Robert Stone

Robert Reuben Stone, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 16, 2022, at the age of 78, with his spouse Jan Titus at his side. He was born in Hawley, MN, to Robert and Betty (Pender) Stone.
Robert started a vibrant teaching career as a history teacher in Kulm, ND. After many years in the classroom, he joined the Division of Independent Study in Fargo, ND. He worked his way up the ladder from teacher to principal and ultimately being named the State Director of Distance Education. His leadership at the Division and at the State Capitol helped set the framework for what would eventually become online education. He valued learning and believed that everyone deserved an education.
Robert retired at the age of 55 to care for his wife, JoAnn. He was a dedicated husband and selfless in his care for her.
As JoAnn became more ill with MD, Robert took on the challenge of being the hair and makeup artist. JoAnn always left the house beautifully made up due to Robert’s loving care. He joking referred to the two of them as the lady and the tramp. He cared for her in their home until her death in 2010.
He was a caring soul and was highly active in many charitable organizations. He could regularly be seen helping to feed the homeless or sponsoring families from Sudan. He was a tireless advocate for disability and LGBTQ rights. Robert was a founding member of creating the oral history of people growing up gay in the Northern Plains, known as Breaking Barriers Harvesting LGBTQ stories in the North Dakota State University (NDSU) archives. Robert was a current force behind the Moorhead Marriage Project, interviews of the first LGBTQ couples married in 2013. He was a founding member of the FM Gay Mens’ Chorus and a long-time member of the Red River Rainbow seniors.
Robert had a fascination with genealogy and traced his family tree to the 1400s. He was the guiding force for the family history book. He was the leader of a massive Pender Family Reunion that brought family from throughout the United States to Barnesville, MN.
Robert never met a person he didn’t know; his love for people shined through in his personality. He easily met and carried on conversations where ever he went. This love of people brought him many friends from all walks of life.
Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it was just a day visit or annual family reunions at Bayview Shores on Pelican Lake for the 4th of July. A tradition that lasted over 35 years. Robert also had a love of 45 records and music. This passion started as a young child and continued through his life with his robust record collection. The music also carried through in his love of dancing.
Robert enjoyed painting, playing games and cards, and sharing his time with friends at bingo sites throughout Fargo/Moorhead and an occasional casino.
Visiting his son’s family in Texas was a highlight he looked forward to, and he proudly told all near about his beautiful grandchildren.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Stone, his wife JoAnn, and numerous aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his spouse Jan Titus, his son and daughter in law, Bret and Susan Stone (Katy, TX), grandchildren Alex, Cassie, and Tierney, his sister and brother in law, Barbara and Jack Neubauer (Bismarck, ND), and brother and sister in law, Brad and Lynda Stone (Randolph, MN), his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many close cousins.
God bless you, Robert, and enjoy your time with Jesus and your family.