Daniel Tonkin

Dan lived in both Gwinn, Michigan & Zephyrhills, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Mary Estelle (Neault) Tonkin and brother, Jimmy Tonkin. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynn (née LaMere) Tonkin, children: Chad (Sarah) Tonkin, Danielle (Jim) Fraley, Nicole (Jeremy) Dixon; grandchildren: Ryland Tate Dixon & Alex Tonkin Devine; sister: Cheryl Gutzman (nieces Michele Creany & Erin Rice); brother, Brian Tonkin; sister-in-law, Connie Tonkin, many other brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Maquette Senior High School, Dan was a proud Marine of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), nicknamed “The Bloodline,” which is the most highly decorated battalion in the United States Marine Corps. He loved his country and as a Lance Corporal (LCpl), he served courageously in the Vietnam War from October 26th, 1967 until his honorable discharge on July 17th, 1969 as a result of sustaining life-threatening injuries while in action on July 26th of 1968. Dan received the National Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, & Purple Heart metals for his service. After being placed on Permanent Retirement due to physical disability, he worked in civil service at K.I. Sawyer AFB until his retirement in 1995.

An avid hunter who enjoyed long rides in the U.P., Dan never strayed far from his military background and volunteered for many retired military activities. He was a member of Bass Lake Association, loved his annual pilgrimage to the Hodag Country Music Festival where he and Lynn enjoyed many country musicians and spending time with lifelong friends. While in both Michigan and Florida, he never missed a meal, enjoyed numerous television programs, soaked in the sunshine, and took the occasional nap with his beloved Kippy. Dan loved family & friends and enjoyed pranking everyone in his company, especially his grandsons.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 3rd at the family camp on West Bass Lake, 3203 W. Albert Lane, Gwinn, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations in his name be made to South Shore Fishing Association and/or UPAWS.

Dan’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.