Edwin John Stoffel

Edwin John Stoffel lovingly known as "Ed", “Eddy John” or "Uncle John," passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at Northern Pines Assisted Living in Pine City, Minnesota, at the age of 89.

Ed's life began May 30, 1936 as the last and eleventh child born to Henry and Rose (Tacheny) Stoffel in Pine City, Minnesota. These were hard times as three years were still to be endured of the Great Ten year Depression. The large family lived on the Tacheny Farm in Chengwatana Township where Ed attended grades 1-6 at the District 69 Rural School.

Spring of 1948 Henry and Rose purchased a 50 acre farm southwest of Pine City off of County Road 119 and/or Emerald Road. Ed now attended grades 7-8 at the District 9 Rural School a little over 1/2 mile away located on the Connaker Farm. That same year electrical power came to the farm making life and farm work so much easier and productive. Ed attended Pine City High School for grades 9-12, graduating in 1954. Amazingly Henry and Rose provided for and raised this large family on those 50 acres with little outside income! Ed once told me "if Mom had eggs, flour and a little meat, she could feed an army!" The farm life taught Ed how to work, to be frugal, and the many skills needed to survive living close to the land.

Early on Edwin was known as "Eddie John, Ed, John and later lovingly as "Uncle John." 

After graduating Ed worked for Interstate Lumber in Pine City until 1966. He learned about building materials and construction methods. This tenure was interrupted 1960-1962 when Ed answered his country's call to military service. His world was greatly enlarged as he was stationed for quite some time in Germany.

In 1966 Ed, in partnership with Harvey Leuth, established a retail home improvement and custom remodeling store venture named Pine City Builders Supply. 1968 Ed became the sole owner and renamed the store as Stoffel Home Improvement. Ed sold the business to Bruce Nelson in 1978. The store was located across the street from the old Edin's Hardware Store later known as JB's Ace Hardware. The store closed down in 1985.

Having sold the store, Ed purchased the farm from his parents and made many improvements on the property. Pursuing a new career as a self-employed painter and carpenter allowed him to also care for his aging parents. Rose died in 1980 and Henry in 1981.

Romance came later in life for Ed and Rachael Pierce ending in a wedding long hoped for by many in 1985. The newlyweds enjoyed country living and small town community. They took adventurous road trips and enjoyed their hobbies. The marriage lasted 40 years.

Ed was a lifelong member of the Pine City Immaculate Conception Church and of the Knights of Columbus. He loved his church and Jesus Christ. His religious upbringing and beliefs guided him all his long life.

Ed was a Pine County Fair Board Director for 22 years, retiring in 1995. He was an elected Pine City Township Supervisor for 24 years during which he was the chairman for 13 years. He served for six years as board member of the Pine County Historical Society. He was a board member of the Pine County Rural School Museum;  was a member and helped establish the Pine City Area History Association.

In 1995 after countless hours of work and research Ed established and opened to the public The Stoffel Family Memorabilia Museum. Family members pitched in as needed to help Ed's dream come true. The refurbished century old log barn was toured by many groups and folks, becoming well known statewide. In 2011 Ed and Rachael were awarded the prestigious "Barn of the Year" award by the "Friends of Minnesota Barns." The Museum closed in 2021.

Ed’s deep love and interest in local and family history prompted him to keep volumes of news articles for many years. His work was impeccable and is currently being downloaded for preservation by the Pine City Area History Association.

Ed was an organizer and saved anything that might have a second use. His workshop always had at least one project underway from restoring antique farm equipment to the many bird houses, wishing wells and yard adornments he was so skilled at making, giving many away to family and friends.

Ed was a lover of CASE farm equipment and in photos you will see him wearing a CASE promotion cap. He took great pride in his VAC Case tractors including his father's tractors.

He preserved family history by authoring an anthology of articles written by family members about the farm and Rose and Henry that is title so appropriately "I Remember - Our Memories of the Farm."

Ed was a wonderful storyteller and enjoyed hearing other folk's tales and adventures. He had an amazing memory that in combination with his friendly personality allowed for many friends through the years.

After Rachael died mid-December 2025 Ed moved into Northern Pines Assisted Living in Pine City soon becoming friends with other residents. He enjoyed the wonderful care provided by the staff and the St. Croix Hospice caregivers.

March 16th in a small ceremony Ed was awarded a handstitched quilt from the Quilts of Honor Foundation showing appreciation for his service to our country. He was very pleased. Little did we know just nine days later he would quietly sleep away.

Ed is survived by his sister Rosemary Schultz; brothers-in-laws Vincent Pixley and Edward Dion; 29 nieces and 24 nephews and neighbors, Denice and Gary Anderson. All will forever cherish their memories of him.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Rose Stoffel; wife Rachael Stoffel; sisters: Dolores Eich, Eileen Brenberg, Theresa Kovacovich, Dorothy Pixley, Marcella Dion, Betty Lou Hoffman Wurm; brothers: George, Ralph and Ernest Stoffel.

Ed’s legacy is one of service, dedication, and love for family and community. His contributions to preserving family and local history will be remembered for generations to come. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Fr. Thomas Galarneault will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Ed: 11 AM; Wednesday (4/1) at Immaculate Conception Church of Pine City with a time of visitation and reviewal one hour prior to the Mass in the St. Anthony Commons area of the church. There will also be a visitation and reviewal from 5:00-8:00 PM; Tuesday evening (3/31) with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at the Swanson Funeral Chapel of Pine City.

Interment will take place in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Pine City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to either:
Pine City Area History Association
or Pine County Rural School Museum c/o Pine City Area History Association
247 5th St SE
Pine City, MN 55063

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com