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John McWilliams Stone Jr.

John Stone Obituary

John McWilliams Stone, Jr., age 81, and known by all as Jack, died Friday, May 15, while leaving his office at Dukane Corporation in St. Charles. Jack was born in Chicago on November 4, 1927 to John McWilliams and Marion Stone, Sr. He lived all of his life in Wayne, Illinois, and devoted his time to his family, community, and Dukane Corporation, the company his father founded in 1922. Jack had an Ivy League education, attending Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and Princeton University in Boston. While at Princeton, he studied under Albert Einstein. But he never took himself too seriously, was always ready for a good laugh and for pulling outlandish stunts on those he loved. Jack was an avid downhill skier, aviator and drove race cars. He took over the company his father founded and brought it safely from the 20th century into the 21st. In 2005, Jack passed his leadership of Dukane to Michael Ritschdorff, a man he felt would continue the path of innovation that had made Dukane survive the technological challenges of the computer revolution. Jack was ever aware of the importance of job security to his employees. He loved his job and he loved his employees. Very active in his community, serving on the boards and committees of various businesses, hospitals, schools, social service organizations, and charities. Jack was a four-term president of Dunham Woods Riding Club, Wayne. Mr. Stone is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 33 years and her two daughters, Shannon (Ronald) Stone-Bergman of Geneva and Tamra (Jerry) Downing of Geneva; his two daughters, Margaret Jean Stone of St. Charles and Marion Ansley (Jeff) Nelson of Lake Bluff; six grandchildren, Kyle, Kevin and Jackson Bergman, Alexandria Downing and Ansley and Sam Nelson. He was preceded in death his parents; a brother, William Stone; and his two beloved sons, John McWilliams Stone III and Michael Collier Stone. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 23rd at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 40W605 Route 38, LaFox (corner of LaFox Road and Route 38). Memorial visitation will be Friday from 4-8:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, (corner of Rt. 64 and Rt. 25), St. Charles. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society; Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203; or the Chicago Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513; or a charity of your choice. For information, call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles 630-584-0060 or [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kane Republican on May 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Julie (Teafoe) Dickson

May 26, 2009

Mr. Stone is leaving behind grand memories with everyone he graced his presence with. I will remember him as a giant as I grew up in Wayne as well as working at Dukane for many years. The vision of Mr. Stone charging through the halls with a cheerful greeting is etched in my mind. I feel fortunate to have known him and his family. You are all in my prayers to carry on and live strong.

Steve Savanyu

May 22, 2009

Cheryl,
I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I remember him well as both family and employer. My heart and prayers are with you.

Fran Kaus

May 21, 2009

A man of great ability, class and dedication, and a man worthy of genuine admiration in a world where that has become increasingly rare. Jack Stone stood as an example of the very best in American business and his footprints will not be erased by the passage of time. He touched the lives of others and made those lives better for his being there.

Kimberly Nardi

May 21, 2009

One of my favorite "Tigers" He will be forever missed by all of us AND forever remembered with smiles and laughter and great stories.
Cheryl, my thoughts are with you and your family. You were so lucky to have loved such an incredible man.
We all love you.....

steve palewski

May 20, 2009

the entire Palewski family was very sad to hear of Jack's passing. Although it has been a long time, Robin and I have fond memories of Jack. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.

Barbara Harwood

May 20, 2009

Cheryl,
It's been a long, long time. I was so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I have nothing but fond memories of the days I worked for Dukane. I've always had deep respect for Jack, and feel fortunate to have known him. For me his passing marks the end of an era. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Joe Lyon, Jr.

May 20, 2009

Cheryl,
I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He will forever be a great memory for me having grown up in Wayne. I will remember how he would show sincere interest in what was going on in my life any time I saw him. Watching him on the tennis court, hearing his great laugh at the club as he enjoyed life, his compliments towards my wife and children...his memory will always have a warm spot in my heart. He is so much of what growing up in Wayne is all about, it was a great day when he ask that I refer to him as Jack and not Mr. Stone... He will be missed but forever loved by so many. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Brent Schneider

May 20, 2009

Mr. Stone provided me with a fantastic 14 year career in the Sound and Communications industry. I have nothing but the upmost respect for this man. He trusted those he hired, and provided a fantastic opporunity for many in the Fox River Valley area. I will always remember him for his use of the word "Tiger", as I and many others were called that in lieu of our names. I know that Mr. Stone will be missed by his family, friends, and the community he so willingly served. Journey well Jack. You've lived a full life.

George Bergland

May 20, 2009

Cheryl, as you well know, Jack was among our "very favorite people." It is with great disappointment that Sharon and I will not be in St. Charles on either Friday or Saturday.

Valerie Shoger

May 20, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends during this sad time. Mr. Stone was a wonderful person to work for. He always had a story to tell and could bring a smile to anyone's face. He had a unique way with words. I can still hear him today asking, "Do you want a zinger (coffee)?"

Kevin Patrick

May 19, 2009

Jack was a man of respect to everyone he met. It was an honor to have known him and to have worked for him for more than 2 decades. God Bless

Tim Thomas

May 19, 2009

On behalf of all the employees of Thomas Electronics, please accept our deepest sympathies. Jack's admonition to "Go get 'em Tiger!" will be sorely missed.

Sincerely,
Tim L. Thomas, II

Tammy Cooper-Grant

May 19, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Patty Erickson

May 19, 2009

Cheryl, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this stressful time. Jack will be remembered for the many many good things that he accomplished, but I think of him often for his wit and his wonderful gift of storytelling. It was a pleasure and an honor to know him.
Fondly, Patty Erickson

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