Patrick Anthony Toennis, 88, of Miles City passed peacefully in the early morning of January 3 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT with his loving family keeping watch.
On March 16, 1931 a kind and quiet soul was born in Miles City, Montana, to Bernard and Esther Bidwell Toennis. He was the sixth and last living sibling of seven children. He grew up in the Yellowstone Valley on the family farm across from Kircher School (where he attended) while helping the family raise sugar beets. He graduated from Custer County High School in 1948, and then entered a boiler maker apprenticeship at the Milwaukee Railroad Roundhouse for four years. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 and was a welding instructor until his discharge in 1955. After recovering from Polio that same year he went back to the Milwaukee Railroad as a telegrapher and called many of the small towns that dotted the rails of eastern Montana, home.
In 1958, he attended a Christmas party at Leon Park and met his love, Agnes Kunda; they married November 14, 1959 on a cold day at St. Phillips Catholic Church just south of Wibaux, MT. They started their family with Michael, born in 1961, followed by Lynne in 1962. Mark arrived in 1963, and Scott completed their family in 1966.
Pat made the move to the US Post Office in 1963 so this growing family could call the Miles City area their home. They later moved to Kinsey, a small farming community northeast of Miles City in 1970, where the family enjoyed riding motorcycles, ice skating on the creek, swimming in the canal, and snowmobiling. There was always a large garden and a variety of animals to care for. He carried and clerked at the Post Office for 28 years before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed his early retirement years helping his son, Mike, farm and even harvesting sugar beets once again. He loved coffee time with his buddies, and always had a project, whether it was a bicycle to rescue and rebuild for the growing grandkid population, or his favorite task: working on his tractors. He was resourceful and wasted nothing, something he has taught well to children and grandchildren.
Pat loved his expanding family and enjoyed spending anytime he could with them. He was always interested in what projects were going on and how he could help, from home improvements to fixing anything that had a motor. There were many camping trips, barbeques, birthday parties and most recently the traditional Christmas Eve dinner at the family home where all four generations came together with much love and laughter that brought that wonderful smile to his face.
Pat was a gentle and caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather and he will live on in each and every one of us. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Aggie, their children, Michael (Judy) Toennis, Lynne Toennis (Jim Thormodsgard), Mark (Sandi) Toennis, and Scott (Kristi) Toennis. Grandchildren Jake Toennis, Tyrel (Kacie) Toennis, Katlyn Toennis, Dillon Winkley, Derek Winkley, Autumn (Nik) Tsirigotis, Joshua (Megan) Toennis, Shelby (Josh) Huber, Colby Toennis (Ashlie Warren) and Emily Toennis. Great-grandchildren Grayson Huber, Addyson Huber, Ellie Toennis and Easton Toennis. Sister-in-laws, Dorothy Toennis, Barbara (Roger) Harris, Audrene Kunda (Bob Dyer) and brother-in-law Ray Kunda, and many nieces and nephews.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mary (Harry) Liggette, Charles (Leone) Toennis, Grant (Helen) Toennis, Ruth (Ted) Hirsch, James Toennis, and Joseph Toennis.
We would like to thank the Holy Rosary Infusion Center for all their loving care over the last several years.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A Vigil service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to Sacred Heart School.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 10, 2020
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 10, 2020
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Diane Welbes says
I wish I had words to lighten your agony but sometimes word’s are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers
Jim & Lavina Hall says
Sorry to hear of Pat’s passing Aggie….the Lord’s welcoming a good man. Jim & Lavina Hall
June Opp says
Aggie and all the Toennis family ,we are so sorry to see where your loved one has gone to his heavenly reward.Pat was such a fine gentle man.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.May God give you all peace and comfort as you remember the good times.
Ruben and June Opp
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Oh Aggie & Kids- so very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. He was one of the most kind and gentle men that I have ever know. Please keep all your memories close to your heart where they can comfort you in the days ahead.
Darbie Karch says
Heaven has gained a kind gentle angel. To all the Toennis family members so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to guide you through this difficult time. Hugs and prayers for all of you. 💜
Mary Snell says
Toennis Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Sue Leskovec says
Aggie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. Heaven has gained another wonderful angel. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Tom and Sue Leskovec
Janet Klein says
Aggie and family…you are in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven is surely getting the mail sorted and delivered to all the important family and friends with so many of our wonderful postal workers gone before us…hugs t all of you…
Merlin Brown says
To all the Toennis family’s, Pat was a great guy and Deb and I enjoyed having Aggie and him as our neighbors.
Mike Mangen says
So sorry for your loss. Worked with Pat for several years. He was a great guy, he will be missed.
Mike and Dorrie Mangen
Bill & Sheryl Cathey says
Our Sympathy and Prayers are with all of Mr. Toennis family.
Shelley Killen says
To the Toennis family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Garth Sleight says
As I read the description of Pat Toennis, I could not help but to think that our neighbor across the alley, Mark Toennis, is definitely a chip off the old block. What a great man Pat surely was (and still is)! To the entire Toennis family, I express my heartfelt sympathies at your heartbreaking loss. All our best to all of you.
Roberta Rickman says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary & Bert
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for Scott ,Kristi and all of the Toennis family .May you find Comfort in your Memories and In Gods Love.
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences.
Nick Clauson says
TO Pats family, he was such a likable guy! We will pray for the Lord to help comfort you as you grieve. Sincerely, Nick & Betty Clauson
Donna Orthman says
Aggie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We didn’t see you a lot in recent years but every time we did we could visit just like there had been no interruption. Pat was an extremely nice man and we enjoyed time we spent with you both. Our prayers go out to you all. Donna and Ivan
Jody and Bill Wallick says
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our prayers and condolences to all of you.
Karen Stewart-Carrico says
Dear Toennis Family,
the Stewart family will always remember Pat, as He was such a kind and gentle man. He was a great neighbor and raised a beautiful family. He will be greatly missed!
Thinking of you all and sending prayers for peace and comfort.
God Bless,
Karen Stewart-Carrico
Sue & Tom Kelly says
Like my Dad, Uncle Pat was the kindest most soft spoken man I ever had the pleasure and joy to know. He will be missed. We have peace and comfort knowing Dad is here watching over us, may you all feel the same comfort. Watch for signs, they will be there. Our love and prayers to Aunt Aggie and all of you.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Will miss seeing him out and about. Hope all the memories will help you in the days ahead. The family is in out thoughts and prayers
Marnie Baesler says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. Such a sweet, gentle soul that bettered the lives of those he touched. Sending the entire Toennis family thoughts and comfort during this difficult time.
Earl and Jean Kiddie says
Dear Toennis Fanily,
So very sorry to learn of Pat’s death. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Earl and Jean Kiddie
Kathy Ugrin says
Dear Toennis Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your treasured memories of Pat comfort you during the difficult times.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Kathy (Stewart) Ugrin
Marc & Denise Hartse says
Our sympathies to the Tennis family.
Marc & Denise Hartse says
I have to apologize for my typographical error. I inadvertently misspelled Mr. Toennis’s name. I’m sorry I dropped the “o” accidentally.
Anne (Bricco) Wald says
Mark, Lynne and family I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Your tribute to him is wonderful, makes me wish I had known him. You will all be in my thoughts & prayers in the days ahead. May God continue to bless you as he did with this man❤️
Janette Macler says
Aggie and cousins, may Gods love keep you get through this sad time. I was always so proud to have him as my God Father. His general laughter comes to mind. Every year I prayed I would get one more visit as I knew that time was coming. May he enjoy his family reunion in heaven. Aggie I will call you soon. Love Janette & Barry Macler. Napa CA.
Ken and Penny Monier says
What a sweet wonderful man. Was in the hospital a few weeks ago. Was blessed with his sweet Grranddaugther as my nurse. The Toeniss family outstanding people. They will carry on for Pat.
Rose LaRowe says
You are such a tight knit family, I know you will hold onto each other and help each other through this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Blessings, Rose LaRowe
Tasha Rae Conley says
Sorry to hear of your loss.
I’ll say a prayer for your family for comfort and strength during this hard time. My thoughts are with you all.
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Thinking of all of you during this sad time. Remembering a nice, gentle man and the legacy he has left to a wonderful close knit family.
Cherish your memories, and love and prayers to all of you!
diane bogner and bob bogner says
Bob and I are so sorry for you all losing Pat. He was a very kind and genuine man. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to you for this sad time, but with your strength in God’s love and guidance, he will steer you forward. Thinking of you, Aggie, to hold close to family and loved ones. May you find easement in the coming days.