Harold George Tonner

Harold George (Harry) Tonner, age 91 of Upland, CA, passed away January 13, 2024 peacefully at his home. Harry was born on April 8,1932 in Rensselaer, Indiana, the son of Paul C. & Callista (Reiff) Tonner.

Harry graduated from the Rensselaer High in 1950. Played football and served in the United States Air force from 1952-1956. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent. Harry is survived by his wife Marcia, children Paul Tonner, Stacy (Glenn) Evans, Todd Tonner, Adam Ulrich, Aaron (Amber) Ulrich, Grandchildren, Blake (Aubrey) Tonner, Grant (Jackie) Tonner and Emma Ulrich. He was proceeded in death by his daughter Theresa Tonner, brothers Don Tonner, George Tonner, Leo Tonner, Art Tonner and Bob Tonner. His sisters Pauline (Richard) Cody and Marian Tonner. Survived by his brother Gerald (Bette) Tonner and two sisters Carolyn (Jerry) Grube and Suzanne (Jim) Wright.

Harry was a successful businessman and in 1961 opened the Big T grocery store in Chesterton, Indiana. In 1972 he expanded the store to a 23,000 square ft. supermarket, which had its grand opening in 1973. After coming to California, he worked for Jurgensen’s Market as a traveling supervisor for 22 stores. He also worked as a salesperson at Home Depot and Circuit City.

After retirement, Harry was an avid woodworker building wine boxes for Filippi Winery, a clock-maker, a home renovator, and loved helping his neighbors with their many projects. In his free-time he loved learning and researching new projects to build. He built a hydrogen motor for his car, a wind-mill at home for charging batteries and a generator to help run the wind-mill. He loved being busy.

Harry touched many lives with his captivating ways and he was loved by many.

Memorial Services for Harry will be at Riverside National Cemetery on March 4th at 1pm. All are welcome to attend.