Monsignor Arthur Tonne
The beloved priest of Pilsen was many personalities but only one man. He was benevolent, compassionate, gentle, fair, and an inspirational leader respected by all.
First of all he was a parish priest who lovingly cared for his flock. Though active in numerous organizations, serving on numerous committees, and popular speaker. Father Tonne was never too busy nor lost sight of the fact that he was a parish priest. He fulfilled all the duties of that position, accepting the obligation gladly and willingly. It was the life to which he was devoted.
Second, though these evaluations are not necessarily in order of importance from this point on, he was a leader highly regarded by fellow pastors and others as the principal spiritual guide of the community. His guidance and counsel often were called for and willingly shared.
He also was a successful author and publisher with dozens of books and hundreds of manuscripts to his credit. He had published many books of homilies and spiritual advice. On a lighter note the books "Jokes Priests Can Tell," nine in all, brought him acclaim and world fame. Several years ago he was a guest on the David Letterman late night TV show, due to the popularity of his joke books, and literally held his own in quick quips with the famous comedian.
Though he preferred to be called "Father Tonne," and that's the way he answered his telephone; he often was properly addressed in the formal fashion as "The Right Reverend Monsignor." To his friends he was "Arthur" and to some "Art."
After coming to Pilsen from Emporia State University where he had been a Catholic student organization leader, he was given the duty of writing the biography of the late hero priest, Chaplain Emil Kapaun who was a native of that small Bohemian community north of Marion. Tonne gladly accepted the assignment and pursued it with zeal. His book on Father Kapaun was not only the first biography of the Korean War martyr, but also acknowledged as best. It prompted efforts now in progress toward veneration to have Kapaun beatified.
Other areas where Father Tonne was an acknowledged leader were in the fields of service to senior citizens and in mental health treatment.
He was an early advocate of the Prairie View mental health facility which serves Marion, Harvey, and McPherson counties. He served on the board for years and was often a speaker on that subject.
He and the late KU professor Esther Twente worked together to create, organize, and administer the senior citizens program in Marion County, with the outgrowth becoming the senior citizen centers which now serve the elderly across the United States. They accomplished it by hard work and funds from a Ford Foundation grant. The KU School of Social Welfare now honors Esther Twente by being identified with her name. Tonne asked for no recognition. He was satisfied to have the program in place. That was his reward
These are a small sample of what he accomplished and the good that came of his efforts. Noted for his strong baritone voice, he filled the vast sanctuary at Pilsen with his resonate tones. He also liked to kid his newspaper friend on occasions when he'd invite us to be his guest at parish dinners. "Hide the good silverware," his voice would ring out, "the Methodists are here."
Msgr. Arthur Tonne was many personalities and one man. He was my friend. I'm proud to say he insisted that I call him "Art."
— BILL MEYER
