Obituary
Robert J. Stone
Our dad could wait no longer to be with the love of his life, LIL, who passed in 1994. Dad left us peacefully while holding Diane’s hand at BSJ early March 10th. He was born Aug-2-1931 to Thelena & Hallie Stone in LaFarge Wi. He helped farm, but hated it, his brother, Butch said he was “so fussy”. He quit school moved to La Crosse where he lied about his age to land a job at La Crosse Rubber Mills. He was laid off so he and a buddy decided to enlist, his health kept him from getting in. The next 47 years he worked for the Mills , ending his career as, Quality Controller , highly respected, friend, boss, and employee. Through those years he had many week-end jobs, he was a Police officer in LaFarge, Taxi driver in La Crosse, bartender ,and somehow managed to find time to learn how to fly, a test he also failed due to high B/P , he said that broke his heart.
He married Augustine Williams, had 2 girls and a boy, but after 2 try’s they divorced a final time. He met Lillian Handke, a widow with 3 girls. Augustine relinquished all responsibilities, dad received full custody. Dad and mom (Lil), married on Feb , 1, 1964, sold moms 2 bedroom home, dads 1 bedroom home, bought a fixer upper at an auction and made it a 4 bedroom for the remaining 5 kids.
They purchased “ONIES’s” café where mom worked for Roscoe Shorts mom , Onie, Every single morning, dad got up, shaved, got mom up, helped open café, then go to the mills, come home, shave and go back to the café to get her. Mom made all the meals, it got to be too much so Betty Halverson jumped on their dream wagon and the 2 of them would make all that great food for yrs. The Café was open from 5:30-10. A hotel on the corner housed elderly men, Onie’s was the only place around for hot meals. They loved Bingo, & camping. After the hotel closed, mom started closing week-ends and eventually every day at 3. They bought their final home in Onalaska, when mom retired. Mom loved Vegas, dad not so much , but never denied her anything, and in return he flipped old cars, “A LOT”, he had a love for Harleys too. To this day, I never remember even 1 bad argument. They were so in love and don’t think he ever got over it. We never celebrated another holiday.
He opened his home to renters, it kept him happy, healthy, and the will to carry on. He had an extended family who he found great comfort in that was , at times, hard for others to understand. He considered Rob & Jeff like sons, he loved getting a call every day from Joyce, who introduced him to Frank from “American Pickers”, the highlight of his life. No one could cut his hair but Judy. We will be forever be grateful for all the kindness, love, and joy you gave our father.
Along with Lil, he is preceded in death by his son , Darrel, parents, brothers, Clarence, Carl, & LeRoy, 1 sister, Freeda. He is survived by sister Lavone (Merlin) Hisel, 1 Brother, Hallie Jr “Butch”, (Joyce). His daughters, Barbara, Dodgeville, Diane Stone, 19 yr partner (Jeffery Pearson) Taylor Wi. Rosalee Mitchell, Pittsburgh, & Diane Hauser (Dennis), Onalaska. Many grandkids, but none as close as Angela Sue Subjek, (Tony), La Crosse, & Cali Jo Endris, (Ryan Mosher), Onalaska. Angie did all the grocery shopping, she’ll probably never be able to look at Country Crock Butter or Oyster crackers again without smiling. She would stop in with his great grandson , Owen Anthony and Cali made many visits with the grand girls, Macy Rae and Isla Jean, dad just lit up when he’d see these kids.
Something you might not know about our parents, they were 17 years apart. I was kidding mom one time about robbing the cradle, she said, and I’ve never forgot this, “ Love doesn’t come in a color, it doesn’t come in an age but when it comes grab it, so I did”. So go help Darrel eat some cookies, just put your nose in the air, you’ll find her. We love you Daddy
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the River’s Harvest Church, 1001 Quincy St., Onalaska, with a visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Diane, Jeff and family I am so sorry for your loss. Find peace in all your memories. Nancy
Diane and family, So sorry to hear about your loss.
Bob was a great friend and I will miss our visits and phone calls. Being his first rentor for 3 1/2 years I will always remember all the great times together. The day I moved to minneapolis 21 yr ago was a tough day, but keeping in touch with him throughout the years and coming back to Onalaska on weekends for visits always made me smile. Bob was special friend and I will truly miss him. Rip Bob!
Mike, You were the start of many. We recently purchased a Springer and have named her Lakota, dad thought that was great. Hope to see you but with this virus I have a feeling people will be cautious, so if you can’t make it , we understand, but plz know we all have big hugs for you. Take care sweetheart, drive careful . We love you
Diane, so very sorry to hear about your dad, was going thru obits and seen he had passed. Always enjoyed Bob and Lil. Now they Re back together. RIP. I’ve been living in Florida the last 2 and half years, wonderful here, but miss the kids, grandkids and rest of family. Take care, Jerry.
Mike, You were the start of many. We recently purchased a Springer and have named her Lakota, dad thought that was great. Hope to see you but with this virus I have a feeling people will be cautious, so if you can’t make it , we understand, but plz know we all have big hugs for you. Take care sweetheart, drive careful . We love you
Diane I knew your folks years ago in the Forgetful Lil days .. those were the greatest days. We went camping with them and they and 2 other couples came out on weekends to dance to the music we made. They were wonderful people. I remember your mom being so lucky and having tons of stuff stashed that she had won in one contest or another. They were both always smiling and reminded me of my own parents because they were so happy with each other. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family.
Ty Nancy, we’ll get thru this, ty for your support, I love you My Dear,b Dear friend
RIP Bob. My condolences to your family & friends. It was a pleasure working at La Crosse Footwear with you. Now enjoy your reunion with Lil & your eternal Heavenly life.
Ty Melody, so many friends I never knew, we appreciate hearing every story
RIP Bob, you were a wonderful neighbor and a very good friend. I will miss our visits and think of you so lovingly every time I make chili. Tell Lill hi for me. until we meet again
Donna you were such a good neighbor, friend and even his Handy woman, you wet above and beyond helping him stay in his home, we love you
So sorry to hear this, stopped by his room march 4th he was sleeping so didn’t bother him. I worked with Bob for 30 some years. He was a great guy. Know he is in heaven with his love Lil.
Thanx Kathy, by March 4th dad was in the hospital. I should of thought faster and put a note on his door. Ty for stopping and sharing
Diane and Family….My Sincere Sympathy to All of You! Bob and Lil were such nice people….so glad I had the opportunity to work for them at the café.
My beautiful Janet, the lil bitty Café has joined a friendship that will never be broke, I love you , and even as I think of how much the Halverson Family means to me , my eyes fill up. I’d be lost at times without the support I have received from all of you
Your loss is your mother’s gain, right where he’s most happy
Find peace in that my friend.
Ty Theresa, I know their happy, but I’m sure not
So very sorry for your loss Diane. Hugs and Prayers for you & your Family!! Ed & Neta
Thank-you guys so much, not much suffering , but still not ready. Love you guys
Diane & The whole Stone family,
So many good memories of working at the cafe. Lil was my 1st boss & she was great. Bob always made me feel important even though I was just the dishwasher. (I was too shy to be a waitress…even though they tried to get me to do that job.) I remember you as just a kid Diane. I know how much your mom & dad loved you. I remember meeting some of their other kids too, but that’s 50 yrs. ago.
I like to believe that Bob & Lil are together again. I think they’re listening to Johnny Cash while he’s performing up there.
May all of you cherish the good memories you have. May the love you shared sustain you.
My deepest sympathies to all of you.
(Sending you a big hug Diane. Thank you for coming to Ross’s celebration of life in July.)
With love & friendship,
Jane
I knew Bob for around 30 years, going back to meeting him at the Hardee’s Restaurant next to his house. Bob was a key figure with the ‘Hardee’s group’.
Somebody gave him the nickname Bingo Bob and Bobcat. I was fortunate to have met him. RIP……
They loved their country music, I appreciate all the time you put in with them. So thankful; the “Halverson” family was such a big part of their Café, Love you
Dear Grampa,
Thank-you for all the wonderful summers that you & Gramma took us camping, fishing, rides in the convertible and just being a Grampa! I looked forward to summer trips home to see you, I will always cherish our time together, love & miss you,
Your grandson,
Tommy…
Oh Tommy, ty so much for sharing the memory, I totally for about the convertible. I love you boys so much, and you will be a big part of Dads arrangements, Take care my beautiful nephew, I will see you again <3
I love you
Diane and family, My mom worked at forgetful Lils with your parents, she always had a story about something that happened there. May they both Rest In Peace.
Diane, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, hugs and prayers for you and your family.