Thomas "Tom" Tonneson

Thomas Tonneson, age 88, of North Mankato, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, North Mankato.

Private family graveside will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park in Mankato. A gathering to celebrate the lives of Thomas and Janet will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Mankato.

Thomas was born on June 5, 1935 to Marshall and Margaret (Lantz) Tonneson in Odin Township, St. James. He graduated from Mankato High School. On June 9, 1957 he married Janet Swartout at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. Tom was a life science teacher for 44 years, most of his career was in the Mankato School District. Tom was a devoted Christian and a family man who was a great dad, husband, grandpa, great grandpa and uncle. One would describe Tom as caring, genuine, intelligent, and a giving and generous man. He was known for being funny and his great sense of humor and he enjoyed telling jokes, especially Ole and Lena jokes. You always knew when Tom was around by his wonderful whistle and all the stories he cherished about his past students, neighbors and friends. His love for teaching and the life-long connections he had with his students inspired many and he would use any situation to turn it into a teaching moment, especially for his grandchildren. Tom also loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting and his commitment to nature was exceptional.

He is survived by his children, Joan (Dan) Tesdahl, Robert (Julie) Tonneson, Kathy Tonneson, Susan Tonneson, and Amy (Eric) Plath; grandchildren, Andy (Erica) Mason, Brittany Mason, Jarod (Karli) Tonneson, Tawna Tonneson. Moriah (Jared) Frazier, Andre’ Tonneson, Veda Plath, Ravi Plath, and Sitara Plath; great grandchildren, Brayden and Waylon Tonneson, James Tonneson and Daniel, Aubrey and Benjamin Mason; and 2 great grandchildren arriving this fall; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet Tonneson in 2020; son, James Marshall Tonneson in 2019; and brother, Merle Tonneson in 2004.