Olive M. Tonkel: 1924 – 2011
Olive M. Tonkel, 87, a former resident of Collins and widow of Charles Merl Tonkel, Sr., passed away at 9:23 p. m. on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at The Oaks in Columbia City. She had been in declining health for some time, and had been a patient at the nursing home for the past six years.
Mrs. Tonkel was born in Fort Wayne on May 3, 1924, a daughter of Lyman and Pauline (Sines) Blanchard. She spent her formative years in Fort Wayne, and was married there on May 25, 1941 to Charles Merl Tonkel, Sr. The couple owned and operated the Campus Inn Restaurant in Fort Wayne for several years, and had moved to Collins over 50 years ago.
Mr. Tonkel preceded her in death on January 14, 1982.
The surviving relatives include her daughter Pat (Bruce) Geiger of rural Columbia City; two sisters Joan Kessler of Fort Wayne and Mary Ellen (Jim) Meskimen of Apache Junction, Ariz; nine grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sons Charles Tonkel, Jr., Dennis Tonkel, and Jerry W. Tonkel; and a sister Lorraine Bunn.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. on Thursday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Jerry Blanchard, pastor of Anthony Wayne First Church of God, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Thursday afternoon.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice in Fort Wayne, or to the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence for the family in Mrs. Tonkel’s memory, log on to www.sheetsandchilds.net
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:26 pm
To Olive’s Family – Jeanine and I want to express our sincere sympathy to all of you on your loss of Olive. What a wonderful legacy of love for family and friends she has left with you. Please rest in the knowledge that we will be here for you now. . .and in the days ahead.
Fondly,
Greg & Jeanine Childs and Staff
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:42 am
Our deepest sympathies to Olive’s Family…the Olive we remember was such a fun-loving spirit. We loved her laugh and card-playing. She was the “camping grandma” to all our kids and we loved every minute of it. Olive’s Family has always held a very special place in our hearts. Love to you always…Tim & Pat Wilkins & Family
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
To Pat and all the grandchildren: Grandma Tonkel was a sweet lady, so glad that we had a chance to know her. Thinking about all of you.
Sherrell and Betty
August 25th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
dear patti and joanna,
Sorry to hear about Oilve. So was a great lady. Always enjoyed viting with her. Once again i’m sorry to hear about it. Joanna please call me please. 260- 755-6746
August 25th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Sorry to hear about Oilve. So was a great lady. Always enjoyed viting with her. Once again i’m sorry to hear about it. Joanna please call me (Garthena) 260-755-6746
August 27th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Patti, Bruce and family,
Thinking of you, for we certainly know the pain that comes with the loss of a loving parent. We can only treasure the fond memories that we have shared.
Please accept our condolences.