George Dalbert Hayes

George Dalbert Hayes was the last Big Lake area potato farmer of his era in Big Lake and Clear Lake. The operation, Del Hayes and Sons, was established by his father, Del Hayes, followed by sons, George and Jim; grandsons, Michael (George’s son) and Scott (Jim’s son); and great-grandson, Nate (Scott’s son). Jim retired from farming after 58 years and George after 60 years.

George was a 1958 graduate of Osseo High School, where he lettered in football and basketball. He was known as the guy with connections. He then attended the University of Minnesota majoring in agronomy, where he met his wife, Audrey. After their engagement, their mothers realized that George and Audrey had been in the same kindergarten class at Minnehaha Elementary and that their families lived only a few houses from each other.

George enjoyed fishing, hunting, and flying. In 1974 he attained his private pilot’s license. His first of his many adventures was a flight with his family to Oshkosh. Favorite flights of their sons were the Sunday fly-ins and a trip to Texas. Their daughter once came home from school and announced that her new friends did not have an airplane and wondered what they did on Sunday afternoons.

George found fishing very relaxing and thought it would be nice to have a cabin. It became a reality, and the family had a log cabin in Wabedo Lake near Longville, Minnesota. They enjoyed spending time there together or with family in both summer and winter. Sometimes it was just with grandsons, which was great fun. After George and Audrey sold the cabin as George was no longer able to get into the boat or maintain the property, they bought a house in Texas where the winters were better for George.

George and Audrey were married for 64 years. They lived in Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Big Lake, and Elk River. Their children, Michael, Matthew, and Melissa attended Elk River Schools, and each continued their education and attained a bachelor’s degree.

George passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Texas, with Audrey at his side. It was very sudden.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Michael and Matthew.

George is survived by his wife, Audrey; daughter, Melissa (Todd Langer); grandsons, Brandon and Aaron (Kelli) Hayes, and Carter Olene; and siblings, Thomas (Sandy) and Christine (Mauro) Perwin.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St NW, Elk River, MN. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1506 Main St NW, Elk River, MN. Burial at Orono Cemetery in Elk River, MN.

Serving the family is Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com.

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