Linda Tonkel

Linda Mae Tonkel, 67, of Huntertown, lost her long, painful, and courageous battle with cancer on July 11th, 2023, and entered eternal life surrounded by her family at her home. Linda was a lifetime learner. She graduated from Carroll High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University. Linda worked for 30 years as a Dental Hygienist. At the age of 50, she went on to complete three master's degrees with honors in Psychology, Healthcare Administration, and Mental Health Counseling at Saint Francis University. Upon graduation from Saint Francis, Linda practiced as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and an Addiction Therapist. Linda is remembered most for her generosity, kindness to all, and unconditional love of family. She was the matriarch that held the family together. She will be missed dearly by all whose lives she touched. "If you remember anything of me after I leave this world, remember that I loved even when it was foolish. That I cared even when it was unwanted. When my body is gone, remember my heart." She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Tom Tonkel; her son, Evan Tonkel; her sister, Sharon Warner; a sister-in-law, Dianna (Kelly) Glandon; four nieces, Donelle Dancer, Nikki Glandon, Jennifer Lasley, and Natalie Boneff; two nephews, David Boneff and Brian (Rachel) Glandon; ten great-nieces and nephews, Hannah Warner, Hayley Dancer, Lucas Omelian, Damian Burke, Bentley Colbourne, Harrison Lasley, Davis Lasley, Lilly Lasley, Conner Glandon, and Emma Glandon. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lillian Zehr; a brother, Scott Zehr; a niece, Ashley Colbourne. A celebration of life for Linda is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Life Bridge Church at 12719 Corbin Road Fort Wayne, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a luncheon following the burial. Burial will follow the service at Leo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial may be directed to Life Bridge Church. These arrangements are entrusted to Sheets & Childs Funeral Home.