George Plass, age 77, of Bird Island, died Friday, November 25, 2011 at Golden Living Center in Olivia. Mass of Christian burial is Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island with Rev. George Schmit as celebrant. Burial is in the church cemetery. Visitation is Monday 4-8 p.m. at the Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Bird Island with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues on Tuesday at the funeral home from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.



George Frank Plass was born December 28, 1933 at Redwood Falls, MN to Frank and Mary (Leinsmier) Plass. When he was an infant the family moved to a farm at Bird Island where he grew up and attended St. Mary’s School. George then farmed with his father and later served his country in the U.S. Army for two years. After his service time he returned to Bird Island. George married Theresa Goblirsch on August 20, 1957 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. They made their home in Bird Island and were blessed with nine children. Besides farming and raising livestock his entire life George and Theresa opened and operated Plass Implement in 1978 and the business is still in operation today. George was known for often working “around the clock” and didn’t retire until 2010. George was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island. George had enjoyed attending dances with Theresa, playing the harmonica, card parties, fishing trips and playing the board game “Mill”.



George is survived by his nine children: Kathy Baugher of Montevideo, Sharon (and Joe) Swartz of Alexandria, Mary (and Scott) Peterson of Sauk Centre, Laurie (and Dennis) Berg of Bird Island, Brenda (and Ross) Harms of Clara City, Jean (and Brian) Wolff of New London, Dan (and Lynn) Plass of Bird Island, Lisa Setzepfandt (and special friend Shannon Hansen) of Bird Island, and David (and Mary Kay) Plass of Bird Island; his 24 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; his sisters: Helen Marxen of Bird Island, Loretta (and Don) Tersteeg of Bird Island, Agnes (and Al) Groth of St. Louis, MO, and Ann (and Earl) Witcraft of Plymouth; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Theresa, and his brother-in-law Hillard Marxen.