Lake Wales businessman and community leader Cliff Tonjes peacefully passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at his residence.
While he was born and raised in Michigan, Cliff met and married his wife Carol in Niles, Michican. They lived in Indiana where they raised three children before moving to Lake Wales in 1976. Cliff is best known in town for owning and operating True Value Hardware with Carol until a fire in 2003 destroyed their building. His son, Larry, later opened Cliff’s True Value, where Cliff jokingly “enjoyed his retirement” by working as an unpaid employee there until 2020.
Cliff was a fixture in downtown Lake Wales, with a booming voice and jovial greeting for everyone that he encountered. In addition to the store, Cliff was active in local politics. He served from 1996-2005 as a City Commissioner as well as the position of Mayor for the town that he loved. Cliff was honored as the Lake Wales Citizen of the year in 2003, and the Lake Wales Mason Lodge selected him as their Citizen of the Year in 2015. He established Murals and Enhancements, facilitated monthly meals for the needy, served as emcee for countless Spelling Circuses for the Lake Wales Literacy Council, judged parades at Saddlebag, and was thrilled to participate in countless other community events.
Cliff leaves behind his wife of 66 years Carol, children Dawn (Jim) Garand, Larry (Cindy) Tonjes, and Debra (Norm) Burleigh. He was a loving grandfather to Andrew (Allison) Garand, Aaron (Amber) Garand, Laura (Scott) Marriott, Emily (Jeff) Rutkowski, Tyson Burleigh, Jamie (Mantha) Garand, and Alexxa (Spencer) Stanley as well as six great grandchildren, countess nieces, nephews and in-laws.
The family will receive guests from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. For anyone choosing to attend his service, feel free to honor Cliff by wearing red/white/blue, as Cliff often wore as a proud patriot.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lake Wales Care Center (140 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853) or Compassionate Care Hospice (Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge Louisiana 70816).
