Gale Stone

Gale Stone passed away March 15, 2026, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He was born on September 16, 1930, at Monroe Township, Wisconsin, the son of Gerald Stone and Bessie (Keena) Stone. He graduated from Alexander High School in Nekoosa class of 1948. He married Ruth Koller of Milladore, Wisconsin on June 11, 1953. Gale and Ruth divorced in September 1970. They shared five children together.

Gale served in the Navy during the Korean War on a destroyer and traveled widely. After his discharge in October 1952, he studied electronics and taught navigation for the Navy. His knowledge of navigation and love of the sea never left him. He worked as a computer engineer in Silicon Valley at the dawn of the computer age working his way up to director.

In preparation for retirement, he built a 36' sailboat by himself. He primarily sailed and docked it in the Caribbean on Isla Mujeras which at the time was a fairly unknown, undeveloped, pristine gem of an island in the Caribbean. He spent his time sailing, fishing, diving and socializing with friends he had met. He loved flamenco music and Cuba libres.

Gale is survived by his children Richard Stone ( Brainerd, MN.), Dianne Harrington (Richmond, IN.) Linda Cardott (Hayward, CA.), Donna (Gerald) Freeman (El Dorado Hills, CA.), and Jeff (Cyndi) Stone (Grass Valley, CA.). He is also survived by his sister Peggy Mueller (Wisconsin Rapids) along with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Nathaine Galusha and Natalie Grund. A special thank you to Our House Assisted Living for their special care and compassion. In lieu of a service, please toast your next Cuba libre to Gale.

He will be remembered for his independence, adventurous spirit, and lifelong love of the sea.