Frankie Toonen

Frankie Marie (Durrett) Toonen, age 91, of Appleton died April 16, 2025. Frankie was born November 10, 1933 in Marshall, Missouri to the late Frank and Ethel (Boyer) Durrett. She married Paul Toonen of Appleton, Wisconsin at St. Joseph Church in Appleton on October 16, 1954.

She lived in Marshall for most of her childhood, except from 1938 until early 1942 when she lived in Longview, Washington and Oregon with her mom and older sister. The attack on Pearl Harbor made her widowed mother nervous and they moved back to Marshall. She graduated from Marshall High School in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Air Force right after graduation. While stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C., she met her husband, Paul. They made Appleton, WI their home and together, they enjoyed 70 years of marriage.

In the late 1950s, while her husband went to college, she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Milwaukee. She also worked for Home Mutual in Appleton until the children arrived. Frankie was a stay-at-home mom until 1982 when she returned to work for AAL (now Thrivent) and retired from there in 1993.

Frankie was involved in several bowling, golf, and pool leagues throughout her life. She enjoyed going to Packer games with her husband and their friends. Her other interests included reading, wood carving, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, and puzzling. Frankie and Paul traveled to all 50 states and made several trips to Europe. After retiring, they escaped the cold weather of Appleton winters and went south to Orange Beach, AL until spring was on the way at home.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Paul; her two children, Peter (Janet) of Luxemburg, WI and Paula of Appleton, WI. She is further survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Frankie is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sara Martindale; and her brother-in-law, Ora Martindale.

A funeral visitation will be held for Frankie from 9-11 AM on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11 AM and military honors directly after. Frankie will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for various organizations Frankie was passionate about.

The family would like to thank St. Paul Villa and Moments Hospice for their support, kindness, and care.