Lorraine J. Tonn's Obituary
Lorraine Johanna Tonn, 90, of Clinton, IA peacefully passed away, Friday, March 3, 2023 at Bickford Cottage holding the hand of her husband of almost 70 years. Lorraine lived her life in a humble way and in service to others, never wanting to have the focus on herself. Her life was her story that was filled with giving, love, celebrating life and her family.
Lorraine loved God, her faith, unwavering until her passing. She met her soulmate, Bob, at the age of 16 while attending a barndance. He quickly became her best friend and partner in life. She loved her children and their spouses that she considered her own. They will work to pay forward all the grace and kindness she gave to them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were worth a “Million Bucks” to her and she adored her time with them. Her living room wall was stitched with family photos that brought her joy and helped keep them close to her heart. Above all, she loved to love.
Lorraine’s passion was sewing and quilting. In her lifetime she gifted over 1,300 quilts to her family members, the Ronald McDonald House in various cities and to the Hillcrest Nursing Home in Sumner, Iowa. She was quite the card shark and remained competitive until the end. Any free time was spent putting together puzzles, playing bingo, crafting, searching for treasures at garage sales, and snuggling with her four-legged friends, Emma and Princess. Bob, Lorraine and family spent hours on the boat fishing and weekends camping throughout the United States. Lorraine was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Moose Auxiliary.
Lorraine Johanna Schwan was born on February 8, 1933 in Sumner, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Minnie (Lohmann) Schwan. She was a 1952 graduate of Oran High School. She married Robert Tonn on June 21, 1953 in Buck Creek, Iowa.
Lorraine was employed at the Clinton Garment Factory from 1967-1988 and also at Roseann’s in Miles for several years.
Lorraine is survived by her husband: Robert of Clinton; five daughters: Barbara (Kevin) Cook of San Ramon, California; Judy (Bob) Johnson of Shakopee, Minnesota, Sandra (Tom) Koester of Clinton, Iowa, Debora (Bob) Jakel of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, and Penny (Matt) Kozlowski of Somonauk, Illinois; 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren; her brother: Louie (Maryls) Schwan of Sumner, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Joel Johnson, and a brother, Wilbert Schwan.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the Springdale Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Cook, Chad Johnson, Adam Koester, Zach Jakel, Ben Hudson, and Aaron Koester. Visitation will be Monday, March 6th from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
Memorials can be made to the Ronald McDonald House. This is a special place that served the needs of her family at their times of need.
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