The Starr Home

Even though the address is not listed in the telephone directory, autograph and souvenir seekers and well-wishers still find their way to Summer Range Road. And if they’re not sure how to get there, a De Pere service station operator has the location appropriately pinpointed with a star on his map of the city.

Green Bay Press-Gazette
Oct 18, 1970

For almost two decades, the Pro Football Hall of Famer, Bart Starr and family called De Pere, Wisconsin home. In 1965, Bart and his wife, Cherry Starr, purchased land on the east side of De Pere. They were the first property owners of what would become Summer Range Road, a very private horseshoe-shaped street near St. Norbert Abbey.

In 1968, the couple built their future home. Their California-Spanish inspired ranch was designed by Cherry with the assistance of Architect Jeff Nichols. Cherry, who studied interior design for two years at Auburn University, decorated with many materials from Mexico, California, and the American Southwest. She said the Starr’s had “a preference for heavy furniture, bold designs, and a blend of styles.”

In his autobiography, Bart recalled, “Our home was always the gathering place for our children’s friends. I never knew how many boys would show up for breakfast”.

The Starr’s two sons both attended Dickinson Elementary and De Pere High School. Bart junior (class of ’76), was an avid golfer and his younger brother Bret (class of ’82) played guitar.

The Summer Range home also hosted a foreign student from Ghana and was a haven for stray dogs. Cherry claimed to possess a unique knack for finding them homes.

In 1979, the home was part of the 21st annual Parade of Homes. The tour raised money for disadvantaged children of Brown County and highlighted different architectural styles in the community.

The Starr’s home served as refuge during Bart’s playing career, his head coaching years, and the school days of their two sons.

The family moved back to Alabama after Bart’s dismissal as head coach. They sold their home in 1987.

Sources
Green Bay Press-Gazette | Oct 18, 1970
Green Bay Press-Gazette | Sep 21, 1975
Green Bay Press-Gazette | May 13, 1979
“Starr My Life in Football by Bart Starr with Murray Olderman
“Bart Starr : A Biography” by Gene Schoor
“Bart Starr : When Leadership Mattered” by David Claerbaut
Historical & Architectural Resources Survey 2017