Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri
Jun 22, 1943 – Aug 20, 2025
Frederick Edward Tonnies, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, in his home.
Fred was a devoted family man and a passionate Mizzou sports fan who found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He had a remarkable ability to make others laugh, and everyone always felt welcome in his home and heart.
Fred is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Jaworowski) Tonnies; his son, Joseph Tonnies; and his daughter, Sarah (William “Trey”) Pope. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Dr. Kyle Tonnies, Ava Tonnies, William “Liam” Pope IV, and Olivia Pope. He will be dearly missed by his siblings and in-laws Judy (Tonnies) and Bill Schulz, Mary and Rick Sato, Jim Gibilterra Sr., and Barbara Jaworowski, as well as by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Emil Tonnies and Edna Marie (Vollmer) Tonnies; his sister, Audrey (Tonnies) Manning; brother-in-law, Patrick Manning; and his nephew, Dennis O’Donnell.
A Memorial Gathering Will Be Held On:
Saturday, September 13th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Schrader Funeral Home
www.schrader.com
Schrader Funeral Home
14960 Manchester Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held following the service from 4pm-8pm at Bellerive Country Club. The family welcomes relatives, friends, and all whose lives Fred touched to join in remembrance.
Bellerive Country Club
Hosted at The Field House
12925 Ladue Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
Please share memories of Fred and condolences with the family in the online guestbook at www.schrader.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (formerly the St. Louis College of Pharmacy) at uhsp.edu/givenow.
Fred’s Professional Career:
Fred was born on June 22, 1943, in St. Louis at Christian Hospital. He met the love of his life, Kathleen Ann (Jaworowski) Tonnies, while working at Christian Hospital as a pharmacy intern and she as a nurse intern. They married on August 25, 1967, and shared more than 57 years together.
Fred earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1968, completed an Executive Management Fellowship for Directors of Pharmacy at the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, in 1989, and received a Master of Science in Pharmacy Administration from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1990.
He began his career as a student pharmacist intern at Gasen Pharmacy and Christian Hospital, then worked as a staff pharmacist at Christian Hospital Northwest. In 1970, Fred and Kathleen moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where he became Director of Pharmacy Services at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. There, he designed a new pharmacy, introduced modern practices, and also provided part-time services to Levering Hospital and Beth Haven Extended Care Facility.
During his time in Hannibal, Fred’s public service included:
· Board member and co-author of a grant establishing the Mark Twain Mental Health Association Board member of the Hannibal Council on Alcohol and Drugs
· Board member of the Marion County Ambulance District
In 1977, Fred was appointed Manager of Pharmacy Services at the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital and Clinics, where he served for 26 years. He expanded facilities, staffing, and services, introducing modern inpatient and outpatient distribution, clinical pharmacy programs, and training partnerships with the UMKC School of Pharmacy.
Fred also took on wider administrative leadership. When University Hospital merged with Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, he served as Acting Assistant Director of Professional Services, managing Pharmacy, Pathology, Radiology, Emergency, and Transplant Services, while also budgeting and staffing for a new Endoscopy Center. Later, when Columbia Regional Hospital merged into the system, he assumed responsibility for its pharmacy operations as well, uniting services under a single manager.
Between 1983-1986, Fred worked as a consultant pharmacist to Fulton State Hospital, Nevada State Hospital, and Woodhaven Learning Center, where he evaluated and improved pharmacy services.
After retiring from the University in 2003, Fred continued his work as:
· Director of Pharmacy at Samaritan Hospital (Macon, MO) for one year
· Director of Pharmacy at Fulton State Hospital for six years
· Consultant pharmacist for Missouri Care and the Surgery Center of Columbia
From 2011 to 2023, Fred was Pharmacy Director for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, where he reviewed and developed statewide medication policies, implemented new pharmacy software across seven hospitals, and chaired the committee reviewing opioid prescribing practices.
Fred also served as a consultant pharmacist to the Missouri Mutual Employers Insurance Company (4 years), Novation Supply Company (6 years, including chair), and the University Hospital Consortium (12 years). He taught as adjunct faculty at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
His professional leadership included decades of service to pharmacy organizations:
· Member of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP), including the Council on Organizational Affairs
· Founding member of the Missouri Society of Hospital Pharmacists (MSHP) in 1970, serving on numerous committees, the board, and as president for two terms
· Appointed by Governor John Ashcroft to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy (1992-1998), serving as president for one year
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Fred’s accomplishments were recognized with numerous awards, including:
· St. Louis Society of Hospital Pharmacists Student Award (1968)
· MSHP Hospital Pharmacist of the Year (1978)
· University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital - Management Leadership Award (1984)
· MSHP Thomas J. Garrison Achievement Award (1991)
· Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (1993)
· Outstanding Alumni Award, St. Louis College of Pharmacy (1994)
· Missouri Pharmacy Association Bowl of Hygeia Award (1996)
Community Service & Personal Interests:
Fred’s impact extended well beyond pharmacy. In Columbia, he was the Director of the Men’s and Women’s Adult Soccer League for 14 years and served as Soccer Commissioner for the Show-Me State Games for 13 years. His dedication to the sport was recognized with his induction into the SMSG Hall of Fame.
After retiring from pharmacy, Fred began a new path as President of the St. Louis Chapter of Better Investing, overseeing a territory across Missouri and Illinois. This chapter educated both individuals and clubs in stock investing, and Fred embraced the role with the same dedication he brought to pharmacy.
Fred lived his life to the fullest, guided by faith, family, service, and humor. He gave endlessly of his time and talents, touched countless lives, and left a legacy of kindness, leadership, and love. He often said he had no regrets, and he leaves behind cherished memories and an example of a life well lived.
Read More
Fred was an accomplished professional and an outstanding member of the pharmaceutical community. He took on many responsibilities including the Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship Fund for many years. He was a good man and helped so many over the years. Truly a professional and scholar. Rest in peace DST Brother.
Dr Alfonso Tobia
November 23, 2025 | Schwenksville, PA | Friend
We have been blessed to know Fred for 40 years. He was instrumental in our relocation to Columbia. Sal worked for him at University of Missouri Healthcare and he gave both of us encouragement, guidance and opportunities throughout our careers. Fred´s dedication to his family and his profession and the joy this brought was apparent to all who knew him! The leadership and professionalism he demonstrated for all provided a level of mentorship to many, directly or indirectly. He was "all in" when...
Sal and Deb Tesoro
September 14, 2025 | Friend
Fred was intelligent, kind and compassionate. He had this crazy sense of humor. Wish we could have spent more tiCousin Kathy Reinhardtme together. You've earned your way to heaven. Wishing you peace and joy in your place in heaven.
Kathy, we are praying for you and your family as you navigate through this sad time.
Kathleen Reinhardt
September 12, 2025 | St. Cnarles, MO | Family
Fred was my Mentor. There was a slogan a while back that said I want to be like Mike (Michael Jordan). I wanted to be like Fred. He helped me in so many ways in Hospital Pharmacy. Even letting me stay at his house for a couple of weeks when I became the System Pharmacy Manager at Mizzou. Fred would always check in to see how I was doing and was always willing to provide support. Watch out God, Fred may give you some advice on how to better run Heaven! Eternal Rest grant unto Fred oh Lord...
Neil Schmidt
September 12, 2025 | Wildwood, MO | Friend
Kathleen, you and your family are in my heart at this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort. ❤
Deborah Self
September 10, 2025 | Columbia, MO | Coworker
Fred and I worked together as students. Being an upperclassman he taught me a lot about being a pharmacist. He always has a place in my memory.
John & Diane Nikonowicz
September 10, 2025 | St Charles, MO | Classmate
In addition to serving so many over his career and all the great accomplishments he had, Fred was a true friend and advocate for pharmacy education in Missouri, serving his great alma mater, the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and also us here at the UMKC School of Pharmacy. We at UMKC will miss him greatly, for sure, but his legacy will live on in our school forever. Thank you Fred, and many thanks to all of his family for assisting him and granting him the invaluable time he used to serve...
Russ Melchert
September 09, 2025 | Lees Summit, MO | Friend
Fred was a consummate professional and a truly kind and considerate person. I became acquainted with Fred in the early 1990s, soon after I moved to Missouri as a young hospital pharmacist. He was a role model and an inspiration to me and numerous other pharmacists and pharmacy leaders in Missouri and beyond. Deepest condolences to Fred's family. He will be missed.
Tom Hall
September 08, 2025 | Chesterfield, MO
We were so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was a terrific person and a great fan of the Missouri Tigers. His passion for Mizzou was evident when he was around all of the sporting events and activities. We hope that the many fond memories that were made throughout a lifetime are of comfort to family and friends.
Mike and Rockie Alden
September 08, 2025 | Columbia, MO | Friend
