Xen Stoner

Mr. Xen A. Stoner, 95, formerly of Keota, Iowa, and Bemidji, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. Xen leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Mary Marlene “Mimi” Stoutner, along with step children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, in addition to nieces, nephews, cousins, and scores of friends.

Xen was born in What Cheer, Iowa, in 1927, and lived in several Iowa towns before graduating from Winterest High School in Winterset, Iowa. After high school, Xen served in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1947. He remained an active VFW member throughout his life. Following his military service, Xen operated a filling station in Keota, Iowa, for several years.

Xen married Barbara Holmes in 1950, and remained by her side until her passing in 2001. Xen and Barb moved to Bemidji, Minnesota, in 1978, where they operated a successful sporting goods store, Xen's North Country Sporting Goods in downtown Bemidji for 14 years. Xen and Barb welcomed a son, Michael Xen Stoner, in 1955. Mike sadly passed away at age 26 in 1982.

Xen lived a full and rich life that included hunting, fishing, traveling, golf, bridge, motorcycling, snowmobiling, spending time with family and friends. Xen was an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He was a highly skilled fisherman, and was inducted into the Muskie Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also a member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Keota. Xen was a loving father, step father and step grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating.  Burial with military honors will be at Keota Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Friday at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his honor to the VFW Post in Keota, Iowa. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Xen and his family.  Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.