Gary Stadum, 85, of Maddock, ND passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at SMP St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey, ND, surrounded by his familly. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by 7:00 PM Rosary and Vigil Service at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Maddock. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the St. Williams Catholic Church with Fr. Steven Wirth celebrating. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery following mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Greenwood Cemetery: 4951 28th Street NE Maddock, ND 58348 or to the Maddock Memorial Home: 301 Roosevelt Avenue Maddock, ND 58348.
Gary Stadum was born July 18, 1940, to Arthur and Ida (Hanson) Stadum in Rugby, North Dakota. He was raised on the family farm near Esmond and attended Baker Grade School. He later graduated from BCATS in Maddock ND.
In 1958, Gary entered the United States Navy, where he served honorably until 1961 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Following his military service, he married Terry Darlene Dickinson on October 21, 1961. The couple made their first home in Pico Rivera, California. In 1968, Gary and Terry returned to North Dakota, where they eventually took over the Stadum family farm.
In his early years, Gary farmed and raised pigs and for a time drove truck. He also became known throughout the region as a skilled carpenter, building many homes and structures across the area. Gary was meticulous in his craftsmanship and took great pride in doing things the right way. He was widely respected as a hardworking man whose dedication and attention to detail were evident in every project he completed.
Gary devoted his life to providing for his family and working with his hands. Outside of work, he enjoyed building remote-control airplanes and quilting, hobbies that reflected both his precision and creativity. After retirement, he gave his time and skills to community projects. He was a loyal and dedicated member of Lightning Construction and enjoyed helping with the renovation of the Maddock Opera House/Harriman building.
Gary is survived by his children: Tom Stadum of Sturgis, SD; Ron Stadum of Esmond; Jim (Laurie) Stadum of Rugby; Laura (Adam Otterstetter) Stadum of Maddock, Becky (Allen) Brandvold of Maddock, ND; Michelle Eyl (Morgan) of Devils Lake, ND; Marnie (Brent) Olson of Maddock; Petra Larkin (Jay Howard) of Minnewaukan, ND; and John (Melanie) Stadum of St. Marys, KS; 38 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Janice Culp and Eileen Vetter, and his special friend, Maryann Koble, a loyal and committed partner who provided companionship, support, and care in his later years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Terry; his parents, Arthur and Ida Stadum; his sister Helen Helm; his granddaughter, Lacy Scheving and his great grandson, Joseph Eyl.
Gary will be remembered for his steadfast work ethic, careful craftsmanship, and lifelong devotion to creativity, family and community. He will be greatly missed.
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