Obituary of Charles Edward Tonn

MONTICELLO, IOWA

Charles E. Tonn, 80, of Monticello, Iowa passed away Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 4 -8 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, Monticello, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Thursday morning from 10 - 11 at St Matthew Lutheran Church prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello, Iowa.  Pastor Dave Raemisch will officiate.

Charles was born February 11, 1938, the son of Paul and Emma (Wenthe) Tonn, in Independence, Iowa where he grew up on the family farm. He married Carolyn A. Czizek on October 20, 1990, in Monticello, Iowa.  Charles graduated from Independence High School in 1956, where he participated in football, baseball and wrestling.  He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa as a pre-theology student.  He married Joan Johnson in 1958, and they later divorced.  Charles owned and managed numerous businesses in many locations in the upper Mid-West and had been a business consultant for the past 30 years.  In 1974, Charles was part of a nine week Rotary Exchange Team, working in New Zealand, American Samoa and Fiji.  He worked for the Iowa Department of Corrections in the 1980’s, and was director of the North East Iowa Small Business Development Center in Dubuque for many years.  Charles was also a volunteer Fireman in Osage, Director of Little League in Osage and Head Greens-keeper at Manson Golf & Country Club.

Charles was a member of St. Matthew Church including serving as a past president of the Church Council, the Monticello Lions Club (including past president), Monticello Eagles Club, Monticello Chamber of Commerce Board, and also taught High School Sunday School at St. Matthew Church.  He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited in many locations including Jones County and Kiwanis International.

Charles loved to fish, hunt, golf and travel.  He actually participated in Donkey Basketball during their time in Monticello.  He also loved to raise calves and the company of his dogs.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Charles is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carolyn, two sons: Charles Tonn II (wife Shelley) of Dubuque and his children: Megan & Bailey Tonn, Douglas Tonn (wife Susan Krapfl) of Dubuque and their children: Emma, Kate, John “Jack” and Luke Tonn; in-laws: Joan Tonn of Rowley, Barbara (Kieth) Anderle of Pleasant Hill, IA, Joseph Czizek of Des Moines and Michael (Sue) Czizek of India.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 siblings: Rudolph (Orpha) Tonn, LeRoy Tonn, Paul (Marge) Tonn, Evelyn (Robert) Tegeler and Gladys “Toni” Tonn.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com