Clarence Willie "Stoney" Fields

Clarence Willie Fields, age 86, of New London, Wisconsin passed away at home on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Most people knew Clarence as "Stoney", the guy who lived on the Embarrass River and made Stoney River Spinners. Stoney was born on March 12, 1939 in the Town of Maine to Myron and Violet (Stilen) Fields. He grew up in the Shiocton area on a farm with his parents and one sister, Rose. As a young man, Stoney was already an avid fisherman, hunter and trapper. He loved all animals, especially cats. Stoney had three children and he was so proud of each and every one of them.

Stoney was a man of many interests and some would call him a collector of things. He collected and saved pretty much everything, including rocks, coins, guns, knives and containers of all sizes. In his younger years, he would create jewelry with different metals and stones and he would sell them. He started his own business, Stoney River Spinners and continued to make and sell them until his final days. He was very proud of his spinners and would bring one along everywhere he went, just in case someone wanted to buy one. He used to search for treasures with his metal detector on riverbanks, in parks, and many other areas.

Living on the Embarrass River brought many opportunities when it came to the things he loved, especially fishing and he was even on the Sturgeon Patrol! For a few years, when his children were young, he operated a riding stable and people came from all over to ride through the woods and along the beautiful river. He planted an orchard, growing numerous apple and nut trees. Often you could find him in the yard picking nuts (or as he would say, playing with them). He also made homemade wine with peaches or other fruits and berries, and he loved to share. Stoney was a bird lover, he even had a clock with birds on it that chirped with different bird calls on the hour. He would buy two loaves of bread on each shopping trip and when he got home, he would tear the loaves up into little pieces for the birds outside. Stoney loved cats probably more than anything; all cats. He called them his kids and he invited every one of them into his home for supper. Sometimes an opossum would come inside too but he didn't mind at all.

Stoney was a story teller and he had a lot of them. Every story would start out with, "you know, back when I was a kid….." Once you heard those words, you might as well just sit down and get comfy because the stories would start flowing. He would talk about things like the price of a candy bar in the 40's, the time he won a costume party at Oneida Casino dressed as Willie Nelson or the big fish he caught behind the house. Maybe you would be lucky enough to sit and talk about Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers or Donald Trump.

Stoney left an impression on everyone who knew him and he will be missed by so many. He leaves behind his children, Jim Fields, Sandy (Scott) Burr, and Jack (Joedy) Fields; his grandchildren, Jennifer Hermes, Kevin Hermes (Katie), Jordan Fields (Danielle), and Jacob Fields; his great grandchildren, Lily, Levi, Madalynn, Evelyn, and Elsie; along with many other relatives, neighbors and friends who cared deeply for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Violet; his wife, Phyllis (Lemke) and his sister, Rose (LeRoy Jarvis) (Don Davis).

We, as a family, would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Residence who took care of Stoney recently and helped him to return home where he wanted to spend the rest of his days. A thank you also to Moments Hospice, especially nurse Maureen, for the compassionate care she gave him in his home. We also want to express our appreciation to a few very special neighbors, Jennifer, Steve, John, and Pat. You loved our dad and treated him like family and for that we will be forever grateful.

The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London, Wisconsin with Pastor Blake Soto officiating. The visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Following the service, Stoney will be buried at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Appleton. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.