Tonda, Joe 1929-2009

TONDA, VEENSTRA

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 20:57:36

Joe Tonda, 80, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2009, at the Comfort House in Pella.

The son of Joseph Sr. and Lucy Tonda, Joe was born at home in Pershing, Iowa on February 6, 1929, the youngest of six children. He graduated from Attica High and a few years later, he met and married Donna Jean Veenstra, an East Ward Knoxville Kindergarten teacher from Pella on June 18, 1955. The couple resided in “Tondaville”, west of Knoxville for 48 years until moving to Pella 6 years ago.

Their treasures were their children (a boy and 4 girls) and grandchildren. Joel (Terry) Tonda and their children, Spenser & Evan of Knoxville, IA; daughters, Elisa (Gianni) Cinus and their daughter, Margherita of Milan, Italy; Gina (John) Williamson and their children, Kate & Ethan of Bentonville, AR; Teresa ( Marty) Van Vliet and their children Chloe & Cade of Otley, IA; Jennifer Maria (Neal) Hawkins and their children Broc & Sophia of Polk City, IA.

Joe was known as “The Skelly Man” throughout Marion County with his Tonda Oil Co. truck delivering gas, fuel oil and petroleum products to the stations, farms, and homes and considered all his customers as his very good friends. Forced to an early medical retirement at 50, he waged a gallant medical battle for 30 years with a pleasant attitude all the while.

Joe was a former Presbyterian elder, served on the school board, was a mason and shriner. He also served as a director on the Oil Jobbers of Iowa State Board and especially the Knoxville Kiwanis club. He enjoyed The Price Is Right, cowboy shows, the acreage, flowers, and sunsets at the beach in Sarasota, FL, where he and Donna wintered and most of all visiting with people, lending a helping hand if he could. He also enjoyed his children and grandchildren’s many activities.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 54 years, Donna of Pella, his children, grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Flossie Tonda of Sarasota, FL; and family, Carol & Max Rees, Adel and family, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

A celebration of Joe’s life was held on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the Knoxville First Presbyterian Church with Reverends Steve Mathonnet-VanderWell and Robert De Young officiating.

Williams Funeral Home Sept. 15, 2009