1918
Hilmer
2008
Hilmer Tonsager
August 31, 1918 — May 9, 2008
Hilmer "Swede" Melvin Tonsager, age 89, of Perham, MN, died Friday, May 9, 2008, at the Frazee Care Center, Frazee, MN. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, beginning at 11:00 am in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dent, MN, with Pastor Larry Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Hilmer was born on August 31, 1918, in rural Eagle Bend, MN, the son of George and Ida (Olson) Tonsager. He was united in marriage to Sylvia Arneson on April 14, 1951, in Milbank, SD. Hilmer enjoyed gardening, listening to the Twins, and playing cards. He also enjoyed reading mysteries but Louis L'Amour, and Zane Grey books were his favorite. Big band and old time country were a couple of Hilmer's favorite types of music. Kids and animals seemed to find natural comfort just being around him. Many people will remember Hilmer for his dedication to cutting wood. He was even known to stack wood past the windows as to obstruct the view from the house. He was a hard worker and always got his work done so he could have a cold beer at the end of the day.
Surviving Hilmer are two sons, Thomas (Cindy) Tonsager, Goodhue, MN; and Timothy (Rebecca) Tonsager, Vallejo, CA; two daughters, Teresa (Mark) Klegin, Vergas, MN, and Tonia Tonsager, Perham, MN; seven grandchildren, Scott, Tina, Terry (Abby), and Christopher Tonsager; and Erin, Danny, and Matt Klegin; great grandchild, Jaden Tonsager; four step grandchildren, Karla Cummings, Mike Altman, and Matthew and Kaiyla Duyanos; two step great grandchildren, Bryton and Emilie Cummings; five nephews and one niece.
Preceding Hilmer in death are his parents; wife, Sylvia; three brothers and two sisters.
Hilmer was born on August 31, 1918, in rural Eagle Bend, MN, the son of George and Ida (Olson) Tonsager. He was united in marriage to Sylvia Arneson on April 14, 1951, in Milbank, SD. Hilmer enjoyed gardening, listening to the Twins, and playing cards. He also enjoyed reading mysteries but Louis L'Amour, and Zane Grey books were his favorite. Big band and old time country were a couple of Hilmer's favorite types of music. Kids and animals seemed to find natural comfort just being around him. Many people will remember Hilmer for his dedication to cutting wood. He was even known to stack wood past the windows as to obstruct the view from the house. He was a hard worker and always got his work done so he could have a cold beer at the end of the day.
Surviving Hilmer are two sons, Thomas (Cindy) Tonsager, Goodhue, MN; and Timothy (Rebecca) Tonsager, Vallejo, CA; two daughters, Teresa (Mark) Klegin, Vergas, MN, and Tonia Tonsager, Perham, MN; seven grandchildren, Scott, Tina, Terry (Abby), and Christopher Tonsager; and Erin, Danny, and Matt Klegin; great grandchild, Jaden Tonsager; four step grandchildren, Karla Cummings, Mike Altman, and Matthew and Kaiyla Duyanos; two step great grandchildren, Bryton and Emilie Cummings; five nephews and one niece.
Preceding Hilmer in death are his parents; wife, Sylvia; three brothers and two sisters.
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