Carl W. Tonnesen, 86, a resident of Salem, NH for the last 52 years passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Boston, MA, a son of the late Albert and Helen M. (Tolstrup) Tonnesen.

Mr. Tonnesen graduated from Weymouth High School, Class of 1949 and later from Northeastern University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958.  Mr. Tonnesen worked for Sanders Associates, was one of the original 10 to start T.M.E. Corp. in Salem and was first to break ground on Keewaydin Drive.  He later retired as a mechanical design engineer for Teledyne in 1993.  Mr. Tonnesen loved his house and putzing around the yard but his pride and joy was his beloved family.  He was a fine woodworker and craftsman and enjoyed making items for his family.  He generously donated his talent and skills making items for Salemhaven which are still in use today.  Mr. Tonnesen was a very active member of Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, acting as Cantor and singing in the church choir.  He will be remembered for his love for his family, his love of music and his church and for his generous nature, always being there to help when needed.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years; Elizabeth (Nerger) Tonnesen of Salem, three children; Gail Angellis and her wife Karen Oster of Nashua, NH, Mark Tonnesen and his fiancé Nancy Amburn of Paris, France and Lisa Shaver and her husband John of Goffstown, NH. He is also survived by three granddaughters; Dana and Allison Angellis and Elke Tonnesen, three grandsons; Gunner Tonnesen and Rowan and Maxwell Shaver and also by his brother; Richard Tonnesen and his wife Brenda.

Following cremation, visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, 171 Zion Hill Road, Salem. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11:00am in the church. Military honors will follow the committal service in the church scattering garden. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Memorial Fund at Triumphant Cross or to Isaiah58, 472 State Rt. 111, Hampstead, NH 03841. Isaiah58NH@att.net .