Carole June (Stewart) Stone, age 88, of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, at her home with her daughters by her side.
Carole was born on July 30, 1938, in Sparta, WI, to Raymond and Viola (Asselin) Stewart and graduated from Sparta Senior High School in 1956.
In April 1959, Carole married Ronald Stone and they had four daughters. Carole was a dedicated mother who never missed a school concert, a recital, a softball game, or any of the many activities her girls participated in. She made sure their home was filled with warmth, fun, and laughter. Carole never missed a chance to remind her girls how proud she was of them and how much she loved them.
Carole worked in the Payroll Department at Fort McCoy for many years until her retirement in 2002.
Carole treasured spending time with her family. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and was affectionately known as “GiGi” to 15 great-grandchildren. Family gatherings often included a game of Sorry, as played by her unique rules, and regardless of her opponent’s age, she took no mercy and played to win. Her family will also remember “the look,” the one she gave when you went a bit too far or were a little too misbehaved.
Carole is survived by her daughters, Ronda (Amy Jo) Stone-Lakey of Sparta, Renee (John) Prochazka of Sparta, Tamara (Ronald) Semann of La Crosse, and Susan (Ed) Danielson of Sparta; grandchildren, Justin (Victoria) Caldwell, Amanda Gentry, Anna (Jared) Prochazka, Miranda (Jake) Prochazka, Cassandra (Jeremiah) Shafer, Jacob (Amanda) Semann, Taylor Semann, Samuel Danielson, Ethan Semann, Jaelyn Arndt, and Madelyn Danielson; 15 great-grandchildren; beloved sister and bestfriend, Phyllis Murtaugh; brother, Michael (Mary) Stewart; special friend, Stacy Green; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Viola Stewart; former husband, Ronald Stone; and granddaughters, Jaimie Miller and Jordan Miller.
In August of 2023, Carole was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She confronted the diagnosis head-on and an anticipated three-month life expectancy evolved into three years. She spoke often of how deeply grateful she was for having had the good fortune to keep the beast at bay and enjoy life with her family and friends during the extra years she was blessed with. She is forever missed and endlessly loved.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Carole’s Life on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 3:00 p.m. at the Barney Center in Sparta, 1000 E Montgomery St. A private family burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sparta.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
