Marlene Ellen (Meyer) Tonjes

Marlene Ellen (Meyer) Tonjes passed away suddenly on May 3rd, 2025 in her home in Mark Center, Ohio. 

Marlene was a 1977 graduate of Tinora High School. She was a lifetime member of the Defiance County Historical Society - AuGlaize Village where she was known for her famous ice cream recipe. Marlene enjoyed assisting with garden tractor pulls and was a long time supporter of 4-H and FFA. She was a lover of all animals, but particularly loved farm animals. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Sherwood where she loved to sing and teach Sunday School. Marlene proudly worked as the office manager of Stykemain Trucks for 48 years, rarely missing a day.

Marlene was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her husband, John Tonjes, and their son, Johnny (Lorelei Beasley) Tonjes of Sherwood; twin sister Darlene (Brian) Ehlers of Fairborn, OH, and brothers Maurice (Julie Mack) Meyer of Sparta, TN, and John (Amy) Meyer of Jewell, OH; sister-in-laws Melanie Meyer, Kathy (Howard) Parker of Taylorsville, KY and Mary (Tonjes) Dietrick of Shelbyville, KY; brother-in-law Roger Hart; and numerous nieces and nephews all of which will miss her dearly. 

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bruce Meyer, her father-in-law Raymond Tonjes, mother-in-law Betty (Dell) Tonjes, sister-in-law Martha (Tonjes) Hart, and brother-in-law Mark Tonjes.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, from 9:00-11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Eric Moquin officiating. Marlene will be laid to rest at Sherwood Cemetery. 

Memorials in the name of Marlene Ellen (Meyer) Tonjes are requested to Defiance County Historical Society - AuGlaize Village.

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