David F. Tonn
1937-2022
David Frederick Tonn was born on October 22, 1937 in Bonnyville Alberta Canada to Frederick
and Olga Tonn and was the 7th of 8 children. When David was only 5 years of age, his dad
passed away at the age of 44, leaving his wife Olga a widow with 8 children to raise. When
David was born his parents prayed that he would become a pastor.
At a young age he committed his life to the Lord. At the age of 17 the family moved to
Edmonton Alberta Canada where he completed his High School and went on to Bible school in
Edmonton, graduating in 1960. After graduating from Bible school he traveled extensively as
the “singing evangelist” and preaching in many churches.
He produced 3 long-play vinyl recordings with his rich baritone voice. In 1967 he decided to
complete his education and went to Southern California College (Now Vanguard University)
where he not only got his BA degree but future wife there as well Beverly Born, who had come
from Everett Washington to attend the same University.
They got married in 1968. In 1969 they moved to Seattle to be associate pastors with Pastor
Walter Buck for 2 years.
In 1971 their son Jason was born and six weeks later they moved to Japan for 2 years to work
with a military chaplain program across from the Yokota Air Base.
1973 brought them back stateside to pastor Calvary Temple in Auburn Washington for the next
16 wonderful years. During that time in 1974 their daughter Tiffany was born.
Their last pastorate brought them to Missoula Montana in 1989 to 2005.
While in Auburn Washington and Missoula Montana Dave was instrumental in helping start
multiple churches and Bible schools in many countries around the world. He had such a heart
for missions.
During his lifetime he “touched so many lives and left lasting stones for the kingdom of God”.
He lived a life honoring God in every way, and left a great legacy.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, uncle, friend to all, mentor and pastor. He loved
with his whole heart and will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his wife Bev and their children Jason (Shannon) and Tiffany and
grandchildren Hunter (Sierra) and Logan (Ravin).
He is also survived by his brother Adolph (Rhoda), his sister Helena Gabert (late Gordon) and
younger sister Julie Fischer (late Gary).
He is preceded in death by his father Frederick, mother Olga, older brother Albert (late Edith),
and 3 older sisters Katie Pipke (late Emil), Hertha Kuhn, Frieda Pahl. He is also survived by 2
brothers in law Walter Kuhn and Art Pahl.
A Celebration of Life Service for David will be held at Christian Life Center in
Missoula on October 7th at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to River of Life (Outreach Ministries)
River of Life Ministries
4007 Highway 200 E.
Missoula, MT. 59802
David Tonn’s Website