Andrew LeRoy Stone passed away peacefully on October 7, 2013. A soldier, patriotic American, faithful church lover, and generous family man, he was a man of action, service and honor and will be sorely missed by all those who love him. He was born October 29, 1925 in Benson, Minnesota to Andrew and Mathilda (Gravlun) Stone. A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he was baptized December 4, 1925 and confirmed on July 2, 1941. He grew up in Benson, and attended Benson schools through the 9th grade. He entered the US Army in February 1944 at Fort Snelling and served in Rhineland, Central Europe with the 65th Infantry Division, attaining the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged on May 11, 1946 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. For his service, he was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the WW II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the Germany Clasp. He remained active with the 65th Infantry Division Association until the time of his death, traveling annually to reunions and serving as President for the 2011-2012 period. A lifelong servant, Andy dedicated his time to many organizations and causes, including the 65th Infantry Division Association, the VFW and his church. He worked for the Swift County Sheriff's Department, the Flax Straw Company, and the Great Northern and Burlington Northern Company. During his 40 years of service to the railroad, he served at the Benson and Morris Depots, Willmar Accounting Office, Willmar Yard Office, and as a traveling agent. In later years, he worked for the Benson Heartland Express and Zniewski Funeral Home. He married Phyllis Mae Smith on August 10, 1946. To this marriage, two sons were born: Daniel LeRoy Stone and Robert Curtis Stone. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel, his parents Andrew L Stone and Mathilda (Gravlun Stone) Smith, his brother Albin Stone, his two sisters Annie Laurant and Edith Burton, and one granddaughter, Denise Stone. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Mae (Smith) Stone, son Robert (Connie) Stone, grandchildren Tara Stone Medina (Carlo Medina), Daniel (Melinda) Stone, Justin (Andrea) Stone, Nathan (Cassandra) Stone, great-grandchildren Gianluca Medina, Madeline Stone, Kennady Stone, Harper Stone and Easton Andrew Stone.
