George William Kiser

George (“Joe”) William Kiser, 80, of Duluth, MN, died on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at his residence.

George Kiser, born on June 30, 1943, at Wright Hospital in Fergus Falls, son of Albert Jacob and Agnes Elizabeth (Brietenbauch) Kiser. Graduating from Battle Lake High School in 1961, George continued his journey by bravely enlisting in the US Navy, serving in Key West, Florida, and Atsugi, Japan at the Naval Air Base, before being honorably discharged.

Following his military service, George pursued education at A&P - Conard Aircraft Maintenance School, Fargo, ND, honing his skills and expertise in aviation. In 1967, he entered into a union of love with Sherry Lynn Stavaas, embarking on a journey of shared joys and challenges. Building a life in Farmington, MN, George dedicated over three decades of service to Northwest Airlines (now Delta) at the Minneapolis Airport, later retiring from the maintenance base in Duluth in 2005.

George was a man of varied interests and passions. From crafting delightful sourdough bread to help tending his kids’ gardens and house projects, attending air shows to indulging in horse racing watching the Kentucky Derby and enjoying wildlife that surrounded his beloved home and farmland; he found joy in life's simple pleasures. An avid hunter and fisherman, George had a particular fondness for turkey hunting, boasting many turkey calls. His love for nature was evident in his cherished travels, with trips to Alaska holding a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his children, James “Jim” (Shelley) Kiser of Palmer, AK, Amy (John) Sheffield of Tenstrike, MN, Jodi (Ryan) Sorenson of Roseau, MN and Brent (Mark) Kiser of Aurora, CO; four grandchildren, Brityn, Danielle, Brandon and Calvin; three great grandchildren, Bo, McKenzie and Niko; three siblings, Lawrence Kiser of Duluth, MN, Beverly Needles of Ramsey, MN and Gregory (Olga) Kiser of Bloomington, MN; sister-in-law, Susan Kiser of Fargo, ND, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. George was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Agnes and brothers, Mark (Lillian Martin), Mike and Robert Kiser.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, Underwood, MN, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment: St. James Catholic Cemetery, Underwood, MN

Funeral arrangements are with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake, MN.