LANCASTER – Marie W. Stoney, age 96, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Orchard Manor in Lancaster. She was born on July 16, 1927; the daughter of Leonard and Hannah (Koeller) Pierce. Marie married the love of her life, Clarence Stoney, on April 25, 1945. They were lifelong farmers and together they ran their dairy farm in Potosi. After Clarence passed away in 1988, Marie remained on the farm well into her 80’s. Marie was a hard worker and never missed an opportunity to teach her beloved nieces and nephews some of that work ethic. Every year, the nieces and nephews looked forward to “summer camp at Aunt Marie’s” and she was just as eager to have them over. Marie loved to keep the young kids entertained in the barn during evening milking. She could often be found dancing and yodeling. Marie enjoyed walking through her yard and picking up four leaf clovers with ease. She could spot them in no time and always saved them for good luck. Marie could create just about anything out of fabric. She loved to quilt, sew, and crochet. Over the years, she gifted many of her creations to those she loved and cared for.
Marie and Clarence loved to travel. They took many trips “out west” to the Black Hills. They also travelled to Las Vegas. Marie loved spending time with her sisters, too. They enjoyed going on casino trips and having sister’s day. She even went on an Alaskan cruise with her sister Leona. Marie and Clarence were members of the West Grant Saddle Club, and they enjoyed listening to polka music. Marie loved antiques and looked forward to many family dinners on the farm. She prepared many true farm to table meals with food she and Clarence grew on the farm.
Marie is survived by three sisters: Genelda Krafjack, Louise Koelker, and Helen (Norman) Hoffmann; sister in-law, Marylou Pierce; many nieces and nephew who she loved dearly; and many special great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; parents; sister, Leona Friedman; brothers, Robert and Leonard Pierce; brothers in-law, Richard Krafjack and Gale Koelker; nephews: Mike Friedman, John Friedman, and Eugene Pierce; and nieces: Betty Donaldson, Debra Wadsworth, and Sharon Martin.
Memorials in Marie’s name can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Burton, WI; an organization that was dear to Marie’s heart.
Funeral Services
Per Marie’s wishes, a graveside memorial service will be held in April.