Michael Thonen

Michael Thonen, age 76, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on February 20, 2026. He was born on January 5, 1950, in Holton, Kansas, to Roy and Helen Grannell Thonen, the youngest of four children. After he graduated from Whiting High School in 1968, Michael served his country for the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He went on to work for 41 years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka. Michael married his wife, Connie on May 17, 1974, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. Michael, his wife, Connie, and their two children, Jill and Casey, resided in Whiting, Kansas for 27 years. While in Whiting, Michael enjoyed working on his parents’ farm. In 2001, they moved to Topeka to be closer to their jobs. After retiring from Goodyear in 2010, Michael found joy working in his shop where he spent countless hours working on wood projects and tending to his yard and garden. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his devotion to his family. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Neita Douglas, and a brother, Ronald Thonen. Michael is survived by his wife, Connie Schuetz Thonen; their dog, Max; daughter, Jill Johnson, of Fate, Texas; son, Casey Thonen, of Topeka; grandson, Jace Johnson, of Fate, Texas; brother, Kenneth “KDon” Thonen, of Topeka; and several nieces and nephews. Michael will be remembered for his love of Ford pickups, John Wayne movies, his John Deere toy collection, and his enduring love for the outdoors and family. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 26th Street, Topeka KS 66618. Committal service will be at 1 p.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Michael’s family encourages everyone to wear casual attire to honor how casual Michael dressed in his everyday life. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society or Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Michael Thonen

January 5, 1950 - February 20, 2026