Philip Lee Stone

Philip Lee Stone, 82, of Plymouth, MN passed away peacefully April 7, 2023. Preceded in death by his parents Lee and Arzelle (Spenser) Stone and a brother, Milt. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Cathy) and by his sons: David (Kari) Stone-grandchildren, Molly, Arne, Samuel, Fredrik and Anastasia; Joe (Khanh Tran) Stone, children, Raymond and Kylee.

Phil was born July 17, 1940, in Leon, Iowa. He grew up in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, always maintaining close ties with the class of 1958. He had a passion for politics and music. Phil was always eager to discuss politics with a critical mind and took pride in his ability to clearly convey both side of the arguments.

Phil graduated in 1962 from Northwest Missouri State and started teaching at Oden High School and continued for 44 years. He received his Master’s Degree in 1968. In 1973, he met a French Teacher, Cathy Lawlor, and they were married on Flag Day (June 14, 1975).

Phil was a man of ordinary virtues. He loved being with his family, teaching, the state of Iowa, raising his roses and working in his garden. He spent his summers preparing packets for his classes. He was a quiet man who had to read the paper every day.

He served God with peace and joy as is indicated by his many “projects”. One year in the 1970’s when a woman came to tell him she could find no one to head up the Democratic Caucus in Odgen, he said he would. He ran calling in the tallies to both parties.

Phil wanted the students to experience government in action so asked, then Principal Stan Friesen, to help organize a trip to Washington D.C. This trip is still the senior trip at Ogden High School.

When the couple moved to Perry, he headed up an auction of people’s talent for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. It continued until 2018.

While Phil ran for State Representative (lost by 101 votes out of 10,000) a Democratic friend asked if he would consider teaching immigrants in a preparation class for the U.S. Citizen test. He did this for many years and thoroughly enjoy his students.

In the year, 2005, Phil volunteered to take the place of a retiring director on the Perry City Council. He was appointed and served for ten years on the council. Prior to moving to Plymouth, MN, Phil organized tours of the wonderful Hotel Pattee in Perry. He did this until they moved. Phil was a member of Ogden and Perry’s Lion’s clubs. He served as an officer in each club and enjoyed it very much. He initiated the eye screening in Perry that has been continued to this day.

In 1996, The Daughter of the American Revolution nominated him for their State Teacher of the Year which he won. They had a wonderful reception in his honor.

Phil was a quiet and humble person, well-liked by many; and his wisdom will be missed by those that knew him well.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donation be given to the Helping Hands (Emergency fund) of St. Joseph the Worker Church. This fund helps people in need of rent, gas, and many other immediate necessities.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, May 1st, at 11:00am, with visitation an hour before at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7180 Hemlock Lane N. Maple Grove, MN

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/minneapolis-cremation for the Stone family.