It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Cherie Beth Tonsor, age 81, of West Bend, Wisconsin.

With her father serving in the military, Cherie moved six times during her childhood before her family settled in Hales Corners. As Cherie grew her own family, first with husband Lee Merkel and then, with her second husband Millard “Jack” Tonsor III, she established a home in Slinger.
Cherie began her career as a beautician and especially loved making her clients feel beautiful and special. She later spent 21 years as secretary for Tonsor Electric, worked at Wink Insurance, and helped her son Tom, at West Bend Lakes Golf Club with everything from the flowers to the books. She also served for many years as secretary of the Ackerville Snowmobile Club, where she and her son, MJ, bonded over their shared love of snowmobiling.

For 28 years, Cherie was a steady presence behind the scenes at The Golf Club at Camelot, working alongside her daughter, Laura. She was the person they could always count on to remember the details, keep everyone organized, and quietly take care of whatever needed to be done.

Cherie had an extraordinary work ethic, averaging six days a week for more than 28 years and never calling in sick. She did, however, occasionally call to say she would be late because she had “extra prayers to make.” Her morning routine—included her prayer chair—which was a treasured part of each day. It was where she prayed for family, friends, and anyone who needed a little extra help. Her prayer chair reflected so much of who Cherie was: faithful, caring, and always thinking of others.

Cherie loved to sing and dance, garden, cook, snowmobile, build puzzles, go out to eat, and simply enjoy nature. Birds, butterflies, squirrels playing, flowers blooming, and leaves changing were all reasons for her to stop and appreciate the moment.

Above all, Cherie’s greatest joy was her family. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events and treasured family gatherings. Whether it was a special occasion, going out to eat, or simply spending time together, she was happiest when her family was around her.

Cherie is survived by her children, Laura Beaudoin (Alan Bentfield), Thomas Merkel (Deborah Merkel), and Millard “MJ” Tonsor IV (Christa Tonsor); grandchildren, Maija Smith (Casius Smith), Danielle Beaudoin (Ty Mathews), Zachariah Merkel, Millard “Jackson” Tonsor V, and Sylvie Tonsor; her brother, David Kreil; and Lee Merkel, along with other relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Joyce Kreil; brother, Michael Kreil; her beloved Aunt Ruth and Uncle Casey; her husband Millard “Jack” Tonsor III; and dear friends Jim and Karen Wink.

VISITATION & CELEBRATION OF CHERIE’S LIFE
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Visitation: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Service: 4:00 p.m.
Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W. Paradise Drive, West Bend, WI)

Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to continue celebrating Cherie with a light meal and refreshments at:
West Bend Lakes Golf Club (1241 Hwy 33 E., West Bend, WI 53095)

A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Cherie’s family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the entire staff and volunteers at Kathy Hospice in West Bend. The compassion, kindness, and genuine care they showed Cherie and our family during this difficult time will never be forgotten. We are deeply grateful for the comfort and dignity they provided.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS
Cherie found so much joy in flowers, gardening, and the beauty of nature. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory are invited to contribute toward a memorial flower garden at West Bend Lakes Golf Club—a lasting tribute where family and friends can continue to enjoy a little of the beauty Cherie loved so much.