George F. Girod

It is with a heavy heart that we take leave of our brother, Uncle, and friend. George passed away at St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, on April 1, 2026. No one would have found more humor in his passing on that date than George.

George was born January 17, 1949, at Winona General Hospital to Fred and Carolyn (Buggs) Girod. George attended the Winona Public schools, graduating from Winona High School in 1967. George attended St Mary’s College, graduating with a degree in Physics and Psychology. Always the perpetual student, he then went to Hollins College in Roanoke, Va. There he met the love of his life, Nancy Berryman. He and Nan married on February 15, 1974. The couple moved to Carbondale, IL where George attended Southern Illinois University.

George’s area of expertise was speech therapy. He invented a device to treat stutters. He was privileged to work with Annie Glenn, wife of the astronaut and senator, John Glenn.

After George graduated from SIU, he and Nan moved to Michigan. Nan passed away in 1995. George remained in Michigan to care for Nan’s Mother until her passing. He then moved to Big Bay, Michigan and built a cabin where he spent his Summers enjoying the wildlife that graced his woods and driveway.

George is survived by his brothers: Don (Allison) of New York state and David of Winona as well as a nephew, Lewis. Special friends also survive George; Ted Carland of Big Bay, Lynn (Mark) Englund of Winona and Larry (Mary) Brugger of Big Lake, Mn.

Preceding George in death were his parents and niece, Cary Girod. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Nan in Ohio.

Services for George will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Noon at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 265 Lafayette St, Winona.

The family asks that any memorials be directed to the Winona Humane Society.