It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of George Stockburger, on January 7th, 2021 at age 73.
George grew up in South St. Paul and graduated high school in 1965. He went on to St. Cloud State University and graduated with degrees in chemistry and biology. During college he went back to a high school dance and was introduced to his future wife Debbi (O’Tool) Stockburger. They married in 1970.
The food industry is where George’s career took place. Beginning at Armour’s, George developed an appreciation for food services. He joined Byerly’s commissary when it was just starting out and resulted in him managing the commissary, bakery and drivers. The wild rice soup was and still is a family favorite. George then took his management skills to Captain Ken’s as CEO.
Fishing and hunting were George’s true loves. Early on he produced homemade fishing lures and jigs as co-founder of Cobra Tackle. Later he opened a sporting goods store, Minks Sports. George looked forward to his annual bow hunting trips to Whitewater State Park in Winona as well as trips with friends to Wisconsin, Montana, Colorado, Alaska and Canada.
It was important to George to help others enjoy hunting. He did this by teaching gun safety for over 35 years. He also served on the Board of the local South St Paul Gun Club as Vice President. He continued to shoot at the gun club long after his retirement. George’s love of hunting and fishing was passed down to his sons.
During retirement you could always find George tinkering with something and continued to test recipes and can – especially tomato juice and peppers (yes – there were hot). A few years ago, he got a new job – grandpa! He loved it.
George was predeceased by his mother and father George and Mary ‘Bunny’ Stockburger. George is survived by wife Deborah, sons George Stockburger Jr. and Garrett [wife Annie, grandsons Colin, and Bodie] Stockburger, brothers Mark [Darla] Stockburger, and Jim [Barb] Stockburger, and sister Jane [Chris] Mattson.
A memorial service is being planned for the summer.