Milan Oscar "Mike" Stone

Milan Oscar “Mike” Stone passed away March 3, 2018 at Akron City Hospital, Akron, Ohio. Milan was born June 11, 1927 in Rock Falls, Wisconsin to Thelma and Oscar Stone. Growing up the son of tenant dairy farmers he knew the struggles of the depression first hand. He also learned the value of a strong work ethic. When he was 17 he joined the Navy and was a WWII veteran. After being discharged he returned to Wisconsin, married, and had four children. Milan worked on a small family farm, Presto Industries, and eventually went to work at the US Rubber tire factory in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He became actively involved in the local union URW Local 19 at the plant. Milan was appointed shop steward in 1946. It was here that he began his life’s work of fighting for workers’ rights. He was later hired as a time study engineer for District 4 of the United Rubber Workers Union and served the union in this capacity for several years. Milan continued to serve as a special negotiator for pensions and insurance for the union during the contract negotiations. He was then appointed as the District 4 director following the retirement of the former director. Milan served in this capacity during the 1970’s and was appointed by URW President Peter Bommarito to serve as International Vice President in 1977. He was elected President of the URW in 1981 and served in that capacity for nine years. His fight for workers’ rights continued through the struggles of the tire industry as they dealt with international trade and competition. His leadership, integrity and forthright approach were respected and admired. Milan retired from the Union in 1993 after 47 years of service to the organization. He was a champion of the working man and believed that an honest day’s work deserved a living wage. Milan also believed that the living wage needed to be earned by being productive and hard working. His life was filled with hard work but also many wonderful times of laughter and joy. Milan had memorable trips on the Mississippi from Rock Island up to Minnesota. Many stories about his adventures on the river are treasured memories for his family and friends. The days on the river were his way of relaxing and enjoying his time away from his challenging career. They were days of laughter, near misses, good food, good friends and invigorating conversations. Milan married Patricia Frost in 1981. They were married 36 years and lived in the Akron area. Milan enjoyed spending time with his family. Stories and laughter abounded as did talks about politics, school, work and many other subjects. He liked to cook and preparing a big meal for visiting family and friends was something he truly enjoyed. He enjoyed preparing the meal and equally enjoyed sitting down with the group and eating what he had prepared. Milan was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Oscar Stone; two sons, Jerry and Lee Stone; one stepdaughter, Richelle “Rikki” Kasner; one stepson, James “Jimmy” Frost. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Stone, Uniontown, Ohio; a sister, Leatrice Solberg and a brother, Lamoine Stone, both of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; a son, Bruce Stone, Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter, Cheryl Komlanc, St. Charles, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces as well as many dear friends. Milan leaves a legacy of courage, integrity, honesty and hard work. He lived his life humbly and believed in working hard and playing hard. He enjoyed life and his big, robust laugh could often be heard at family gatherings. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. A graveside service for family and close friends will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org/memorial. (Hopkins Lawver, UNIONTOWN, 330-733-6271) www.hopkinslawver.com