Paul R. Tonnies, age 81, of O'Fallon, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at O'Fallon Health Care Center. Paul was born September 13, 1924 in Damiansville, IL to Fred and Euphemia (nee Markus) Tonnies. Mr. Tonnies worked as a welder for Wiegmann Electric for 20 years until his retirement. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, St. Nicholas Yesterday's Kids, and O'Fallon Senior Citizens Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Lorine (nee Niehaus) Bugger Tonnies, whom he married Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976; his parents; step-mother, Veronica (nee Stockmann) Tonnies; step-daughters, Luella Hollenkamp and Shirley Roberson; stepson-in-law, Lloyd Roberson; brothers-in-law, John Mullen and Gary Dwyer; sister-in-law, Florence Tonnies.

Paul is survived by two stepsons, Edward (Judy) Bugger of O'Fallon and Elmer (Patricia) Bugger of Troy; stepson-in-law, Dennis Hollenkamp of Damiansville; Grandchildren, Marcie Jackson, Eric Bugger, Joni Bugger, Lisa Hollenkamp, Kurt Hollenkamp, Emily Bugger, Allison Bugger, David Roberson, and Carrie Roberson; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Daniel (Myrtle) Tonnies of Albers, Fred (Gloria) Tonnies of Belleville, Ralph (Helen) Tonnies of Breese, Virgil (Delores) Tonnies of Damiansville, and Jerry (Julie) Stockmann of Aviston; sisters, Florence (Vince) Arentsen of Damiansville, Vera Mullen of Shelton, Connecticut, and Betty Dwyer of Bernalillo, New Mexico; brother-in-law, Melvin (Marian) Niehaus of St. Jacob; sisters-in-law, Marcella Heim of Collinsville, Bernice (Leonard) Dickerson of Collinsville, and Arline (Don) Fohne of O'Fallon.

Visitation: 5:00 - 8:00 pm, Friday, November 4, 2005 and 8:00 -10:00 am, Saturday, November 5, 2005 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. A Prayer Service will be held at 5:00 pm, Friday. A walk-thru by the O'Fallon Senior Citizens Club will be held at 6:30 pm, Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 am, Saturday, November 5, 2005 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Monsignor William Hitpas presiding.

Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Black Jack, Illinois

Memorials may be made to the St. Nicholas Catholic Church Endowment Fund or to the charity of choice.