Racine – Wayne Ronald Stone; age 65; passed away at Regional Medical Center in Hudson, Florida on Friday, May 15, 2015 after a tragic accidental fall last week.
Wayne was born in Racine on December 17, 1949 to the late Raymond G. and Irene (nee: Becker) Stone. He graduated from William Horlick High School “Class of 1968” and attended University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Wayne faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in the Vietnam War and was a proud member of the Army Reserve for 18 years.
On August 10, 1974 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Racine, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Donna Rae (nee: Minske). With a tireless work ethic, Wayne spent his entire career over 30 years with the United States Postal Service, retiring as a Postal Service Manager in 2005. In retirement, Wayne & Donna spent the winter months at their home in sunny Florida and summer months in Baraboo, WI – where they were selected to serve as camp hosts at Devil’s Lake State Park.
Wayne had an extremely infectious smile & laugh – you couldn’t help but to be happy when in his presence. A tremendous people person to say the least, he had a unique way of making everyone feel like they were part of his own family & had affectionately acquired the nickname of “Uncle Wayne” by many . Always willing to lend a helping hand, Wayne was one of the good guys.
Upon retirement Wayne became quite the home improvement guy. He enjoyed playing poker every Wednesday afternoon with the guys. He loved going to the auctions with Donna to “find the bargains.” You could often find Wayne fishing with family & friends and spending time relaxing with his wife. He absolutely loved the sun and would walk the beach at Fort De Soto or spend his afternoon relaxing by the pool with a beer in hand. Wayne was an affectionate husband, awesome father, and loving grandfather….who always placed the needs of his family before his own. Wayne lived life to the fullest; he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Surviving are his loving wife of over 40 years, Donna; their adored daughters, Elizabeth Stone and Michelle (Brian) Zielinski; treasured grandchildren, Arianna Greco, Lidia and Avery Zielinski; dear brothers & sisters, Dennis (Karen) Stone, Janice Winch, Mark Stone and Mary Renteria; sisters-in-law, Rae Ellen Stone and Rhonda Malanche; nieces, nephews, other relatives, neighbors and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Stone; mother, Irene Stone-Wittke; step-father, Gordon Wittke; sisters, Shirley and Doris Stone; brother, David Stone; and brother-in-law, Roy Renteria.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10:30 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue in Racine, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Military honors and a luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-8 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to all of our relatives and friends for the outpouring of love, support and prayers offered during this past difficult week. Wayne loved all of you…..and so do we!
Michael Hill says
Wayne is greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bob Beaver Vartanian says
Donna and your Family you have our deepest condolences.
Bob
will &lisa wheeler says
We will miss Wayne very much, he was everyones best friend.
Carol Wondra (Taskinen) says
My heartfelt sympathy to you Donna & your family for this immense loss. I pray that you’ll be comforted by remembering the love you both shared… and continue to.
Pam and Scott clickner says
So sorry for your loss your family
Will be in our prayers
Jo says
Dear Stone Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I would like to share something that I have personally found to be comforting. It is found in the Bible at John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:4. These verses tell us that soon God is going to bring about a resurrection of our loved ones as well as do away with all causes we have for suffering, including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me and it is my hope that these thoughts will comfort your family also.
Katie Stone Parsons says
Uncle Wayne will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts are with you Aunt Donna, The Zielinski family, Elizabeth and Arianna. If there ever was a person who lived by laughter it was Uncle Wayne!! He definitely had a twinkle in his eye! He was quick with a joke to break the ice!! I’ll always remember growing up with his campfire stories, looking for trolls under bridges, and getting your ears timmy’ed if you weren’t quick enough to run away!! Saying goodbye for now is hard, but he will never be forgotten!! Hugs to all!!
Denise Meyer/Tim Frank says
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. Our sincere condolences to your family
Chad Zimmerman says
I was so sad to hear about Wayne’s passing. Wayne, Donna and the girls were a big part of my childhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nicole Norby says
Deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Stone family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa Gabriel Rausch says
Donna, Dennis, Janice, Mark, and Mary, I was very surprised and saddened to hear about Wayne’s death. My family has gone through unexpected deaths, it is a very hard thing to except . Your faith will help all of you. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have to work both Friday and Saturday so I will be unable to attend Wayne’s funeral. I know it’s easy to say, but be strong for each other. Love, Lisa
Marcia Miller (Marcy) says
I was so saddened to have read in today’s newspaper of the tragic death of Wayne. Even though I hadn’t been in touch or seen Wayne & Donna for over 35 years we had been good friends throughout our school years. May God watch over Donna & Elizabeth & Michelle during their time of grieving Wayne’s loss. May Wayne Rest In Peace.
Larry and Marlene Rose says
Donna and Family,
We want to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy. Wayne will always hold a special place in our hearts. You two were a true couple of dear friends.
God bless you and know we are thinking of you. Please keep in touch. If we can do anything for you let us know.
Bob and Kathy Blackburn says
The short time that we got to know Wayne we considered him a good friend. When there was a friend in need,Wayne was a friend indeed.
We will all miss him dearly.
I heart felt condolences go out to Donna and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may peace be with you all.
Mary Ann Gustafson Steger says
Donna, I am so sorry to hear about Wayne. I have many wonderful memories of times we spent together. You and Wayne became my first real friends after my family moved to Racine in 1963. I regret that I haven’t kept in touch with you over the years…when I think of you today, I can hear your laughter and see your beautiful smile and blushing face. How perfect it is that God brought you and Wayne together..I can hear him and see him in the same way!! I pray that God would hold you in His arms and give you strength and peace during the day’s ahead. I know there will be many families and friends coming to love and support you and family. Wayne is loved by so many…memories will be shared and kept in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
Greg Shimkus says
My heartfelt condolences, Wayne was always such a good natured person!
Rick & Jeri Howe says
We are so very regretful to hear of the loss of your precious loved one Wayne. We will continue to think of you, and pray that you find the needed comfort from all your family & friends that loved him as well. Very Sincerely, Mr. & Mrs. Rick Howe.
Henry and Jean Richter says
Donna
so sorry for your loss.
We really had some great times with you and Wayne in our earlier years.He was a truly fun and caring person to be around.