Faith, family, and friends- those are three things that defined Jerry Toner’s life.
Jerome “Jerry” William Toner was born in Bozeman, MT on July 9, 1934 and passed away on Thursday September 1, 2011. He was the only son born to Wm. Edward Toner and Kathryn “Topsy” Toner.
Jerry attended Holy Rosary School and was a proud member of the Rosary Bulldogs basketball team. He attended Montana State University and was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at MSU, he met and married the love of his life, Freda Chamberlin of Ennis. To their union five children were born: Bill, Sheila, Topsy, Maureen and Brenda. Jerry and Freda began their lives together teaching High School in Browning. They later were educators in Baker, Rudyard and Gardiner. While in Gardiner, Jerry became Superintendent of schools. In 1966 he accepted a position at the Office of Public Instruction in Helena. It was here that they put down roots and more friendships and memories were formed. While in Helena Jerry held positions at OPI, DNRC and MT department of Highways. He was a longtime member of the St. Helena Cathedral Parish and longtime supporter of Carroll, Notre Dame and Bobcat athletics.
Jerry had a passion for anything coaching or teaching related. He taught everything from religious education to driver’s safety courses, and everything in between. He loved sharing his knowledge of sports, driving, woodworking and Notre Dame Football to anyone who would listen. His acceptance of people from all walks of life made him a favorite of many. He volunteered his time and talents to several organizations, including the Friendship Center of Helena and AARP’s driver’s safety program.
After experiencing difficulties with his health, Jerry was privileged to call the Waterford Retirement community his new home. Here he was blessed with great care from all of his “girls” and other staff members at the Waterford. Not only did Jerry receive great care and form many special bonds, he also was able to help shape the lives of those around him in a positive way.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol Ann Lane, and his loving wife of 47 years – Freda. Survivors include his children: Bill (Sally) Toner of Billings, Sheila Larsen of Billings, Topsy (James) Johnson of Sioux Falls, Maureen (VJ) Maddio of Helena and Brenda Toner of Missoula. Grandchildren: Ashley and Ryan Toner, Austin and Lauren Larsen, Megan, Jerrod and Cassidy Maddio, Dakota and Cory Johnson. Brother –in-law Robert Lane of Three Forks, Sister-in-law Doris Barnett of Ennis and several very special nieces and nephews.
A Vigil will be held at 7:00pm on Monday at the Anderson, Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 650 Logan St. in Helena. The funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday September 6th, 2011 at noon from the Cathedral of Saint Helena with Rite of Committal to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A luncheon reception will follow in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Peter’s Hospice 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601; Friendship Center of Helena, (1430 N. Sanders St., Helena, MT 59601), or the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (3911 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59405). Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Alyssa Sauer & Brett Valle says
Jerry’s family,
We are very sad to hear about this tragic news. We both got the privilege to see Jerry’s smiling face everyday at the Waterford. I, Alyssa, was extremely blessed to be considered one of Jerry’s “girls” and Brett would serve him meals (when we could convince him to eat anything besides his milkshakes). We would go up to the Waterford to visit with him after we both quit and really enjoyed listening to his words of wisdom as he was a very smart man. We consider ourselves lucky to have had Jerry come into our lives and touch us in a special way. We are sure that Jerry is up there in heaven with his beautiful wife (whom he spoke so highly about) with his contagious love and smile. Condolences and prayers are sent your way, thank you so much for choosing the Waterford as Jerry’s home and giving us such a wonderful friend that we will remember forever. We love you Jerry.
Carol Christnacht says
Boy, the memories just starting flowing when my Mom called. I loved going up and visiting my AAA member friend. What a giving generous soul. I feel truly blessed having known him and the family. I am sure that he is thrilled to be visiting with his amazing wife in heaven. Of course, giving directions to everyone in heaven as well!!! 🙂
Cheryl Perry says
Jerry will be missed! I helped take care of him at the Waterford and I just LOVED HIM! Jerry brought a smile to my face each and every day! You will be missed…Love and miss you
Del Lonnquist says
Jerry was a great instructor for the AARP Drivers Safety Program. Helping others to learn safe driving strategies was his goal. He set a great example of “Serving Others.” Our condolences to his family.
Diane Cameron GHS 66 says
He was a good Superintendant and a fair man. One of the best Gardiner ever had. May he rest in peace and his children have many happy memories to sustain them.
Jeanie LaCombe Gregorich GHS 1964 says
Jerry will be missed. He was a great teacher and inspiration to all his students.
Julie Janowich says
Uncle Jerry we will miss your words of wisdom. You will always have a special place in our hearts. We are so glad you were apart of our lives. Thanks!
Love,
Julie, Jerry, Jamie, Matt, Jen, and Bryan
Laura Barille says
The 5 children of Jerry & Frieda’s, I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. Memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with you always. You’re in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. Wishing you and your family strength & peace. Love & Hugs, Laura(Whitaker) Barille and family
Leon & Liz Nunez says
Jerry was a very wonderful person and a great teacher. He will be missed by family and friends alike. I feel very privileged, to have know such a great man. May he rest in peace.
Linda Collins says
He was a wonderful man, so smart and sympathic to all his students. He will be missed.
Mr.& Mrs. Brian Mullaney says
We were so blessed to have known Jerry and also his wonderful wife Freida. They were such special friends to our parents and also to all of the rest of the family. We will miss them but know that they are together once again in heaven! Our sincere condolences to all of their family!
H
Pat Uhlrich says
I am sorry to hear of Jerry’s death. He and my late husband were best of friends growing up in Bozeman. Jerry was in our wedding 51 years ago. We shared many happy times through out the years. My prayers are with the family as you celebrate his life.
Vicki Riska says
Brenda – I’m so sorry for your loss. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vurnie Kaye Barnett says
Uncle Jerry, I’ll miss you dearly. I know you, Freeds and Barn are all in Heaven having a good visit and enjoying the wonderful memories we all share. I am glad you are at peace in the arms of our Lord.
Joe Ayres says
Jerry gave me my first teaching job at Gardiner and also helped me land a position at the University of Montana. We had lost touch but I always remembered him for his help and his spot on comments about “how” to teach.