Gary L. Stauss

Gary L. Stauss, age 81, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m Monday, November 11, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic North Cemetery.

Gary Lee Stauss was born on October 10, 1943, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Robert and Fern (Ward) Stauss. Gary grew up and attended school in East Grand Forks, Minnesota where he graduated from Senior High with the class of 1962. At 16 years old Gary's bold dance moves attracted his high school sweetheart, Merlyn Schneider. Gary and Merlyn were united in marriage on November 22,1963. Together they raised their family in Grand Forks. He furthered his education at Aakers Business College where he earned his associates degree. Upon graduation, he worked for Crookston National Bank and Community National Bank in Grand Forks before he found his lifetime job as a manager at Sears.

Tennis was one of Gary's passions - playing along with his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren. His competitive nature helped him to win many trophies and to become champions at the All-City Senior League with his tennis companion and beloved wife, Merlyn. Gary and Merlyn always looked forward to their vacations to Florida where they spent time on the many beaches and visiting Walt Disney World.

He enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play tennis at the high school level. Along with Merlyn, they continued to play tennis as recently as the last few weeks. Gary could be found at any one of his grandkids' sporting events cheering them on, just as he did in the past with his two sons at their high school hockey games.

Gary also enjoyed the outdoors, spending many hours in his boat fishing at area lakes. Most Friday nights in the summer he could be found in the grandstand at River Cities Speedway. He took great pride in his yard and home.

Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Merlyn; sons Brian (Andrea) Stauss, Brad (Shanna) Stauss; daughter-in-law, Sherry; brother, Robbie (Stacy); grandchildren, Katherine, Kyle, Madisyn Stauss, and Peyton Anthony. Sister in-laws; Sharon (Dan) Luney, Shirley (Buck) Enright, Patty (Randy) Iverson. And brother-in-law Dave (Bonnie) Schneider. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Fern; stepmother, Jeanie Stauss; grandson, Kolby Stauss, infant sister, Roberta and brother in-law Bob Schneider.