Charles Stone

Charles “Waabiishkii-Gwon” James Stone was born December 12, 1922 in Ponsford, MN to John and Sadie (Rabbit) Stone. He grew up and was educated in Ponsford. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1940. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and for a few years Charles worked as a logger. He also worked with his brother-in-law Thomas Jones at the CCC Camp. He later went to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Tamarac Refuge and after 23 years of faithful service, Charles retired in 1982. After his retirement, Charles moved back to Ponsford. As an avid outdoorsman, Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed his favorite TV shows, “That 70’s Show and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Charles loved the game of baseball and followed the Minnesota Twins as often as possible. He liked to travel, taking his family to Pow-wows in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canada. Charles was a quiet and simple man, but to many he was considered “Grandpa Charlie” He cared about everything and everyone. He had a wonderful memory reminiscing about the history of Ponsford and always remembering to make that call to wish his friends and family a “happy birthday”.

Charles will be remembered and missed by his nieces: Naomi Jones of Pine Point, Juanita Hardy of Pine Point and Eleanor Stone of Woodbury, MN. He is also survived by those that called him Grandpa Charlie, 31 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and 43 great -great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Vivian Fineday Jones, Mary Stone, one infant brother, one infant sister, brother-in-law Thomas Jones Sr, nephews; Thoms Jones Jr, Delmas Jones, nieces: Corinne Jones, Alberta Johnson, grandchildren, David Stone, Lorena Jones, Wassa-biza-aaung.-bebe ace “shining star baby”.