John Franklin Stone

John F. Stone, age 79, of Palm Desert, CA, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, joined our Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of December 31, 2016. John was the love of Phyllis' life, and will be remembered by his kids as a committed, loving father and grandfather. John was born on December 24, 1937, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He attended the University of North Dakota for both his undergraduate degree and law degree. During his college years, he had his own dance band called "John Stone and the Pebbles." He was invited to play his trombone for Lawrence Welk, but declined the opportunity to follow his dream of practicing law, a profession he enjoyed for over 30 years. John had a passion for volunteer activities. He served for many years with the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Minneapolis YMCA, St. John's Ecumenical Institute, Colonial Church of Edina, and Silver Sands Racquet Club in Palm Desert, CA.

He is survived by wife, Phyllis; children, Brad Stone (Claudia), Shelley Appel (Todd), and Pamela Stone; grandchildren, Cameron, Michael, Devin, Brittany, Brooke, Kyle, and Alexander; and brother, Richard Stone. He was preceded in death by parents, J. Lloyd and Grace Stone, and brother, Jim Stone.

Loving memories of John:
Floating on the dance floor with Phyllis to the tunes of big bands
Poppy playing with his grandchildren in the swimming pool.
Returning Dad's frustrating, spinning drop shots on the tennis court.
Riding a float in the 1976 Rose Bowl Parade as Commodore of the Minneapolis Aquatennial.
December 24 was a celebration of John Stone's birthday first, and Christmas Eve second.
John was revered for his holiday punch, BOOM!
Dad was the best Santa ever: cookies and milk left by the fire, Christmas mornings with presents stacked to the ceiling. He always exclaimed 'Santa had come!'
En route to the family cabin in Detroit Lakes, MN we always stopped at our favorite restaurant in Little Falls for chocolate milk shakes and greasy burgers. The cabin was the place for many family reunions and lasting memories.
John enjoyed membership in several Minneapolis area clubs, where he entertained his clients and spoiled his family and friends. John loved backgammon and gin rummy. He had a passion for travel.

He had an uncomplicated faith in God, a generous spirit, and a steady, unconditional love for all.

Rest in Peace Poppy.