Donald Tolonen, Jr
June 9, 1956 — December 28, 2005
Donald E. "Toly" Tolonen, Jr., 49, of Zeba, passed into the spirit world, Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, following a "warriors" battle with cancer and was surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 9, 1956, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a son of Donald Sr. and Myrtle (Matthews) Tolonen.
He worked for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Construction Company for a number of years and the Ceda Program with Glen Maki. Donald also made a living as a commercial fisherman for many years prior to his illness. He served in the National Guard for several years, beginning in 1976 and was a member of the KBIC.
Donald was an avid Detroit Lions, Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings fan. He also enjoyed playing baseball. His passions of life were nature, hunting, fishing and trapping. He often mentioned to his mother that "there was nothing more beautiful than the sun rising and setting on Lake Superior".
Donald Jr. (Chico) is survived by his fiancAC., Dawn Gauthier of Zeba, who lovingly spent her time by his side during his illness; mother, Myrtle Tolonen of Zeba; 5 daughters, Charlotte Lee of San Francisco, CA, Trista Francois of Zeba, Bethy (Dan) Connor of Zeba, twins, Brigette and Cheryne LaPointe Tolonen of Baraga; 2 sons, Joseph Francois and Tyler Tolonen of Zeba; 4 grandchildren, Tristan, Joseph, Jonathan Francois and Easton Clements of Baraga; one step granddaughter Aleeha Gauthier; sister, Cheryl (Donald) Denomie of Zeba; brothers, John Tolonen of Marquette and Glenn Tolonen of Zeba; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. His father, Donald Edsel Tolonen Sr. preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2005 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins. A parish prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday in the church at 11 a.m. with Rev. George Maki officiating. Interment will be in the Pinery Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Donald's family.
The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.