Obituary of Thomas E. Stone

Thomas E. Stone passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2023 after a four plus year battle with lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas T. Stone and Ruth Busch; sister and brother-in-law Carol and Kenneth LaValle; sister and brother-in-law Kaye and David Camacho; brother-in-law Roy Holsten; and sister-in-law Sandy Johnson, Tom is survived by wife Janet; son, Aaron (Beth) of Eagan, MN; daughter, Amy (Michael) Hunter of Maplewood, MN; grandson Jack Stone of Eagan, MN; U.S. Marine Corporal Thomas Sherman of San Diego, CA; sister Iona Holsten of Stillwater, MN; sister Ruth Ann Stone of Sauk Center, MN; brother-in-law Bill Johnson of Apple Valley, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas was born in Watertown, SD on November 28, 1939. His family moved to Becker, MN in 1950. Tom loved his community of teachers, friends and classmates at Becker High School. After graduation in 1957, Tom attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth. While at UMD he was co-captain of the varsity basketball team years 1959-1961. Tom was a member of three conference champion teams, and a member of two national NAIA tournament teams. In addition to preparing for his career in teaching and coaching, Tom met the love of his life, Janet Johnson at UMD. Tom and Jan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.

After graduation from UMD in 1961, Tom started his teaching and coaching career at Kenyon, MN high school. In 1967 Tom moved to Duluth. He taught social studies classes and coached basketball at Denfeld High School. As an educator, Tom was selected as part of a six member team to participate in the first Rotary International Exchange Program. Tom spent two months in England learning about the host country and helping to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different nations. In 1975 he left the classroom and became assistant principal at Lincoln Junior High School. Tom left his beloved teaching profession in 1976 and ventured into the business world by starting Como Foods, a new food company serving the restaurant community. Como Foods was sold to US Foodservice in 1982, and Tom served US Foodservice in sales and management positions until his retirement in 2004.

Tom was a member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and served several terms as an Elder on the Session Board. He also taught in the Sunday school program. Tom volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission for many years and served as a board member for the mission.

Golf was an important part of Tom’s life both in playing the game and enjoying the many friendships it fostered. He was a member of Ridgeview Country Club for many years and a member of the Enger Park Senior League. Tom was proud of the many rounds of golf he played in later years when he was able to shoot his age.

Tom’s life was dominated by his family, faith and friends. He loved his childhood family of four sisters, dad and mother. Tom was totally devoted to his wife, Janet for over 60 years, and their children, Aaron (Beth) and Amy (Mike). He was extremely proud of grandsons Jack and Tom as they matured into amazing adults. Tom loved life as it centered around his faith. He loved the members of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and his many other brothers and sisters in Christ.

A memorial celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, January 13th, at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nikcevich, the entire Oncology support staff at Essentia, and the Essentia Home Hospice group for their exceptional care with a loving touch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be directed to Glen Avon Presbyterian Church or the Union Gospel Mission.