Gerald M. Tonsor

Gerald M. Tonsor, 88 years old, transitioned from this life to the next on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Select Post Acute Care in Eureka. His wife of 67 years, Pauline (Jackson) Tonsor was at his side, as were several of his children and grandchildren. Gerald was born to the late Stephen and Rosemary Tonsor on August 27, 1928 in Wood River. He married Pauline on November 11, 1950 at Holy Ghost Church in Jerseyville. Gerald and Pauline have 9 children, Michael (Joy) Tonsor, Andrew (Monika) Tonsor, Connie Tonsor, William (Connie) Tonsor, Mark (Donna) Tonsor, Daniel Tonsor, Mary Brammeier, Kathryn (Fernando) Arias and Theresa Kline. Gerald has 15 grandchildren, Dawn Tonsor, Dr. Rachel Grieder, Melissa Neckopulos, Dr. Michael Tonsor, Jonah Tonsor, Elizabeth Tonsor, Tim Tonsor, Victor Tonsor, Joshua Tonsor, Roseann Tonsor, Robert, Eric and James Brammeier, and Fernando and Tatiana Arias. Gerald is also survived by a brother, Edward (Maxine) Tonsor; and a sister, Mary Jean Jarvis. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Stephen, Bernard, and Patrick Tonsor; and one sister, Kathryn Warden. Dad was an extremely bright, widely read man whose interests included all things science and astronomy. He loved crossword puzzles. A self taught musician Gerald filled the house with piano, organ, french harp and Dobro music. He loved the Cubs with the passion of a convert. His late life conversion to a Cub Fan caused the great baseball schism in the family; with some remaining Cardinal fans and others following the Cub trail. He lived long enough to rejoice with all on their World Series win. Dad retired as a machinist and a fireman in the boiler room from Caterpillar in 1983. He and mom traveled extensively, usually leaving for a road trip on the worst driving day of the year and returning for garden season in the Spring. Gerald loved God, his wife and his children. Although his journey this last few years has not been an easy one with dementia and health issues, we know that the Lord greeted him with welcome home my good and faithful servant. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or St. Philomena Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the nurses, CNA and staff at Select Post Acute Care for their excellent care. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10am Wednesday, April 26th at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Peoria with Fr. David Richardson officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Peoria.

Gerald M. Tonsor

August 27, 1928 - April 21, 2017