It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, Dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend, Louie L. Tonc. Dad passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the age of 94.
He was born July 5, 1930, in Helper, Utah to Antone Joseph and Matilda Tercek Sluga Tonc. He married Madeline Cima, August 22, 1951 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Helper.
He grew up in Helper, graduated from Carbon High School, and entered the service during the Korean War, where he served with the Occupational Forces in France, helping with their recovery following WW2.
After the service he worked in the Kenilworth Coal Mine for a short period of time. He then went to UDOT where he worked and became the maintenance foreman for Highway 6. He and his crew worked tirelessly to keep the highway clear of rocks, snow and maintained for safe travel. The last few years with UDOT he worked in the engineering lab.
As a young man, he played many sports, with baseball being his favorite. He excelled and was invited to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He also enjoyed playing baseball with his many friends for the Spring Glen Mud Hens. After playing for years himself, he started coaching; Little League, Pony League and American Legion Teams. Where he made many life-long friends.
Dad enjoyed dancing with Mom, a fast Polka and a slow Waltz. He loved being outdoors, especially with his family, camping, hunting, fishing and 4-wheeling. He worked tirelessly in his garden and fields, keeping everything just so. He loved making wooden toys for the grandkids.
Dad was also a builder, helping his kids and grandkids build their homes. He also worked on many projects within the community.
Survived by his loving wife of 73 years Madeline Tonc. Children Louie P (Gwynn) Tonc, St. George\Spring Glen; Mark (Christy) Tonc, Price; Lynna (Kenny) Topolovec, Spring Glen; 9 grandchildren, Holly, Elizabeth, Mark, Louis, Zachary, Christopher, Natalie, Sam and Nicole; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; special friend Easton; and many loving nieces, nephews and a community of friends.
Preceded in death by parents, Antone and Matilda; brothers, George Sluga, Tony Tonc; sisters, Matilda Yelenich, Ann Lipich, Helen Costello, Julia Zorn, Pauline Ahlin; sister in-law Barbara (Norman) Wilson.
Funeral Mass, Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1:00 p.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church, (5 South Main) in Helper. Vigil service, Friday evening, 7:00 p.m., at St. Anthony’s in Helper. Family will receive friends at St. Anthony Catholic Church Friday and Saturday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Louie online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
In remembrance of Louie, the family suggests memorial contributions to Helper Fire Department or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.