George Woida, Sr.

George Woida, Sr., age 78, of Urbank, passed away unexpectedly from long term health conditions, on Monday, May 11, 2026, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank with Fr. Jeremy Theis officiating. Music is provided by the church choir. Interment is at the church cemetery. Full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Inspiration Peak American Legion Post 527.

A visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m., Friday, May 15th, beginning with a prayer service followed by the rosary at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Urbank. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

George Woida was born on October 28, 1947, to Eugene and Mary (Pischke) Woida in Parkers Prairie. He was the youngest of 11 children and was raised on the family farm in Leaf Mountain Township. Like his older siblings, he attended country school and later Sacred Heart Catholic School in Urbank before graduating from Parkers Prairie High School in 1965. Following his education, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a medic with B Company of the 1st Battalion, 11th Light Infantry Regiment based at Con Thien, Vietnam. He was severely injured in an explosion and was honorably discharged in 1969 following his recovery. For his heroism, George received the Purple Heart. When he returned home from the war, he worked on the family farm. At his brother Al’s wedding, he was introduced to his bride’s sister, Eunice Saurer. The couple was united in marriage on August 27, 1973, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together, they started a family and built a farm of their own. George farmed to live and provide for his family, but he also lived for farming. He shared valuable life lessons with his children while making sure to have fun along the way. He relished being outdoors, spending time with his animals, hunting, fishing, and going on tractor rides. Above all, George loved his family and treasured the time they spent together. They enjoyed playing cards—especially “Spades”—playing checkers, where he was known for never losing a game, and later in life, painting by numbers. Hosting the entire family for large holiday meals brought him great joy. George’s strength, values, and legacy will live on through his children and family, all of whom will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Benedict Woida, Eugene (Karola) Woida, Clifford (Patricia) Woida, Richard Woida, Philip (Shirley) Woida; sisters; Esther (Bill) Ryan, Elreen (Harold) Roers; and sister-in-law, Sharon Woida.

George is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Eunice; sons, Ronald Woida, John Woida, George (Amanda Zupan) Woida, Jr.; daughters, Lisa Woida, Susie Woida, and Cynthia Woida; grandchildren, Andrea Esparza, Justin Stemmet, Chloe Woida, Jeremiah Denke, Stephen Hamilton, Namoi Fournier, Jadyn Woida; great-grandchildren, Aria and Sawyer Bitzan; brothers, Aloysius “Al” (Betty) Woida, Myren Woida, and Leonard (Kathleen) Woida; sister-in-law, Eunice Woida; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Serving as casket bearers will be Randy Woida, Tommy Woida, Tom Pappenfus, Ronald Woida, Stephen Hamilton, George Woida, Jr., John Woida, and Rory Roers.