Jon McGinnity

Stanley

Jon McGinnity, 57, of Stanley ND, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at his home in Stanley, ND.

Jon was born in Tioga, ND on December 16, 1968, to Gary and Sandra (Pappa) McGinnity. He was the oldest of 5 children. Jon’s early years were spent on a farm near McGregor, and he attended Tioga elementary school through the 2nd grade. The family then moved to the farm north of Ross where Jon spent the rest of his childhood, graduating from Stanley High School in 1987.

Following high school, Jon attended college at NDSU for one year. After that he worked in the oil field for many companies in various positions. At the time of his passing, he was working for Imsland Construction as an equipment operator.

Jon was once married to Lisa Opozda, and from this marriage he gained two stepdaughters, Deborah and Elizabeth. Jon was a proud girl-dad, and the girls were excited to gain a large extended family. In 1997, the family grew when son, Dylan, was born.

Jon was quite a character and sort of an unpolished gem. He was known to many as “Big Jon” which reflected both his strong stature and the size of his heart. Through the years, many people commented about and were amazed at how strong Jon was. But he also had a heart of gold – he loved kids, would help anyone, and would give away what he had to someone he thought needed it. Jon was an avid reader, and people were amazed how he could remember everything he read. He was witty and friendly, making friends everywhere he went and loving nothing better than to chat, laugh, and debate.

Two major passions in Jon’s life were guns and motorcycles. He enjoyed everything about guns including shooting, reloading, and collecting. He also embraced all aspects of motorcycles-riding, fixing, and collecting.

In many ways Jon had a hard life, but he never wanted to be defined by what he lost. After losing his leg to amputation in 2011, Jon just kept going, through all the trips to Mayo and adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg, getting back to work as soon as he was able to. That wasn’t to be the biggest challenge of his life. In 2017 his son, Dylan, died in a motorcycle accident. Once again, Jon persevered, reconnecting with stepdaughters Deborah and her children, and Elizabeth, which was a blessing and saving grace for all of them.

One of the biggest joys of Jon’s life was becoming a member of the Ray Ramblers Motorcycle Club. The group became like a second family to him as he spent many evenings and weekends going on rides, attending meetings, and helping run bike shows.

Jon lived life how he wanted: big and loud. He was a beloved son, big brother, dad and friend.

Jon is survived by stepdaughters, Deborah Jones and her children Elijah and Johnny, Elizabeth Jones; his mom, Sandy; sisters Jodi (Perry) Obert of Stanley, Donna (Mitch) Hegstad of Minot, Vickie McGinnity of Minot, brother Lee (Camille) McGinnity of rural Powers Lake; nieces and nephews Charlie, Kaylyn, and Lily Obert; Gabriel, Faith, Joshua, and Grace Hegstad; Michael McGinnity; and Jacob McGinnity; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his son, Dylan McGinnity; father, Gary McGinnity; grandparents, Vernon and Lillie Pappa and Gene and Florence McGinnity; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be a public visitation held at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stanley, ND from 3:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, April 30, 2026 with a Family Service and Rosary Vigil to follow and begin at 6:00 PM. Jon’s Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stanley, ND. Father Jason Signalness will officiate. Jon will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery in Stanley, ND.

The Funeral Service will be recorded and uploaded, you can view Jon’s service directly on his obituary page on our website www.springanstevenson.com.

Springan Stevenson Funeral Home of Stanley has been entrusted with arrangements and services. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.springanstevenson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 29, 2026.