Thomas Tonkel

With hearts brimming with hope and cherished memories, we commemorate the life of Thomas Tonkel. Born on June 14, 1959, in Largo, Florida, Thomas was a charismatic beacon of resilience and ambition. His spirit, undimmed by the passage of time, continues to inspire us all. As Maya Angelou beautifully put it, "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." Thomas embodied this sentiment throughout his life, showing us all what it means to be resilient. Thomas was a loyal and dedicated director of human resources, a role he embraced until his retirement. His ambition was not confined to his professional life; he was a devoted member of the Life Bridge Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and his faith was a cornerstone of his strength. Above all else, what mattered most to Thomas was his beloved family and his love and loyalty to them were unwavering. Thomas has indeed become a part of all of us, his love and legacy living on in those who survive him: his devoted son Evan Tonkel; loving daughter-in-law, Whitney Wagoner; sisters, Dianna (Kelly) Glandon, and Carol Johnson; sister-in-law, Sharon Warner four nieces, Donelle Dancer, Nikki Glandon, Jennifer Lasley, and Natalie Boneff; two nephews, David (Ashton) Boneff and Brian (Rachel) Glandon; and eleven great-nieces and nephews, Hannah Warner, Hayley Dancer, Lucas Omelian, Damian Burke, Bentley Colbourne, Harrison Lasley, Davis Lasley, Lilly Lasley, Conner Glandon, Bryson Booker, and Emma Glandon. His life was a testament to his resilience, a quality he was able to maintain even after the passing of his beloved wife of 44 years, Linda Tonkel in July 2023. In addition to his wife, Thomas was also preceded in death by both of his parents, Ronald and Maxine (Herbst) Tonkel. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Life Bridge Church, 12719 Corbin Road Fort Wayne, Indiana from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a celebration of life services starting at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Thomas's memory can be made to Life Bridge Church. The legacy of Thomas Tonkel is one of hope and resilience, an enduring testament to a life well-lived. We invite you to share your memories of Thomas and upload photos to the memorial page as a tribute to his charismatic and ambitious spirit. Let us together celebrate the life of a man who taught us to be resilient in the face of adversity, to be ambitious in our endeavors, and to be loyal to those we hold dear.