1968 he had the opportunity to represent a landowner in Mountain Ranch, and with that established Stark Realty. The following year Bill and Gail moved with their now five boys from Lafayette to their cabin on Whiskey Slide Road, directly across from the property for sale. The proposed project never got off the ground, but despite this adversity Stark Realty did. With years of hard work Bill established a successful real estate office in Mt. Ranch, and eventually opened offices in Rail Road Flat, Mokelumne Hill, San Andreas, Murphys and Angels Camp, becoming one of Calaveras County’s largest realtors. Bill established a reputation for being highly principled with strong business ethics. As a true badge of honor, Bill purchased the same 365-acre parcel that was to be the catalyst for his new business years earlier as his own family ranch. Here Bill found his happiest times and true passion managing and improving the property. As youngsters his boys explored every nook and cranny of the place on foot and on horseback. Once it became the family ranch, they worked along side Bill to improve and maintain the property, and later as adults brought their own kids to enjoy time there. The Ranch was Bill’s true passion and family legacy.

Bill was dedicated to his immediate and extended family, always there unconditionally for whatever came their way. This was no more evident than his and Gail’s dedication to their son Hy who suffered a debilitating injury. Their commitment to his ongoing care and well being is a true testamate to their strength and character. One of Bill’s favorite things to do was to BBQ for friends and family. Inevitably a friendly game of cards or dice would break out after dinner. He enjoyed an occasional trip to Reno or Tahoe to test his luck, and sometimes a seasonal snow storm would require a longer stay. Bill and Gail purchased a property on Maui in Hawaii where Bill would love to swim and relax by the ocean. A car enthusiast his entire life, Bill always had an interesting car or two in the driveway and pictures of his favorites on his desk. He loved watching NASCAR and never missed the Indy 500. Perhaps the only thing he loved more than his cars though, were his dogs. Geman Shepards, Akbash, Beagles and even a Terrier.

Bill and Gail loved their Mt. Ranch home and close-knit community of friends and neighbors of 47 years. Their first house was an addition to the cabin across from the ranch, and in the early 1970’s they built “the new house” on the same Whiskey Slide Road, but just two miles from town. On September 9, 2015 – Bill’s 80th Birthday – the Butte Fire ravaged much of the Mt. Ranch area. The ranch was hit hard, but saved by Bill’s meticulous care. Their family home was spared but the surrounding acreage was devastated, prompting a move to Greenhorn Creek in Angles Camp. Having previously sold Stark Realty, here he spent his last years managing his remaining real estate holdings and being with family.

Bill faced many challenges in life and met them all head on. He had strong convictions, a go-for-it spirit and always embraced a good, calculated risk. In business and in life he treated others with fairness and honesty, and always did what was right. He had a compassionate heart that could always be counted on, and the respect and admiration of his family, friends and neighbors.

Bill is survived by his wife Gail, brother Robert, sons Bradford (Florideliza), Clayton, Hyland and Michael (Susan), loving grandchildren Anthony (Grace), Adam, Alice (Nicholas), Austin (Amarie), Hallie, Catherine and Meghan (Benjamin), and nine great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his father Earl, mother Alice, first wife Sylvia, brother James, son Brett, and grandson Carl.

Private services will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The World Kitchen.

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