Eugene D. Tonning

Date of Death: 
Saturday, March 19, 2022

Eugene D. Tonning of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the age of 85. He was born on November 2, 1936 in Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother Evelynn, father John, and loving wife Patricia.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Debbie Luke of Burlington, WI, and sons Jim Tonning and wife Kathy of Hainesville, IL and Jim Martin of Aurora, IL. Sister Lorraine Diedrickson. Grandchildren Christine Luke, Daryl Luke and wife Kaytee, Melissa Luke and Emma Martin; Great grandchildren, Espy Luke, Lupe Luke, and Irene Luke. Brother-in-Law Ken Pajor and wife Carol of West Chicago, IL.

Born in Chicago, Gene enjoyed ice skating at Humboldt Park. He spent his summers at his aunt’s house on the Kankakee River, where his love of fishing and the outdoors began. Shortly after beginning his career as an electrician at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Gene was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Being newly married, his wife joined him in Germany for the remainder of his military service. Moving back to the Chicagoland area to raise a family, Gene continued his 45 year career as an electrician at the Hilton Hotel.

Gene’s proudest accomplishment was his family. To know Gene was to know a man who loved his family. He was a loyal and loving husband to his wife, Patricia during their 62 years of marriage. They spent their early years together in Illinois where they raised their 3 children in their homes in Glendale Heights and later West Chicago. Besides opening their home to multiple friends and family who needed a place to live, they also raised dogs, cats, fish, snakes (not to be confused with the ones at the bottom of the basement stairs), guinea pigs and horses. Gene and Pat loved water, and eventually achieved their goal of purchasing a small cabin on Lake Koshkonong. That cabin became the gathering place for many birthdays, holidays and family gatherings. Family days at the cabin consisted of boat rides, laughter, food, Gene’s famous punch, and dinner at “6:00,” with enough food to feed an army. The nights were full of LCR, Canasta, Pokeno, 3 dot drinks, and the famous Sunrise Club of which Gene was an active participant. Over the years, the Wishing Well Cabin received many upgrades and renovations, transitioning from a small rustic cabin, to the lake home where Gene and Pat proudly enjoyed their retirement years.

Gene enjoyed many things during his 85 years on this earth. He was an avid prankster, and was always coming up with new ways to prank his family and friends. Those who know him probably have their own stories to add to his list, but he was famous for scaring his kids and grandkids by telling them about the snakes that lived at the bottom of the basement stairs (to keep them out of the basement), or the young child buried behind the barn whose hand would come up when it rained (to keep them out of the barn). He had a never ending supply of plastic spiders that were constantly being used in one prank or another, be it a cereal box, or a cabinet in his workshop. Gene was also a skilled handyman, and was constantly fixing something, or tinkering in one of his workshops. He was from the generation that never threw anything away, and it was not uncommon for him to need a few gentle reminders to purchase new socks, slippers, tools, etc. While driving, Gene was known for his country music, mint lifesavers, driving “slightly” too fast, and taking off his seat belt the second he turned onto his dirt road. He

was very proud of his Cadillac, and would take it out for special occasions. Gene was an avid fisherman, napper, and the first one to grab the check anytime the family went out for a meal. He was a true fan of the Chicago sports teams, rooting for the Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears, although he may have tolerated the Packers after moving to Wisconsin. Gene enjoyed attending the family rivalry Cubs/Brewers baseball games, and celebrated his 80th birthday with the Cubs as they won the World Series.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association through Gene’s memorial fund. This is a cause that is near and dear to the family, as Gene did undergo a life saving heart operation that extended both his life and time to prank family and friends. Donations can be made at https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/FunRaiser/General?px=23795359&pg=personal&fr_id=3930

Gene would always stand by the door and wave goodbye to family and friends as they were driving away from his house. Until we meet again, it is now time for us to give a final wave to the man who brought so much joy and love into our lives. The world is a better place because Gene Tonning was in it.

Visitation: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 11:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 1:00pm
Interment: 
Irving Park Cemetery

Guestbook

Bruce & Lisa
Lisa and I are blessed to be part of Gene's extended family. Gene and Pat opened their home and hearts to us when we bought the broken down fishing cabin next door. Our life at the lake would not have been the same without Gene and family. I'm personally honored to have been pranked by Gene on numerous occasions. He could sell it like no one else! Until we meet again Mr. Gene.
Bill Boschelli
I am truly SORRY for your Familys loss, Geno was a GREAT person, we worked together for years at the Chicago Hilton & Towers, and Geno was MAIN man, always accomidating, Caring, and just a Great Guy. I always did what I could to make his job easy, in a busy enviroment, Geno shined. His son Jim is a spitting image of him, just a wonderful guy also. My sincere condoclences, and I will always remember him!!!