Funeral services for George Tonderum, 90, of Emmetsburg will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Interment was at Valley View Cemetery in Graettinger, Iowa.
George Arthur Tonderum, son of Gustav Margen and Isabella (Clemitson) Tonderum, was born on January 3, 1934 on the family farm near Lost Island Lake in Palo Alto County, Iowa. He began his education in country school near Graettinger and then attended high school at Graettinger Community School, graduating in 1952.
George farmed his entire life, and at the age of 13 moved in with a family to work on their farm. George’s work ethic, which was developed at an early age, continued throughout his life as a farmer. He began farming with horses and watched the progression of equipment become what it is today.
On August 14, 1955 George was united in marriage to Shirley Herke at the United Methodist Church in Graettinger. They were blessed with four children. George and Shirley farmed near Graettinger and Emmetsburg where they raised their family. George taught his children the importance of work but also the joy of play.
George was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage and made sure his family had the opportunity to experience Norwegian cuisine at Christmas. Lutefisk, Kringla, Lefsa, and oysters were often on the menu, even though the children didn’t share the same enthusiasm over the meal as their dad. Family was important to George and on Sundays they traveled to visit relatives. He also looked forward to celebrating he and Shirley’s wedding anniversaries each year.
George loved attending Sprint Car and Stock Car races. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and had the joy of attending six throughout the United States. He and Shirley spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona where George enjoyed doing woodworking, making clocks and other items for his family. After Shirley’s death in 2006, George continued to go to Mesa in the winter and he developed a friendship with Elsie Realini who also wintered in Mesa. They enjoyed several years together, traveling and visiting each other.
George was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. He was also a member of the Iowa Corn Growers and the Iowa Cattleman’s Association.
George had the opportunity to farm with his sons for many years. He was still operating the combine at the age of 85 and his commitment to John Deere equipment and Chevrolet vehicles never wavered throughout his life.
George passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Isabella Tonderum; his wife, Shirley; brothers, Curt Tonderum, Harlan Tonderum and Benny Tonderum; sisters, Mavis Wilson, Marian Wilson and Linda Wilson.
He is survived by his children, George Michael “Mick” Tonderum and his wife, Colleen of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Dave Tonderum and his wife, Mary of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Deb Wickman and her husband, Jim of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and Jim Tonderum and his wife, Rachelle of Emmetsburg, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; dear friend, Elsie Realini of Canada; two brothers, Gordon Tonderum and his wife, Rosie of Spencer, Iowa and Roger Tonderum and his wife, Lynn of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; a sister, Ione Johnson of Estherville, Iowa; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
