Dennis Tonkel
December 2, 1952 – August 12, 2025
Dennis Tonkel, devoted family man and a truly one-of-a-kind spirit, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Saint Louis, Missouri on December 2, 1952 with his twin Donald, Dennis lived a life defined by his heart which loved deeply and his signature wit and warped sense of humor.
As a child, Dennis was fascinated by and studied how electrical devices work. He eventually went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (University of Missouri-Rolla). Whether debugging circuit boards or rewiring stereo equipment for optimal sound, Dennis brought his brilliance to every project he touched and served as a Senior Electrical Engineer for over 40 years.
Above all else, Dennis Tonkel was a devoted family man. He was preceded in death by his siblings Edmund Jr. and Barbara, as well as his loving wife of almost 40 years, Cynthia. Together they raised two daughters, Jaymee and Jessika, who were, and will always be, his pride and joy. He never missed a moment that mattered, attending every dance performance and recital, while also encouraging and celebrating all of their academic achievements. Known affectionately as the “original dance dad,” Dennis even took to the stage himself once, performing alongside Jaymee and Jessika—a memory that still brings smiles and laughter to all who remember it.
He is survived by his brother Donald Tonkel, beloved daughters, Jaymee Thompson (née Tonkel) and Jessika Coltrain (née Tonkel); and his cherished sons-in-law, Paul Thompson and Sean Coltrain (his buddies). Though their time together was far too short, Dennis carried their love and memories with him every day, speaking of them often.
Dennis’ unparalleled wit and boundless curiosity live on in every spark of an amplifier, every open road, and every burst of laughter shared among friends. Rest well, Dennis, you’ve already tuned the universe to a better frequency.
A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held by invitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Louis Food Bank in Dennis Tonkel’s name since “grocery prices are so damn high.”