Robert Tonn's Obituary
Robert W. “Bob” Tonn, 91, of Clinton, Iowa peacefully passed away on Friday, December 29th at Bickford Senior Living. Bob lived his life in the service of others and his community. His life was filled with family, friends, camping, fishing, and gardening.
Bob loved God, his faith was unwavering until his passing. He met his soulmate, Lorraine, at the age of 17 while attending a barndance. She quickly became his best friend and partner in life. He loved his children and their spouses which he considered his own children. His children will work to pay forward all the grace and kindness he gave to them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were worth a “Million Bucks” to both him and Lorraine. He adored his time with them. His living room wall was filled with family photos which brought him joy and helped keep them close to heart. After moving to Bickford Senior Living, the residents and staff became another part of his family. He loved playing cards, gardening, and hanging out with new friends.
Robert William Tonn was born on January 15, 1932 in Sumner, Iowa, the son of Walter and Gladys (Robertson) Tonn. He married Lorraine Schwan on June 21, 1953 in Buck Creek, Iowa.
Bob first worked for the City of Sumner in their Wastewater Treatment Plant. In January, 1967 he was hired as the Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the City of Clinton. He worked for the city for 28 years. His long career earned him numerous awards for his work. In Sumner, he was given the “Best Operator in the State of Iowa Award.” The Iowa Water Pollution Control Association and National Association issued him the “Hatfield Award for Operational Excellence” and the “Biddell Award for Outstanding Duties.” He was appointed by Governor Ray to serve on the Iowa Water and Wastewater Certification Board and served for nine years. He was chairman for seven of those years.
Bob loved everything to do with the Great Outdoors. Bob, Lorraine and their family camped in over thirty states. They were one of the founding members of the “Green Forest Camping Club” in Clinton. Bob ran a 100-hook trout line on the Mississippi River for many summers and took his boat to various rivers and lakes making many memories. Bob’s love of gardening started as a young boy during the Great Depression and grew into creating a garden at Bickford Senior Living which was a masterpiece. The courtyard became a place to enjoy the music and blooms of nature.
Bob is survived by 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 (Matthew) Kozlowski of Somonauk, Illinois; 14 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; his brother: Larry (Lorraine) Tonn of Cedar Falls, Iowa; his three sisters: Marilyn (Don) Anderson of Britt, Iowa; Ruby (Dick) Johnson of Sumner, Iowa; Shirley (Bob) Bany of Red Rock, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Lorraine, his parents, a grandson, Joel Johnson, and two sisters, Virginia Schellhorn, Marge Scharnhorst.
Funeral Services will be at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be in the Springdale Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Johnson, Brad Johnson, Adam Koester, Zach Jakel, Max Jakel, and Ben Hudson. Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes is assisting the Tonn family with arrangements; online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
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