Alan Stone

June 28, 1931 - March 12, 2021

Alan Stone, age 89, of Minnetonka, passed away March 8, 2021. He was born in Hibbing, MN and grew up in Nashwauk, MN on the Iron Range. He spent most of his professional life in various forms of food sales and distribution. He loved selling. After he returned to Minneapolis from his service during the Korean war, he started Alan's Distributing, selling Kosher Zion products and other refrigerated foods locally. He also started Fish Sales Co., selling Lake Superior smoked fish and other seafood products to grocery stores and restaurants. Many people will remember Alan from the Minnesota State Fair as he operated the State Fair Deli in the Food Building for 31 years, best known for Reuben sandwiches. In the 1980's he owned Stone's Red Owl in Texa-Tonka shopping center in St. Louis Park. Alan retired in 1999 having held various positions at Gourmet Award Foods for over 20 years. After retirement Alan began to follow a hobby he always wanted to pursue, model trains. He had a large setup in his home based on the Iron Range where he was born. A few years later he donated the train layout to the Itasca County Historical Society in Grand Rapids, MN where it is now on display. Alan never forgot his Range roots and was instrumental in organizing a lunch group of Rangers who met once a month to reminisce. He was a patron of the arts, especially live theater, and a long-time season ticket holder of many local groups. He loved animals, especially Collie dogs. He loved anything with Mickey Mouse on it and was never seen without his Mickey watch. Preceded in death by parents, Edward and Bess Stone; daughter, Melanie Stone Kett. Survived by wife, Lou Ann; granddaughter, Stephanie Leah Na' Aman (Dani); grandson, Benjamin Kett (Michelle), great-grandson, Nathaniel Kett; great-granddaughters, Emilia Sara Na' Aman, Ruby Joan Kett; brother, Arthur Stone; sister, Nancy Karasov. Private family service.