Norman C. Stoner

Norman C. Stoner, age 87, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022, at his rural Celina home.

Born on June 26, 1934, in Mercer County, he was the son of Olan E. & Madonna R. (Garman) Stoner.

His wife, Flora (Mihm) Stoner, survives, along with their sons: Norman "Chuck" (Janet) Stoner Jr. and Floyd (Jeanne) Stoner, of Celina.

Norm is also survived by a sister, Wanda Bernholt of Celina, seven grandchildren: Benjamin (Ashley) Stoner, Katie (Andrew) Barger, Bryan (Mariah) Stoner, Thomas Stoner, Kevin Stoner, Kelly Stoner, and Lindsey Fowler, and fourteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Nicole Fowler, sister, Mary Buschor, and brothers-in-law: Robert Buschor and Charles Bernholt.

A Veteran of the United States Army, Norm served in Germany during the Cold War from February 1957 - February 1959. He operated a panel for firing missiles.

After attending Immaculate Conception School, Norm worked with his father, Olan, in his upholstery business. Their work included re-upholstery, covering new chairs for Rastetter Furniture of Fort Wayne, and the manufacture of armrests for the seats in New Idea Uni-Systems. 

Norm also worked for General Telephone for a time.  He then decided to pursue his dream of being a farmer.  For the last 61 years, Norm worked on his farm in Center Township.  He and Flora worked together and later he worked along with his sons, Floyd and Chuck.

Norm was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, Celina, and a member of the NRA (National Rifle Association).  He enjoyed trap shooting and various kinds of card games, especially Double Solitaire. 

Norm was known for growing an abundance of sweet corn and tomatoes, which he generously shared with his family and neighbors.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 13, at Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, with Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S., presiding.

Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford, with graveside military rites. 

Calling Hours are 2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, and 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception School.

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