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LAUREL — Neal M. Stone, 86, Laurel, died Dec. 4, 2023, at Bryan Medical Center West Campus, Lincoln, ending his courageous battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Neal Marland was born Feb. 10, 1937, on a farm north of Laurel, to Fred E. and Pearl Marie (Johnsen) Stone. After graduating from Laurel High School in 1954, he spent his life devoted to caring and providing for his family and their farm. Neal married the love of his life, Marlene (Remes), Nov. 22, 1974, in Duluth, Minn. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and everlasting memories with their children and grandchildren.
Neal will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, commitment to his family, modesty, kindness, and a sense of humor and smile that could light up a room.
He lived by his values of self-reliance, persistence, and loyalty. Neal’s passion for his farm was evident in every hour he spent working the land, caring for his animals, and constantly tinkering with his machinery. A lifelong learner, Neal spent his evenings immersed in articles about current events, history, and farming trends, while enjoying classic country music.
Neal cherished the opportunity to share tales of the evolving landscape of farming, recounting the changes he witnessed over the years with a blend of nostalgia and wisdom. He took great pride in passing down his trade to his son and grandchildren, ensuring that his legacy and love for the land would flourish through future generations.
One of Neal’s enduring legacies is the advice he recently shared with his grandson: “Go in, do your best, and move on.” This simple yet profound wisdom reflects his grounded, ambitious, and resilient nature.
As we remember Neal, we are reminded that his spirit, sense of humor, and love for the land will live on through his children and grandchildren. His legacy of love, strength, and resilience will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.
Neal’s legacy is lovingly cherished by his wife, Marlene of Laurel; his four children and their spouses, Patty (KJ) Vavra, Treynor, Iowa; Mark (Asa) Stone, Lincoln; Penny (Bart) Johnston, Lincoln; Mike (Trista) Stone, Laurel; his six grandchildren, Mitchell, Walker, Lily, Avery, Foster and Archer; three siblings, Burnell (Sandie) Stone, Coleridge; Nancy (Vince) Magnuson, Duluth, Minn.; and Denny (Janelle) Stone, Sun City, Ariz.
He joins in peace his parents, Fred and Pearl Stone; sister, Bonna Del (Leo) Kastrup; and infant sister, Nadine Stone.
