The Stillwater community is mourning the loss of legendary football coach George Thole, who passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 86.
His death has broken the hearts of many, as Thole was not only a coaching icon but also a beloved father, friend, and community pillar.
His son, Eric Thole, a former quarterback who led Stillwater to a state championship in 1982 under his father’s guidance, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post:
“My dad George died in his sleep this week at age 86. George was a great father, he had many friends and he had a career that he loved doing. My dad was really good at his job. Few on this planet understood the brain of a teenage boy like he did. Arrangements for both George and Karen are TBA.”
Via Facebook
George Thole’s legacy extends far beyond the football field, touching the lives of countless players, students, and residents in Stillwater, Minnesota, and beyond.
George, born in 1939 in Petaluma, California, became a Minnesota Legend Through his Athletic Success
He graduated from North Dakota State University in 1961, where he was a two-year starter as a guard on the football team and later earned a place in the NDSU Hall of Fame.
It was during his college years that he met and married his soulmate, Karen, in June 1960 in Fargo, North Dakota.
The early years of their marriage were marked by separation, as Karen took a teaching job in the San Francisco area while George served as a signalman aboard the USS Long Beach.
In a moment engraved in history, George was in the Indian Ocean on November 23, 1963, when news broke that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated.
This experience, like many in George’s life, shaped his resilience and perspective.
George Thole’s coaching career began in 1965 at Central Cass High School in Casselton, North Dakota, where he led the team to an astonishing 28 consecutive victories over three unbeaten seasons.
In 1971, George, Karen, and their two children, Eric and Kiersten, moved to Stillwater, Minnesota, where George would establish his legacy as one of the state’s greatest high school football coaches.
From 1971 to 1999, Thole coached the Stillwater Ponies for 28 years, transforming the program into a powerhouse.
Under his leadership, the team won four state championships in 1975, 1982, 1995, and another title in an earlier year, and made 18 state tournament appearances.
They were state runners-up in 1977 and 1989, and claimed 13 conference titles and 12 section titles.
Thole’s career coaching record stands at an impressive 285-69-2, with an .803 winning percentage, 257 of those victories coming during his tenure at Stillwater.
Known for his mastery of the “veer” offense, Thole had an uncanny ability to connect with and motivate young athletes.
As Randy Shaver, a friend and admirer, wrote on social media, “No one ran the ‘veer’ offense better. He will be missed and hopefully always be remembered.”
Thole’s impact went beyond strategy.
Former player Robert Gag shared a tribute that captured Thole’s unique blend of tough love and inspiration:
“To those who didn’t know what this man did for the town of Stillwater, I must tell you he is one of the main reasons Stillwater is the amazing community it is. He gave this town a jolt of confidence when it needed it most. He made us winners.”
Via Facebook
Gag recounted some of Thole’s memorable quotes, like “Can’t make the club sitting in the tub” and “Go for four and look for more,” which recalled his no-nonsense approach and relentless drive to push his players to their best.
Gag added, “He made me tougher, he made me stronger, he made me believe!!!”
After Retiring from Coaching in 1999, George Thole Continued to be a Prominent Presence in Stillwater
He served on the Stillwater school board from 2000 to 2003 and wrote a weekly sports column for the Stillwater Gazette, sharing his insights and love for the game with the community.
His contributions to Minnesota high school sports earned him induction into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 2013.
The Stillwater Ponies Football program honored its former coach with a statement:
George Thole influenced his family, especially his son Eric, who was crucial in the 1982 state championship win.
Eric’s success as a quarterback was a testament to his father’s ability to encourage talent both on and off the field.
George is survived by his children, Eric and Kiersten, and his grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of strength and dedication.
The loss of George Thole comes alongside the passing of his wife, Karen, with funeral arrangements for both still to be announced.
The couple’s lasting relationship, which began in 1960, was an important part of their lives, even through the challenges of distance and George’s naval service.
Stillwater has lost a giant, but George Thole’s impact will last.
His ability to understand and inspire young athletes, his dedication to building a winning program, and his commitment to the Stillwater community have left an indelible mark.
As Robert Gag wrote, Thole was “The Chairman of the Board,” a man who made Stillwater stronger, prouder, and united.
George Thole’s impact on players and the community is evident in the tributes he receives.
Stillwater will honor his legacy, keeping his contributions to the Ponies a source of pride for future generations.
