René Vern Stadin Jr., age 92, of Sandstone, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. René lived a life of extraordinary service, dedication, curiosity, and love for his family, community, and country.

René was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nona (Skogman) Stadin, whom he married in July 1956 and who passed away in July 1992; his parents, René Stadin Sr. and Mildred Stadin; and his sister, Joan Krinke.

He is survived by his children, Daniel (Paula) Stadin and Julie (Joseph) Quayle; his grandchildren, Andrew (Annie) Stadin, Amanda (Johnathon) Fradette, and Michael (Jenni) Jola; and his great-grandchildren, Lucas, Matthew, Charlie, and Scarlette Fradette, and Finnley Jola. He is also survived by his devoted caregiver, Janna Senholtz, whose compassion and care meant so much to him.

René dedicated his professional life to education and public service. He was a business and typing teacher at Sandstone High School from 1956 until his retirement in 1992. During his teaching career, he advised numerous student clubs, including photography, where he taught students how to develop photos and maintain a darkroom. From approximately 1971 to 1992, René could be heard announcing home football games for the Sandstone Panthers, and later for the East Central Eagles, becoming a familiar and beloved voice in the community.

He served as President of the Teachers' Union for many years and continued as Treasurer even after retirement. René also served two terms on the Sandstone City Council, after which he remained active on the City of Sandstone Planning and Development Committee. He was a Justice of the Peace for Pine County for more than 20 years, until the position was abolished. For many years, he televised Sandstone City Council meetings and maintained the city's local television channel.

René's volunteer service was extensive and lifelong. He served as a volunteer firefighter for approximately 60 years, an EMT for eight years, and volunteered with the Sandstone Hockey Association, where he built and operated the Zamboni from about 1972 to 1977. At Sandstone UCC Church, he served over the years as Trustee, Secretary, and Treasurer.

A 1952 graduate of Cambridge High School, René went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1956 with a degree in Business Education. In the 1950s, he served as a First Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol at the Sandstone Airport and held a solo pilot's license. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and was active as a Ham Radio and Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) radio operator. He also wrote computer software programs for Apple computers, including Model Office.

René had a deep love for music and the arts. He was very musical and could play the piano, saxophone, and accordion, sang duets with Nona in the church choir, was a member of a barbershop quartet, and participated in several community theater productions, including The Music Man.

An avid traveler, René visited every state in the U.S. and traveled internationally to Western Europe, Canada, and Mexico. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family and with his special friend of 27 years, Lorraine Peter. He loved the outdoors—hunting deer, geese, grouse, elk, antelope, moose, and turkey across the western United States and Canada, and fishing on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park and ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. He was a loyal member of three snowmobile clubs and enjoyed snowmobiling for many years.

René was known for his sharp mind and curiosity. He loved working crossword puzzles, faithfully meeting daily with his friend Bill to complete the Minneapolis newspaper crossword. He was an avid reader, enjoying books of all genres. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends at the Ash River cabin on the Ash River Chain and the family cabin on Namakan Lake, as well as tagging along on many adventures aboard Amanda and Johnathon's pontoon.

René's life was defined by service, learning, generosity, and a deep commitment to community and family. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, kindness, and involvement that touched countless lives and will be remembered with gratitude and love.

A funeral service will be held for René at 11am on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sandstone, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church and from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a Masonic service being held at 4:45pm at the Methven Funeral Home chapel. Burial will take place at 2pm on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Cambridge Union Cemetery, located at 1451 Old Main Street S., Cambridge, MN 55008.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.