Jon Tonkin

Jon A. Tonkin, age 67, of Prior Lake, died peacefully at home after an extended illness on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Jon was born on February 24, 1957, in St. Paul to Robert and Edna (Koski) Tonkin. He grew up in Roseville and went to work as a clerk at the Veterans Administration. It was there that he met Debbie Pexa when both of them were playing on the federal employees softball team. They were married on April 28,1979 at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Catholic Church. Following 3 years with the VA, Jon began his 35-year career as an inspector and supervisory inspector for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Jon loved all sports and had a special affection for watching baseball. He enjoyed playing golf, all manner of card games, and was especially talented at bowling. He was hard working but also had a penchant for fun, telling stories and jokes, even able to fire off a joke up until the day before he died. He was a reluctant lover of cats and became the definite favorite person of his daughter’s cat. In the end, his body was donated to the U of M Bequest Program and his legacy will continue to live on through the benefits of that program. He lived hard, fought hard, and made the most of the life he had here, taken all too soon.

Jon is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters, Laura (Mike) Van Vertloo, Emily Tonkin (Ben Stelmach), & Victoria Tonkin; grandsons, Cole, Edwin, & Ian; brothers, Ross (Sue) Tonkin & Jeff Tonkin; sister, Penny (Andy) Hoffman. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pat Larson.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Church in rural Jordan, with Father Michael Miller officiating. Visitation will take place Monday from 4-7 PM at church. There will be no morning visitation. Lunch will follow the service in the church hall.