Cover photo for Donald A. Tolen's Obituary
Donald A. Tolen Profile Photo
1943 Donald 2016

Donald A. Tolen

July 11, 1943 — November 23, 2016

Donald A. Tolen was born in Kansas, Illinois to Grace and Raymond Tolen on July 11, 1943 and passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. He was the first son of 9 children. He had 7 older sisters, Kathleen 'Toots' Rae (Nolan), Betty Boyer (Charles), Mary Roach (Robert), Marjorie 'Monkey' Hammond (Shorty), Norma Roach (Don), Helen Addis (Gale), Wanda Kerans (Bob), and one younger brother, John Tolen. He graduated from Kansas High School in 1960 and Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor's in Geography in 1965. He completed his master's thesis in Geography in 1966. As a break from school he enjoyed a year and a half in the Alaska bush working for the Federal Aviation Agency in 1962-63. He then married his college girlfriend and best friend, Phyllis McConchie on May 31, 1964. He treasured his best friend Charles Hand who was his best man. They decided to enroll in the Peace Corps in the fall of 1966 and served in Tacloban, Philippines teaching Science and English at the Leyte Normal School until 1968. With an open travel ticket they explored southeast Asia and Japan before returning home in the fall of 1968.
Their daughter, Dianna was born in 1970 and they built their first house in New Lenox where they have lived as a pillar of the evolving neighborhood for 45 years. From 1968-1983 he taught earth science and geography at Joliet West, then at Joliet Central from 1983 until 1994. In the fall of 1982 he also obtained his private pilot's license. As a family they participated in the American Host program each summer where teachers came from Europe to stay for 2-4 weeks from 1974 -1984. Once their daughter was older, they also participated in the Japanese Lobo 4-H program, hosting students for a month each summer and hosting a wonderful 'German daughter', Kerstin Hueper who lived with them from 1983-84.
Both he and Phyllis took an early retirement opportunity in 1994 and enjoyed 22 years of 'living' with travels including Irish cruises, wintering in Florida, and visiting old friends in Europe. Over the years he faithfully attended the annual conference of the Illinois Geographical Society, only missing the last year in 29 years. He shared his love of clock making with his grandson, Zack, and recently began teaching his art of woodworking to his grandson, Zane. He also enjoyed being very involved in their adoptive family, the Pawlicas and their 10 children and one grandchild.
Don was diagnosed with stomach cancer in April 2013, and tolerated chemotherapy and multiple surgeries over the next few years. He was a detailed self-taught woodworker, mushroom hunter, avid vegetable gardener, and enjoyed hiking in the woods. For many years he and Phyllis frequently visited with the staff and many friends at Country Charm Restaurant in New Lenox. He also appreciated the kindness of Joe and his staff at Aurelio's Restaurant in Frankfort where they ate pizza every Tuesday night.
He leaves his wife Phyllis, daughter Dianna Perrico, son-in-law Ralph, grandsons Zachary and Zane, sisters Wanda and Marjorie, brother John, sister-in-law Patty Foust (Bill), brother-in-law Max McConchie (Linda), and many special nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Dr. Gamagami, Dr. Schilder, Dr. Horodysky, and the Cancer Center nurses for their care, and to the many friends and family that helped prepare and care for his garden and yard this summer. As per his wishes, his body was donated to science at the Anatomic Gift Society and there will be no wake or funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at Country Charm Restaurant in New Lenox on Dec 3 at 1:00 pm. He requests no cards or gifts, but donations can be made to the Joliet Hospice Organization. Friends may also call at the house anytime this week.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald A. Tolen, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Photo Gallery

Visits: 2

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree