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George N. Stoffel of North Branch passed away peacefully on May 7, 2010, just one day short of a year since a severe stroke he suffered on May 8, 2009. His health status continued to be complicated by additional health problems despite his strong efforts to improve.

George is the son of Henry and Rose (Tacheny) Stoffel, born at their rural Pine City home on October 10, 1925, the oldest son in a family of 11. George helped his father at an early age with chores and farming. He continued to be supportive to his parents all their lives. George's father said at one time in retrospect, "George was my right hand man!" George was a devoted, faithful husband to his wife, Betty Jean and also his family. He left many awesome memories for them. One of his favorite sayings was "Too soon we grow old and too late we grow smart." He touched so many lives over the years. He was generous, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, a workaholic and as more than one person has said, "he would give the shirt off his back." He indeed was a GREAT MAN!! His occupations over the years included farming, carpentry and 30 years as a steel erection Crane Operator. His interests included helping others, woodworking, "Mr. Fix It" in the shop and elsewhere, gardening, deer hunting, avid reader, fishing, dancing, cards, playing softball for Pine Camp and watching sports on TV (baseball and football). George belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and was a founder of the Support Group for Adults with Disabilities.

George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Betty, children; James (Mary) of Isanti, Michael (Jill) of St. Croix Falls, WI; Rosemarie (Jeff) Green of North Branch; brother, Edwin (Rachel) Stoffel of Pine City; sisters, Dolores Eich of Minneapolis, Rosemary Schultz of Richfield, Theresa (Roddy) Kovacovich of Robbinsdale, Dorothy (Vincent) Pixley of Pine City, Marcella (Edward) Dion of Lombard, IL, Betty Lou (Bernard) Wurm of Ramsey; his nine grandchildren, Jessica Johnson, Eric Green, Ryan Green, Tomas Stoffel, Rebecca Stoffel, Cory Stoffel, Alicha Greenlee, Olivia Stoffel and Adrienne Stoffel and four great grandchildren, Alyssa, Jordan, Brody and Zachary; sisters in law Mary Alice Stoffel, Jeanette Stoffel, brother in law Herman Brenberg; sister in law Harriet Teich, aunts, Ellen Stoffel, Adele Stoffel, Special friend, Jane Rusthton, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Rose Stoffel; two brothers Ralph and Ernest; one sister, Eileen Brenberg; and three brothers in law, Adrein Eich, Eugene Hoffman and Floyd Schultz.

Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, May 11, 2010 from St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in North Branch with Fr. Shane Wasinger officiating. Music was provided by Cathie Hendren as organist and special music was provided by granddaughter, Alicha Greenlee and son in law, Jeff Green. Interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in North Branch. Military honors were provided by North Branch VFW Post #6424.

Serving as casket bearers were Rebecca Stoffel, Cory Stoffel, Eric Green, Ryan Green, Thomas Stoffel, Gordon Heitzman, Patrick Hunter and Jack Meyer. Honorary Casket Bearers were David Hopkins, Gil Siedow, Paul Lund, Roger Liebelt, Margaret Brenberg, Barbara Hunter, August Meyer and Tomas Stoffel.

Memorials are preferred to North Branch Veterans of Foreign Wars or St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church sound system.

Arrangements were under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.

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