Tonnies, Frances

Frances Tonnies, 99, of Albers, died Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Breese Caring First Nursing Home in Breese. She was born February 23, 1911 in Albers, daughter of Frank A. and Bina (Heckenkemper) Tonnies. She is survived by a sister, Alice Perkins of Waxahachie, TX, a sister-in-law, Estelle Tonnies of Albers; her nieces and nephews, including, Elaine Behrmann and husband Dennis of Albers, Andy Kramper of St. Libory, Steve Tonnies and wife Susan of Albers, Kathy Frerker and husband John of Breese, Carol Hitpas and husband Patrick of Breese, Bob Tonnies and wife Donna Alarie of Benicia, CA, Russell Tonnies and wife Kim of Brentwood, TN, Eric Tonnies and wife Linda of Albers, and Ric Yeager of Belleville. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Vincent A. Tonnies and Maurice Tonnies; three sisters, Esther Tonnies, Claire Bernreuter, and Ruth Clark; brothers-in-law, Herb Bernreuter, James Clark, and Rodney B. Perkins; and nieces, Marian Kramper and Michele Yeager. Together with her brother, Vincent, Frances worked in the family business, Tonnies Store in Albers, where she was in charge of dry goods and shoes. Tonnies Store was founded by her father, Frank A. Tonnies, and continues today, operated by Steve Tonnies and his family. Frances was also a music teacher and gave piano lessons in her home. She was organist, choir director, and trained the men’s choir at St. Bernard Church starting in 1933 and she retired in 1982. Following retirement at St. Bernard's, she was replaced by her student, Joan Kloeckner. She was a graduate of Albers Grade School and attended Washington University Music Department. She was also an avid bowler. Frances was a member of St. Bernard Parish and Ladies Sodality in Albers and a former member of the Illinois Music Teachers Association. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Albers. Friends may call from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2011 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2011 at Hempen Funeral Home in Albers. Memorials may be made to St. Bernard Parish or to the American Legion Post 1026 and will be received at the funeral home.