A Sixty-Year Career. . . and Counting

Paul Stark of Eagan remembers the exact day he started working at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Having retired the previous week after 35 years at 3M, Stark's first day at The Science Museum was on Jan. 28, 1986 - the day the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off. 

That was "25 years and 3 months" ago, says Stark, who turns 84 on Aug. 11. 

Even after a life-threatening brain bleed in 2008, Stark still works one morning a week at the museum. 

Stark's wife Lorraine says he complains every Monday morning when the alarm goes off. But by the time he's in the car and ready to go, he's looking forward to it.

Stark says, "there are so many nice people working there that it's a pleasure to go there." 

Part of Stark's duties include working at the information booth and providing directions. Or, as he likes to put it, "I tell people where to go."

Stark's supervisor of nine years, Michael Sanders, says Stark has been a great asset to the museum. His knowledge of the area allows him to help tourists find their way around St. Paul. "Paul is very professional," says Sanders. "He also remembers (the staff's) names, and asks them about their families."

Stark began his career working for the 3M Chemolite division in Hastings. He worked his way up through the ranks to become an international representative for the company's Scotchlite reflective materials, making his way throughout the world. His Eagan home is filled with artifacts collected from his travels. 

Stark's wife Lorraine is the sister of his first wife, who was killed in a car accident. Lorraine helped raise the couple's four children. They now boast eight grandchildren.