Derris Stafslien

Minot

Derris Stafslien, 98, Minot, ND, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Trinity Homes, Minot.

Derris was born November 2, 1927, the son of Ben and Mabel (Nygaard) Stafslien, in Makoti, North Dakota. He was raised and educated in Makoti.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 25, 1945. He proudly served his country during World War II and was honorably discharged November 24, 1947. After returning from the Navy, Derris began farming in the Makoti area while also working for Makoti Electric.

He married Lois Starleaf on August 8, 1952, in Makoti. They were blessed with two children, Jerry and Jody. After retiring in 1994, Derris and Lois moved to Minot.

He served on various boards and was a member of the William Hanson American Legion Post #230 and the Moose Lodge. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Makoti, and Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching all sports, especially the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and NDSU Bison Football.

His loving family includes: wife of 73 years, Lois; children, Jerry (Debbie) Stafslien, and Jody (Marvin) Schmidt; grandchildren, Shane Stafslien, AJ Stafslien, Jason (Laura) Stafslien, Travis (Hayley) Schmidt, Tracy (Logan) Chaney; great-grandchildren, Kyler Stafslien, Camden Stafslien, Harper Stafslien, Leighton Stafslien, Reagan Stafslien, Natalie Stafslien, Isabelle Stafslien, Casen Schmidt, Crew Schmidt, Ryker Chaney, Cadence Chaney; sisters-in-law, Kay Stafslien, IdaMae Smith, and Mary Starleaf; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Myron (Doris) Stafslien, James “Jim” Stafslien; sisters, Pearl (Ben) Hackett, Twyla (LeRoy “Ole”) Erb; in-laws, Gordon Smith, Bob (Joanne) Starleaf, and Dick Starleaf.

Funeral: Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to organization of the donor’s choice.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Christ Lutheran Church website: https://www.christlutheranminot.org/church-online/

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 23, 2026.