Melvin Stone

Mel Stone, age 82, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and formerly of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on October 2, 2025.

Born in Solway, Minnesota, on October 27, 1942, Mel grew up in Minnesota and carried with him the values of hard work, curiosity, and perseverance. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and economics, and went on to complete his Ph.D. in Economics.

Mel dedicated much of his professional life to education, teaching economics at several universities, including the University of North Dakota. He also worked with NASA at the Denver Research Institute, in Denver, Colorado, conducting research on how the agency’s space exploration efforts contributed to the development of commercial products—a role that reflected his love of discovery and science.

In the latter part of his career, Mel became a respected and familiar face in journalism as a news reporter for KVLY (formerly KTHI) in Fargo. Over nearly 30 years, he was best known for The Stone Report, a personal interest news edition that gave voice to unique and inspiring stories. Mel often described journalism as using “words and pictures and sounds to tell someone a story.” Calling himself a “one man band,” he frequently ran the camera while also narrating and telling the story. His thoughtful approach and creative eye made him a trusted storyteller throughout the region.

After retiring from journalism, Mel relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he devoted himself to his passion for photography. He purchased and restored a historic adobe house and opened an art gallery there, where for 15 years he displayed his own work alongside the work of other artists. His gallery became a creative hub and reflection of his enduring love for art, perspective, and community.

Mel is survived by his sisters, Kay (Sepp) Cheney and Janet Cleveland; and by his nieces and nephews, Sheila Beutler, Shannon (Donnie) Quick, Brad (Cindy) Stone, and Cindy Stone.

He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, his gifts as both a teacher and storyteller, and his storytelling will live on through all who knew him.