Angelo Tonelli

Angelo Tonelli, 93, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 26, 2026. He was born on June 18, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles and Gladys (Holmes) Tonelli.

Angelo attended Des Moines Public Schools and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He went on to build a long career as the owner of T&T Body Shop, where he specialized in automotive body work for more than 50 years. His work reflected the steady skill and dedication that marked so much of his life.

He married his loving wife, Dana Runyan, and they spent more than 50 years together. Angelo also found great joy in the things he loved outside of work. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He liked cooking and canning from what he grew in his garden. He also had a huge passion for classic cars, whether he was restoring them or collecting them, and he enjoyed making wine.

Above all, Angelo will be remembered by the family who shared his life and love. He is survived by his wife, Dana Tonelli of Waukee; his children, Teresa (Michael) Ontiveroz, of Glendale Heights, Illinois, Dante (Carmen Kilpatrick) Tonelli of Broadview, Illinois, and Trisha Tonelli of Des Moines. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jenny (Jeff) Veitz of Creston, Mike (Samantha) Tonelli of Afton, Nicolo Tonelli of Commerce City, Colorado, and Antonio Cross of Des Moines. His memory will also be cherished by his great-grandchildren, Payton and Riley Veitz and McKenna and Grayson Tonelli.

Angelo is further survived by his siblings, Claudette Borger, Susie Eggert, Annie (Chuck) Webber, Francis Tonelli, Cheryl Tonelli, Bobby Tonelli, Susan (Rodney) Snowgren and David (Jody) Punelli and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Tonelli; his mother, Gladys Tonelli; and his siblings, Colleen Williams, Don "T" Tonelli, George "Manny" Tonelli, Eldee "Tunner" Tonelli, Jennie Clay, Carmella Roakes, Ronnie Tonelli, Joe Tonelli and sons: Michael Tonelli and Todd Tonelli.

The family would like to express special thanks for the loving care and support given by the entire staff of Suncrest Hospice.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ernst Funeral Home, 80 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee, IA. A graveside service will be held Friday, October 2, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel. (Attendees of the graveside service should gather at the Administration building. Please park on the NORTH (left) side of the road and line up on the road at the administration building. At our designated time of 9:30, the cemetery staff will lead us (we will all drive our vehicles) all down to the shelter where the service will take place.)

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Angelo's final arrangements.