Norma Darlene Stone

NORMA DARLENE STONE, age 88 of Waseca, died in the early morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Owatonna Hospital.

Norma was born in Waseca County on March 8, 1937, to parents Arthur and Emilie (Behr) Gehring. She graduated from Waseca High School. In 1966, she was married to John Stone at Trinity – Wilton Lutheran Church. She held several jobs over the years, but her favorite was as a cook at Happy Chef in Mankato where she made many lasting friends. John and Norma traveled frequently because of his role in the Air Force and Norma loved the opportunity to see the world. John passed away in 1992, but Norma soldiered on, happily continuing her involvement throughout the community. She offered babysitting services to family and friends and she enjoyed playing cards, sharing coffee with friends, cooking, baking, gardening, reading, puzzle books, and watching television – especially gameshows. She was also an exceptionally talented seamstress.

Norma is survived by three brothers, Ronald, Gerald, and Kenneth Gehring; two sisters-in-law, Alice and Farolyn Gehring, and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband; and numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.

The Gehring family would like to offer their thanks to Jill Christensen, CNP, and the entire staff at the Owatonna Hospital for the exceptional care they offered to Norma.

Funeral services for Norma will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Trinity – Wilton Lutheran Church near Waseca. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Norma’s interment will take place alongside her husband, John, at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.