David Thomas "Stony" Lother

David Thomas “Stony” Lother, 89, of Apple Valley, formerly of Zumbrota, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Apple Valley. He was born on December 27, 1934, in Goodhue Township to Christie and Marie (Hinrichs) Lother. He attended country schools and graduated from the Zumbrota High School in 1954. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Helen Finstuen on November 19, 1954. He began working for the Zumbrota Telephone Company at 17 years old and continued working there full time and eventually part time, for 65 years. He enlisted in the National Guard and was active for 33 years where he achieved the rank of First Sergeant. He remained in the retired Army Reserves until he turned 60. He was very active in the Zumbrota Fire Department where he was the fire chief for his last 12 years as a member. He also volunteered for the Zumbrota Ambulance, drove school bus, and was a janitor at the Armory on Main. He was a member of the American Legion Zumbrota Post 183 and the Zumbrota Stary-Yerka VFW Post 5727. Stony was an outstanding high school football, basketball, and baseball player. He set ZHS records in basketball in the 1953-54 season for points in a game (30), season (303) and career (830). He also tried out for a professional baseball team in Florida. He was a huge Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves fan. Stony enjoyed golfing and fishing, and going on an annual guys fishing trip with his son and son-in-law for the past 15 years. He had a great, dry sense of humor and let you know he was joking with a smirk on his face. His kids and grandkids were his greatest joy. He was very supportive and could be found in attendance with any of their sports and adventures. He had a very strong work ethic and integrity that he instilled in his children. He and Helen enjoyed many years wintering in the Orlando, Florida area after retirement and enjoyed golfing and socializing with new friends they would meet from all over the world.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Helen of Apple Valley, MN; three children, David A. Lother of Encinitas, CA, Tim Lother (Hua Wang) of Monroe, WA, and Beth (Alex) Blaylock of Apple Valley, MN; two grandchildren, Cassidy (Johnny) Pen and Brianna Lother, both of Encinitas, CA; one great-grandson, Jay Pen; one brother, Ken (Alice) Lother of Zumbrota, MN; and one brother-in-law, Del (Karen) Finstuen of Farmington, MN. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, at United Redeemer Lutheran Church with Reverend Dr. Marggi Pleiss-Sippola officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Zumbrota Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements made by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel.