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!