George Stai

George Halvor Stai, of Montevideo, Minnesota, passed away at the age of 100 on January 11, 2026. Born on December 13, 1925, in Buzzle Township, Minnesota, George was one of four beloved sons of Halvor Martinius Stai and Clara Jetina Stai.

George was raised on a small farm where he learned the value of hard work at an early age and grew up speaking Norwegian. He attended a one-room schoolhouse where he learned English. Because the boys walked a long distance to school each day, George preferred the winter months when he could make the journey via cross-country skis.

George was drafted at the age of 18 and chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served during World War II on the USS FLINT CL-97 in the Pacific Theater, earning four Service Stars. Though he rarely spoke of it, his service was a quiet and humble source of pride throughout his life.

Following the war, George attended Bemidji State University using the GI Bill, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in just over three years. He went on to dedicate 34 years to education as an Industrial Arts teacher, sharing his knowledge in aviation, electronics, drafting, and vocational machine shop. Known for his patience, generosity, and steady encouragement, George shaped generations of students. True to his nature as a problem-solver, he also served as superintendent of maintenance for the Montevideo School District—always fixing, improving, and rebuilding.

George’s faith and community were central to his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Buzzle Lutheran Church and later became a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo, where he helped with building projects and ongoing maintenance behind the scenes.

Above all else, George treasured his family. He met the love of his life, Betty Lou Sorenson, at a barn dance in Solway, Minnesota. They were married on May 12, 1948, beginning a marriage that lasted more than 77 years filled with love, devotion, and frequent hand-holding. A husband of one of his granddaughters described their relationship as “the kind of marriage you hope to grow old having.” George and Betty Lou wholly loved one another and shared an unwavering commitment to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

George had a lifelong passion for rebuilding, fixing, and creating. He was always working on something. He restored the first car he ever drove—a 1930 Model A—and built the home where he and Betty Lou raised their family. That home later became a place of special "grandchildren-only” summer weeks filled with learning, love, and lots of homemade “Grandpa waffles.” George delighted in sharing his knowledge, patiently teaching his children and grandchildren how to repair things, care for what they owned, and understand how things worked.

A skilled craftsman, George was a gunsmith who restored antique firearms and repaired hunting equipment. He was also a licensed private pilot and loved flying—once even flying to visit his son at college. Later, he continued that passion by building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, joyfully introducing both his children and grandchildren to the art of flight. His grandson Derick became particularly inspired by learning aviation alongside his grandfather, so much so that Derick went on to serve as a dedicated pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

George loved the outdoors and passed that love on to his family through camping trips, boating, fishing, and visits to National Parks. No matter the activity, George fixed, improved upon, or crafted supplies for outdoor adventures, even hand-building a cedar-strip canoe for whitewater river paddling.

George was also deeply involved in Scouting, serving as an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 259. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and received the Vigil Honor—the organization’s highest recognition for exceptional service.

George was a devoted father to Douglas Stai (Lori) of New Richmond, Wisconsin, and Nancy Suss (Frank) of Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his son Gary George Stai, parents Halvor Martinious Stai and Clara Jetina Stai, brothers Martin Stai (Elsie), Iver Stai, and Conrad Stai (Dorothy), along with many aunts and uncles.

His legacy lives on through his six grandchildren—Luanne Koubsky (Evan), Alina Pulfrey (Josh), Taylor Stai (Mike), Travis Suss (Amy), Justin Suss, and Derick Suss—who brought him endless joy and pride. His grandchildren always knew how deeply loved they were and how proud their grandpa was of them. George’s face would light up whenever he was with his four great-grandchildren—Luella and Abigail, and Jett and Remy—who brought him immeasurable happiness.

George will be remembered for his steady presence, gentle humor, thoughtful guidance, and his lifelong drive to keep building, fixing, and improving the world around him. His life was a testament to hard work, humble service, deep love, and enduring family bonds. George’s legacy of love, craftsmanship, education, and family devotion live on through his children, grandchildren, and all whom he inspired. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service celebrating George’s life will be announced at a future date