Donald Joseph Tonner

Donald Joseph Tonner, age 99, of Rensselaer, passed away August 26, 2023 at Autumn Trace Assisted Living in Rensselaer. Don was born on April 13, 1924 in Rensselaer, Indiana, the son of Paul C. & Callista (Reiff) Tonner. Don graduated from the St. Joseph’s Academy in Rensselaer in 1942. On September 4, 1948, in Momence, IL, he married Pama Call, who preceded him in death on March 27, 2015. Don was a successful business co-owner with his brother George. They owned and operated numerous businesses in Rensselaer, including Superior Cleaners and Laundry, Tonner Motors, and John Deere implement dealerships in Kentland and Knox, IN. They also owned and operated a cleaners/laundry business in Valparaiso, IN and Watseka, IL, a furniture store and a grocery store in Chesterton, IN with their brothers Jerry, Bob, Art and Harry. In his later years, Don enjoyed managing some farm property. Don was an avid reader and tried to learn as much as he could. He enjoyed following social & political events. Above all, he enjoyed his family and having them come over to his and Pama’s house to swim in their pool. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and entertaining. Don was also a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Don is survived by his two daughters, Pama (Timothy) Schreeg and Donna (Steve) Bailey, both of Rensselaer, five grandchildren, Ashley Hughes, Nathan (Rochelle) Bailey, Brandon (Beth) Schreeg, Megan (Jake) Sipe & Sarah (Marcus) Horschel; nine great-grandchildren, Jackson Hughes, Adelyn Hughes, Kanden Bailey, Avaya Horschel, Brody Horschel, Callista Bailey, Benjamin Schreeg, Alexa Sipe and Ava Schreeg. Also surviving are two brothers, Gerald (Bette) Tonner & Harold (Marcia) Tonner, two sisters, Carolyn (Jerry) Grube & Suzanne (Jim) Wright, sisters-in-law, Betty Tonner, Margie Tonner, and Jean Tonner He was proceeded in death by his wife, Pama, four brothers, George Tonner, Bob Tonner, Leo Tonner, Art Tonner, one sister, Pauline Cody, brother-in-law, Dick Cody, sister-in-law, Phyllis Tonner. Friends are invited to visit with family at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 CT from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. A Rosary service will follow immediately at 11:30 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer at 12:00 PM with Father Joshua Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rensselaer. Memorials may be made to the St. Augustine Catholic School or OperationSmile.org

Donald Joseph Tonner

April 13, 1924 - August 26, 2023