Charlie Stone

Charlie Stone, 76, of Sioux City, IA, passed away surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with lung cancer, on September 9, 2026. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Charlie was born on June 28, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Herbert and Ethel Soelberg. He graduated from Central High School and was united in marriage to Sandi Petersen on April 5, 1981.

Charlie was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved old movies and television shows, University of Nebraska sports, the Iowa Great Lakes, cooking, and grilling. But more than anything, Charlie treasured his family. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making memories and enjoying the moments that meant the most.

Charlie began his radio career in Sioux City in 1968, beginning a lifelong connection to the broadcasting community and the listeners he served. In the early 1990s, he left radio to pursue other opportunities, taking him to Rockford and Omaha.

Fifteen years ago, Charlie returned home to Sioux City and once again found his place behind the microphone, taking over the duties at KSCJ’s Open Line, a program he had previously hosted during the 1980s and 1990s.

For Charlie, radio was more than a career—it was a way to connect with people and be part of the community he loved. His familiar voice and personality became a memorable part of the Sioux City area, and returning to Open Line allowed him to continue doing what he enjoyed.

In addition to his radio career, Charlie served as a police officer in Lincoln, Nebraska. His varied career and many travels gave him countless stories and experiences to share, but it was coming home to his family that mattered most.

Those left to honor Charlie’s memory include his wife, Sandi Stone; his children, Stacy (Rodney Ford) Petersen, Corey (Marnie) Petersen, and Shelby Petersen; his grandchildren, Theo (Emily) Fundermann, Jayda (Aubrey Gaines) Graham, and Santana Graham; and his great-grandchildren, Lyla Fundermann, Kyhren Graham, and Kian Graham.

Charlie will be deeply missed by his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ethel Soelberg; his sister, Willemena Taylor; and his grandson, Darrian Petersen.