Obituaries
Friend, sweetheart, and husband, Richard Gary Tonnesen, 85, passed on to bigger fish and colder beer on January 26, 2026, at home and surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 17, 1940, to John and Christine Tonnesen.
Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife Sherry Tonnesen, a son,Travis, his parents, and his sister Lupine McCormick as well as a nephew Kevin McCormick.
He is survived by his wife, Lessie McKinney Tonnesen, his daughter Andrea Rhoades and her husband Kevin, and their sons, his grandchildren, Lamar and Laird Rhoades, along with his great-granddaughter Rayne Rhoades. He is also survived by his daughter Mindy Sarrazin and her husband Andy, and their children, his grandchildren, Gus Sarrazin and Drew Sarrazin. He is further survived by his son, Michael McKinney, his granddaughter, Jaela McKinney and her partner Ryan Clark along with his great-grandchildren Taylee Frost and Daysen Clark; his son Jary McKinney and his wife Suthida, and his grandson Jai Mckinney along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard was an Air Force veteran during the Cuban missile crisis and told of how close our country was to launching missiles. He told many stories of Louisiana while stationed at St. Charles about fishing in the swamps with friends. Water moccasins and snapping turtles were the main dangers he encountered. He married Sherry during this time in Louisiana, and they continued their romp during that time and at his station at Glasgow, Montana, and many years thereafter predominately in Livingston until her death in 2004. He married Lessie McKinney in 2009.
Richard was a family loving guy that loved the outdoors and especially fishing. He wanted everyone to know that he “was a pretty good fisherman.” He was supportive to all of his children and grandchildren.
Woodworking in his shop produced most of our furniture as well as Santa’s for Christmas decorations for the family.
He became enthralled with the Livingston Food Bank, now the Food Resource Center, spending years on the board and then picking up the food for 13 years.
He loved going camping at Camp Jackass, which was a yearly event at various Montana lakes with slightly crazy friends and relatives.
Many of his friends were lifelong and visited often, sharing memories as well as new stories with laughter and grace. They include Gary Nitzy, Bill Phillips, Bob and Sue Strand, Carole Simms, and Bob Krinke.
Through the years many good times were had at the Tonnesen property, pitching horseshoes, fire pit cooking, weddings, and general chicanery.
About a week before he passed, he looked at me and said, “We have a big event coming up. How are we going to handle it?” I replied, “I guess we will find out and we will do the best we can.” He said, “I guess we will.” So…here we are. You are dearly loved, Richard, fly high and soar!
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Mountain View Cemetary on April 17, 2026, at 1:30 with military honors, followed by a gathering at The Livingston Senior Citizens.