Joann K. Tonniges

July 26, 1949 – Feb. 15, 2023

Posted

Joann Kay, our most wonderful sister and aunt, went to heaven Feb. 15, 2023. After a 10-month battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer, our loving Jesus called her home.

Joann was born to Adolph “Bud” and Jane (Imig) Tonniges on July 26, 1949. She attended school at Mount Calvary Lutheran in Omaha  and St. John Lutheran School in Seward. Joann graduated from Seward High School in 1967. She had a strong work ethic and was faithful to any job! She found a 30+ year career with the U.S. Postal System, to be very rewarding and was still currently employed at the Milford Post Office. It was during these years at Milford that she had the privilege of building treasured friendships with community members and co-workers. She often talked about the fun interactions and relationships over the years, often saying “I love my job!” Jo had a sunny front porch set up for any age to enjoy! Just right for watching the July 4th or Christmas parades. All of her Christmas lights and BIG SANTA just added to the December fun!

Jo was an avid reader with keen knowledge about local and national news, current events and various interesting topics. Joann was faithful to St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Most of all, Joann was a very special aunt! “Aunt Jo,” “Jo-Jo” and “Joey” created many fun memories for her 11 nieces and nephews, then their spouses and their children. She filled Christmas stockings full of unique gadgets. She always sent birthday and anniversary cards, filled Easter baskets and mailed Valentines. Even though Joann was a quiet person she could sure get loud on Husker football Saturdays. Quite often her 16 ft. Herbie Husker was blown up and flying high. Go Big Red! She had a love for watching all college sports and The Masters.

Joann truly loved helping others. She was always eager to help the teachers in the family with classroom projects. She especially had a knack for collecting fun and engaging trinkets for all the little ones in the family. Jo was a “true gem” to all of us and will be greatly missed. Her sincere kindness and giving spirit will long be remembered by family and friends.

Joann is survived by her brother, Ron and Marva Tonniges of Littleton, Colorado; sisters, Connie and Jim Weber, Jeanette and Neil Schulz both of Seward, Kathy and Chuck Luebbe of rural Garland; nieces and nephews, Bret Tonniges, Aron Smith, Brandon Tonniges, Eric Cerny, Doug and Brittany Loui, Mike and Tiffany Batenhorst, Josh Johnson, Heidi Weber, Luke and Brooke Garcia, Blake and Parwana Schulz, Shawn and Bridget Matthiessen, Bruce and Jessi Potter, Cody and Stephanie Luebbe and Cade and Devon Luebbe; great-nieces and nephews, Carter, Bryce, Bria, Jase, Crew and all “the littles” . . . Paisley, Charli, Marshal, Remi, Dallas, Mac, Watson, Lexton, Cora, Kalyn, Maddie, Sutton, Breck and Haven. 

The family would like to thank Pastor Rempfer for his kindness and home visits, her great neighbors on First Street, Kay Hansen and the United States Postal workers and especially the Milford community that she spoke highly of often!

The funeral service was Feb. 20 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with private committal at the Seward Cemetery. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.