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GWINN, MI – William Michael (Mike) Stone IV, 43, of Gwinn passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at his home from a long illness.
He was born July 3, 1983, in Aurora, Colorado, the son of William Michael (Mike) Stone III and Karen (McClelland) Parkkonen. He was a 2001 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and earned an Associate's Degree from NMU.
Michael worked at Culver's in Marquette where he was a shift manager for many years. He lived in Maryland from 2015 to 2024 and was employed by ActionPak as a logistics contractor for Northrop Grumman in Halethorpe, Maryland. Michael returned to Marquette and most recently worked at Argonics, Inc. as a CNC operator in Gwinn, MI.
Michael enjoyed music, playing the trumpet and guitar, model building, golfing, computers, and watching movies. Much of this he enjoyed with his best friends, Geoff and Beth Mackey.
Michael was a great human. He loved to spend time with family and friends. His smile lit up a room. He believed in the best of everything and was inclined to give anyone the benefit of the doubt, including his friends, coworkers, and even strangers. He had a broad knowledge, of matters both scientific and historic, and loved to engage in discussions. He was musically talented and a great support to anyone trying to learn something, musical or otherwise. He loved quoting his marching band coach, "I'd rather you play the wrong note perfectly than play the right note poorly." He applied this philosophy often.
Michael had such a big heart and was kind to everyone he met. He loved to make people laugh. It made him so happy. Michael loved to give socks to the homeless and have conversations with them. He was a shining light in our world and it will not be the same without him.
There were many people who had a special place in Michael's heart and in his life. His Grandpa Jim, who taught him everything from how to treat and respect people to shaving and mowing the lawn and everything in between; Grandma Gail (Lovey), Aunt Renee and Uncle Richard, close friend Helen, best friends Geoff and Beth, and so many others.
Michael is survived by his parents, Karen (Gary) Parkkonen of Marquette and William Michael (Mike III) (Peggy) Stone of Maryland; grandmother, Gail (Lovey) McClelland of Marquette; sisters, Maggie Stone of Maryland, Kelly Stone of Maryland and step-sister Lindsey (Jason) Bernard of Marquette; Aunt Renee and Uncle Richard Abell of Pittsburgh, PA; Uncle Jim McClelland of Marquette; Uncle Steve and Aunt Jo Anne McClelland of Arizona; and Aunt Lori and Uncle Hank Weaver of Green Bay, WI; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and best friends Geoff and Beth Mackey of Gwinn. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James McClelland, William Michael (Mike Jr.) and Peggy Stone, and Shirley & Bill Heintzelman; Aunt Debra Shipley, and step-brother, Robert Parkkonen.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 11 am to 12 noon in the Bishop's Room located at St. Peter Cathedral. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 12 noon with Rev. Zachary Mazurek as celebrant. A luncheon will follow in Cathedral Hall. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery at a later date.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com