Warren Tonne

Warren E. Tonne, 94, of Mount Vernon, died on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Solon Nursing Care Center. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015, at the United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon, by Pastor Becky High. Visitation: 4 - 6 on Thursday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon (formerly Morgan's). Survivors include his daughters, Patricia Storla of Mount Vernon, Carol (Bob) Swiech of Houston, Texas, Nancy (Mark) Hansen of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Julie (Mark) Brannaman of Lisbon, Holly (Rob) Sautter of Rockford, Illinois, and Anna (Robert) Broulik of Lisbon; 14 grandchildren, Kevin (Kathy) Storla, Lisa (Mark) Henik, Carey Storla, Megan (Rich) Johnson, Molly (Jim) Bigford, Erin (Aaron) Borton, Mary Genevieve (Jim) Kacmar, Phillip Gardner, Emy Sautter, Ben Sautter, Danielle (Joe) Gudenkauf, Abby (Tim) Keegan, Luke (Crystal) Broulik, and Amber (Spencer) Jordan; 21 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Myrna Carter of Marion. Warren was born August 25, 1920, the son of Walter and Mary (Pfautz) Tonne. He attended the Mechanicsville High School, but he left to work on the family farm due to the death of his father. While his brothers went off to war, he readily took responsibility for helping his widowed mother at this young age, instilling in him a strong work ethic that lasted his entire life. On December 30, 1941, he married Mary Bailey, the love of his life. They lived and farmed north of Mount Vernon where they raised six daughters until their retirement in 1976. Mary died in October of 2014. Warren will be remembered for being meticulous and hardworking. As a man who bought every acre he owned, he took great pride in his land and the equipment he used in his operation. Many called him 'Wide Open Warren' because he only had one speed ' fast! After retirement, he worked for a few years for Pioneer Seed Corn, but he always enjoyed checking in on the farm and watching the next generation continue on. Warren and Mary enjoyed their time with friends and they often traveled together. He enjoyed telling stories and being with family and friends. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; brothers, Lauren (his twin) and John Tonne; and brother-in-law, Mark Carter. A special thank you to the nurses, aides, and staff at Solon Nursing Care Center for the wonderful and loving care they provided to Warren.