Edwin Harry Stone

Edwin Stone, age 92, of Elk River MN, passed away December 18, 2021 at BeeHive Homes Assisted Living facility surrounded by family after a fall that resulted in hip surgery. Born in Apple River, Wisconsin on September 14, 1929 as Edwin Harry Johnson, to immigrant parents from the Atvidaberg area of Smoland, Sweden. His father, Henning Julius Johnson, died when he was 4 years old. His mother, Anna Elizabeth (Betty) Karlsson Johnson, died when he was 7 years old, leaving behind six orphaned siblings. Ed was adopted by Robert and Edythe Stone of Amery, Wisconsin on November 5, 1937 and grew up on their farm, learning the value of hard work and a Christian faith. By God’s grace and mercy his siblings were adopted or taken in by Christian families in the area. Although the family was broken up by death, all siblings stayed near Amery and saw each other regularly. Ed enjoyed attending Balsam Lutheran Church and Apple River Valley School with his brother Paul. During his high school years, he participated in FFA, Choir, and Luther League. His brother Paul introduced Ed to his future wife, and on July 2, 1950 he married his “beautiful bride”, LaVerne Ardell Aune. LaVerne’s twin sister, Lorraine, married Paul in a double wedding held at Hitterdal Lutheran Church, Milton, ND. A lifelong friendship of double cousins resulted from these two unions. Ed and LaVerne were led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by Ed’s older brother Vernon, which began a life-long faith journey. They raised their family in a home that put Christ first and others before themselves. Ed and LaVerne were married for nearly 70 years and were noted for always being together in their activities. Ed had a beautiful voice and loved to sing as LaVerne played the piano; music was an important part of the Stone family home. Ed and LaVerne were blessed with eight children; Gailen (Linette) Stone of Leed SD, Robert (Cindy) Stone of Lakeville MN, Daniel Stone of Milaca MN, Janyce (Robert) Thompson of Albuquerque NM, Janelle (Mark) Kerr of Hurricane UT, Julie (Dennis) Hall of Elk River MN, Jeannie (Kent) Murdock of Ramsey MN, and Rodney Stone of Milaca MN. Ed was the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. The family was blessed by Ed and LaVerne’s love of travel and camping, and always looked forward to summer vacations. The Bethany pop-up camper was home away from home for these trips: including the Grand Canyon, Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, the Gunflint trail, Banff, North Dakota (to visit LaVerne’s family) and Washington State (to visit Ed’s family) and many destinations west. A favorite time was anytime the family drove to Amery; exploring Grandpa Stone’s farm, attic, woods, and Apple River dam were some highlights. Much begging and finagling took place to trade homes with our Aune cousins, for a week or so. Our parents often gave in, to our delight. Ed followed his brother Paul in his love of trucking and became a Teamster driving a semi-tractor trailer to Eastern states for over 35 years. He worked for Brady Motor Freight, ABF Freight System and Crause Cartage Company. Upon retirement he became a part-time chaplain at the Hudson Truck stop, Transport For Christ (TFC) Mobile Chapel. Both Ed and LaVerne were active in TFC for many years sharing the love of Jesus with truckers and their families. Ed took on part-time work at Slim’s Auto Repair which gave him great joy and Mom some valued alone time. He kept the work bays clean and organized for the mechanics. Later he and LaVerne drove for Saxon Motors, transporting new cars to and from MN and around the country. They both very much enjoyed driving so this was a great fit for them. For 20 years Stone’s wintered in Mesa, Arizona. They loved the sunshine, renewing old acquaintances, and continually making new friends.Ed was often heard singing “Heaven Is a Wonderful Place” and he truly looked forward to Heaven. He entertained all of us with his repeated jokes and we laughed every time. He’d tell you his friends called him “Fast Eddy” or “Stony Bologna” all the while smiling as he watched you laugh. His storytelling and sense of humor brought those who knew him great joy, and he will be dearly missed.Ed was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, LaVerne in 2020, and two sons Gailen and Daniel. Others proceeding him are his parents Henning and Betty Johnson, his adoptive parents Robert and Edythe Stone, his step-mother Malvina Aune (who married Robert Stone late in life) siblings Donald and Vernon Johnson, Evelyn Heilmer, Paul Aune, Margaret Nelson,adopted sister Margaret Stone, his father and mother-in-law Edward and Wilma Aune, and several brothers and sisters in law. He is survived by brothers-in-law Orville (Judy) Aune, Donald Nelson and sisters-in-law Lorraine Aune, Pearl Aune, and Elaine Aune. 

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:00AM on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Nowthen Alliance Church, 19653 Nowthen Blvd NW, Nowthen, Minnesota 55303, with visitation starting at 10:00AM.

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