William Howard Tonkin, 92, of Crystal Falls, passed away Monday, September 28, 2009, at Northstar Health System, Iron River. He was born May 28, 1917, in Negaunee, son of the late Howard J. and Florence (Peppin) Tonkin. On August 27, 1942, in Ishpeming, he married Inga Tamppari. She survives. Bill was a mine clerk and retired from Inland Steel Mine in 1980. He was a Mason with the F. & A. M. Lodge No. 385, Crystal Falls - Iron River and a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Crystal Falls where he was treasurer for many years. Survivors include his wife, Inga Tonkin, Crystal Falls; one son, William G. (Esther) Tonkin, Seattle, Wash.; one daughter, Frances G. (Edgar) Hesley, Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Robert Tonkin, Jennifer (Robert) Arthur, Katie Hesley, Caroline (Matt) Smith, Amanda (Seth) Walter; six great-grandchildren, Matt, Mira, Clare, Griffin, Cameron, and Gavan; one brother, Robert (Eunice) Tonkin, L'Anse; one sister, Florence Kipling, Ishpeming; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Howard Lee Tonkin; and two brothers, Earl and James Tonkin. You may light a candle in remembrance of Bill or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2009, at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls and again Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon at Christ United Methodist Church, Crystal Falls. The funeral service will be Monday 12:00 Noon at the church. Rev. Stephen Rhoades will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. Pallbearers include, Tom Brown, Bruce Clark, Dave Furman, Brian Heffernan, Matt Smith, and Seth Walter. There will be a Masonic Memorial Service Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home conducted by the Crystal Falls - Iron River Lodge No. 385 Free and Accepted Masons. In lieu of flowers the family directs any memorials to Christ United Methodist Church, Crystal Falls.