Harland Leroy Stone, 78, of Hurley, WI, passed away on September 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Harland was born on September 14, 1948, in Bessemer Township, Gogebic County, MI to the late Carl R. Stone SR. and Ruth (Hotchkiss) Stone.

Harland proudly served in the United States Army from January 1966 to October 1968, in the 170th Assault Helicopter Company, Bikini 251, as a Door Gunner. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Air Medal for 600 hours of combat, along with 24 Silver and 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. He was proud of his military service and received an Honorable Discharge and was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.

In 1969, Harland was married to Gail A. Bruneau of Hurley, WI at St. Mary's Church in Hurley, WI. They have two sons, Mark and Scot.

Harland worked for the White Pine Copper Company for 7 years, 5 years as a Driller Blaster and 2 years as a Foreman.

Harland graduated in 1977 from Gogebic Community College, Ironwood, MI with a Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts Degree. He then graduated in 1979 Northland College, Ashland, WI with a Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in K-9 and a minor in History.

Harland had a great passion for teaching. He taught 5th grade and 7th-8th grade Social Studies for 26 years in Arcadia, WI.

Harland coached JR. High Wrestling for 9 years with 101 wins and 2 losses.

Lee worked with Boy Scouts of America in Arcadia, WI and he enjoyed his football team, "The Green Bay Packers."

He loved books, reading, music, archeology- hunting for arrowheads and collecting stamps as well as his monthly meetings with his Vietnam Veteran friends in Ironwood, MI.

Harland was the recipient of many awards in his life time:

1992 "Amateur Archaeologist of the Year"- Given by the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center

1994 and 1996 Who's Who in America's Teachers-Given by The Best Teachers in America, Selected by the Best Students

1985-1995 "Appreciation, Dedication, Patience and Knowledge in Wrestling with 101 wins and 2 losses in 9 seasons" Given by Parents and Fellow Coaches

1995 Vietnam Veteran of the Year and 1995 Wisconsin Vietnam Veteran Outstanding Achievement Award Awarded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Wisconsin State Council

2000 "Educator of the Year"- Arcadia Chamber of Commerce

2004-2005 A student nominated him and he was chosen as the "Top Notch Teacher" Awarded by WKBT-TV Lacrosse, WI

2005 " Lifetime Achievement Award" Arcadia Wrestling Club-"Thanks Coach" The Community and Arcadia Youth

1979-2005 Plaque given by The Arcadia Public Schools for 26 years of "Service and Dedication"

2025 "The Quilt of Valor" Presented by local Quilters and Veterans

Harland was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Stone SR. and Ruth (Hotchkiss) Stone. His brother Pastor Carl Stone Jr. and his sister Pearl "Penny" Walters. His Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Robert Braneau Sr. and Elerine (Chartier) Braneau.

Harland is survived by his wife Gail and his two sons Mark (Bobbie) Stone, Lewiston, MN and Scot (Sheryl) Stone, Brookfield, MA. Two brothers, Pastor Daniel (Shannon) Stone and Pastor Joseph (Sandy) Stone, Duluth, MN.

Five grandchildren: Dawson Lee Stone, Ilea (Tim) Taylor, Bailey Stone, Brette (Miquel) Reynoso and Michelle “Shelly” Stone

Five great-grandchildren: Juniper Faye and Noelle Stone Reynoso, Athena Anna and Lincoln Lee Taylor, Jenson Jo Harville.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Harland will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his students, his wrestlers, his country, and his community. His passion for teaching, history, archaeology, and helping young people made a lasting impact on many lives. He was proud of his military service and years as an educator and coach, but above all, he was proud of his family.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who knew him.

Visitation for Lee will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with Fr. Raj Sunkura officiating at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Hurley American Legion Post 58 and VFW Post 1580.