Michael Stoffel

Michael Stoffel, age 92, of Willmar, died Sunday morning, September 28, at his home in Willmar.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 2, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar with a 7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary Service and will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday.

Michael J. Stoffel was born May 26, 1922, in Bancroft, Iowa, the son of Emil and Bertha (Budde) Stoffel. Mike was raised on a farm near West Bend, Iowa, and attended school in Algona Iowa. He graduated from St. Cecelia's High School in the spring of 1940.

After high school Mike earned money sheering sheep for local farmers. During World War II he traveled to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota for his military physical. Since Mike had two brothers serving overseas at the time he was told to return home and help his dad with the farm because the troops needed food. He returned home to Algona and shortly after met and married Frances Cink on April 27, 1944 in Algona Iowa.

His farming career started as a hired hand to local farmers. Within a few years he rented land and began farming on his own. Mike and Fran started their family in Algona and had eight children. In 1956 they moved to a farm near Svea, Minnesota and two years later to a farm near Raymond, Minnesota. In 1964 Mike and Fran moved to Willmar, MN, where Mike began working at the local John Deere Implement. In 1971, he started working at Molenaar Plastics and worked there until 1976. Mike's last place of employment was Central Contractor's Supply in Willmar. He retired in the spring of 1989. Mike also ran a business selling Shaklee products that he continued to his last days.

Mike and Frances enjoyed dancing. They spent several weekends at local dance halls dancing the night away. They even taught Polka lessons to many couples in the Willmar area. When they moved to Minnesota, Mike was a member of the Whitefield and St. Johns Tug O War teams. Mike was very active in St. Mary's church and was a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Mike enjoyed church league softball and bowling for several years. He bowled well into his 90's. Mike also enjoyed golf and was a member at Valley Golf. He also enjoyed playing cards and dominos with family and friends. Mike worked with the American Red Cross as the local Blood Drive Coordinator. He took pride in donating over 20 gallons of blood. Mike was a member of the Elks and Eagles. When Mike was in his 80's he was a volunteer driver for KAT. He gladly drove Seniors to appointments when they called. Mike also loved vacationing in Detroit Lakes with family and friends. This past spring the family celebrated Mike and Fran's 70th Wedding Anniversary. We will miss him.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Frances; seven children, Jim (and Louie) Stoffel of Sartell, Tom (and Tess) Stoffel of Willmar, Linda (and Grant) Zeug of Willmar, Dan (and Monique) Stoffel of Plano, TX, Mick (and Shannyn) Stoffel of Blaine, Steve (and Becky) Stoffel of Eden Prairie, and Pam (and John) Beckius of Cold Spring; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ida Besch of Richfield and Betty Long of Algona, IA; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Darlene Stoffel; three brothers, LeRoy Stoffel, Tony Stoffel, and Eldon Stoffel; and two sisters, Gertrude Grandgenette and Magdelene Ulfers.

Cemetery Details