Gerald Michael Stach, 78, Minot, went to heaven on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. He peacefully passed away at Trinity Hospital in Minot with his daughters by his side.
Gerald “Gary” Stach was born on May 19th, 1947 in Minot to his parents Balzar and Evelyn (Nienow) Stach.
Gary grew up in Minot and played various sports as a child while attending local schools. He graduated from Minot High School in 1965. Following high school, Gary enrolled at Minot State College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He graduated in 1969. He began teaching at Donnybrook School where he was also involved in coaching athletics. After a short time of teaching, Gary transitioned into a career in the grocery industry. He began working at Red Owl in Minot, then Albertsons and eventually ended his career as the General Merchandise Manager at South Marketplace Foods. He retired in 2019 but continued to work part time for a short while.
Gary met Marilyn Johnson while cruising Main Street in Minot. They were married on July 25, 1969. They made their home in Minot where they raised two daughters. Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He would often be found doing yard work or tending to his garden. Gary enjoyed playing recreational sports such as softball and basketball. He had fun participating in bowling and pool leagues. He was a proud fan of the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed watching their games. He also liked watching the Nascar Races with his wife Marilyn. Gary enjoyed time with his family, especially around the holidays. He was proud of his grandchildren for their achievements throughout their lives. He will be remembered by many for his kind and helpful demeanor. He was a beloved coworker to the many staff members that he worked with in the grocery business. His family will remember and miss his unique personality and his story telling capabilities.
Gary was a hard worker, and he had an incredible work ethic. This showed in his personal life as well during the many years that he loved and cared for his wife as she dealt with complications from her multiple sclerosis.
Gary was very kind, caring and compassionate. He enjoyed life up until he was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer in 2024. He fought this disease and prevailed. However, his treatments took their toll on him, and he was unable to recover. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him.
His loving family includes: his daughters Michelle (David) Goodman and Terri Stach, Minot; his grandchildren Mikaylyn (Andrew) Heth, Minot; Erik (Savannah) Goodman, Minot; Wyatt (Payton) Goodman, Minot; his great-grandchildren Lydia Heth, Lochlan Heth, Porter Goodman and baby girl Goodman due in July; his sister Marianne (Willy) Klein, Minot; his sister-in-law Carolyn Vik, Langdon; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, his parents, his infant brother, his infant twin sons, his mother-in-law and father-in-law (Lyle and Elaine Johnson), his sister (Kathy Grina) and his brother-in-law (Robert Vik).
A private graveside service will be held by family at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Pheasants For The Future (North Dakota) or the Souris
Valley Animal Shelter in Minot.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Gerald Stach, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
