George F. Spaeth, age 77, of Mahnomen, MN, died unexpectedly Friday, August 3, 2018, at his home.

George Francis was born February 22, 1941, in Fargo, ND, the son of John and Lillian (Blaeser) Spaeth.  He grew up in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1960.  On April 29, 1961, George was united in marriage to Sharon VanDenEinde at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.  The young couple lived in Mahnomen for a short time before moving northeast of town for several years followed by a move in 1972 to the farmstead they still call home.  George worked hard over the years, characteristics he instilled in all his children.  He was a wonderful teacher of many things; from good work ethic, care and compassion, patience and perseverance to fishing, cutting wood, sausage smoking and changing your oil, to name a few.  He began his career in agriculture with owning and operating a portable feed grinding truck to serving as a field rep for Farm Bureau to having his own dairy farm and grain operation.  In addition, George also started as a bartender at the Shooting Star Casino and worked his way to retiring as the Shipping & Receiving Manager in 2007.  Although retired, he remained busy and continued to help his son, Andy, with the day to day operations of the farm.

George was very genuine and would do anything for anyone in need.  His creative nature allowed him to "repurpose" many items for family and friends.  His gift to gab and quick wit allowed him to strike up a conversation with virtually anyone who was willing to visit.  He loved dancing and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed playing cards and looked forward to social gatherings with friends and family.  George had a special bond with several of his nephews and one of the many activities everyone looked forward to each year was making sausage.

George was a true outdoorsman.  Always spot on, he loved to hunt deer and ducks, go fishing and spearing and it was always a good time to go and cut a jag of wood!  He tenderly nurtured his garden each year, in good nature trying to outdo Sharon's bountiful harvest.  George was a member of the Mahnomen Rod and Gun Club, St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573.  He will be greatly missed by many and will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known him.

George is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon, of Mahnomen; six sons: Michael (Bobbi Sue) of Eau Claire, WI, Andrew (Teresa) of Maple Grove, MN, Thomas (Lori) of Moorhead, MN, Bill (Tracy) of Hawley, MN, Howard (Trina) of Barnesville, MN, and George (Julie) of Sabin, MN; two daughters, Theresa (Kevin) Podlak of Waubun, MN, and Christine Spaeth of Mahnomen; 26 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers: Joe (Viola) of Mahnomen, Jack (Cheryl) of Las Vegas, NV, and Jerome of Fargo, ND; one sister, Marlys (Curtis) Conlon of Wales, MI; three sisters-in-law: Altha Spaeth of Mahnomen, Bobbie Spaeth of St. Michael, MN, and Sherrill Spaeth of Fridley, MN, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters: Gladys (Jim) Bratner, Ginny (Toby) Rumreich, Theresa (Bob) Pearson, and Doris (Bob) Danielson; six brothers: Warren, Kenneth, Harold (Dot), Marlo, Pat, and Sonny; and sister-in-law, Betty Spaeth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 10, 2018, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 5:00-7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at the church.  Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.