Jenny A. Tonelli

          Jenny A. Tonelli, 99, Wausau, died  December 15, 2018 at Mountain Terrace Court.  She was born March 4, 1919, in Cicero, Illinois, the daughter of the late Virgilio and Maria (Bulieri) Carmignani.  She married Edward Tonelli July 1, 1939.  He preceded her in death October 26, 1982.

          Jenny attended Roosevelt Grade School in Cicero and graduated from J. Sterling Morton High School in 1936 where she was proud to have earned a sports letter in baseball.  She and a dozen of her friends formed a club,“The Girls of ’36.” The “Girls” met once a month and held family picnics each summer to include their husbands, children and grandchildren until they all had moved away from Cicero.  Many of them attended their 50th class reunion at Morton High in 1986. 

          Jenny and Ed raised their two sons in Cicero and helped their parents throughout their lives, caring for them in their final illnesses.  Jenny, ever kind, provided a brave, strong and steady hand to family, friends and neighbors whenever they needed care.

          Following her mother’s death, in 1981 Jenny and Ed moved to Wausau.  Still interested and active in athletics, Jenny became a member of the YMCA where she was a water exercise instructor till 2009.  She joined the Silver Liners line dancing group and took part in performances for nursing homes and other facilities around the community through her 80’s.  She also volunteered her services at her church, the Woodson Art Museum and anywhere she could be helpful.

          Always friendly and cheerful, Jenny will be missed by many friends and family.  Survivors include her sons Alan (Beth) Tonelli of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Russ (Jane) Tonelli of Wausau.  Her grandchildren are Andy Tonelli of Salt Lake City, Utah; Christopher (Allison) Tonelli and Heather (Mike) Baker of Raleigh, North Carolina; Chris (Tony) Checkalski of Appleton and Vic (Lori) Tonelli and Carlo (Christine)Tonelli all of Wausau.  Jenny has eleven great-grandchildren, Nicole, Miles and Vera Tonelli; Ava and Vivienne Baker; Olivia, Anya, and Elise Checkalski and Norman, Malena and Lucca Tonelli.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

          In addition to her husband and parents, Jenny was preceded in death by her brother Jim Carmignani and his wife Florence.

          Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a memorial prayer service at 4:00 on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, Wausau.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com