Clarence Robert Toftoy
Clarence Robert Toftoy, age 97 of Newark, IL passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Park Point Rehabilitation Center in Morris, IL. He was born on January 10, 1926 on the family farm near Newark and Millbrook, in Fox Township, IL. the son of Konrad and Anna (Philips) Toftoy.
Clarence was united in marriage on September 3, 1948 at the Helmar Lutheran Church to Mary Jane Johnson and spent the next 60 years together in Newark, IL until her passing on November 22, 2008.
Mr. Toftoy was baptized and confirmed in the Newark Lutheran Church by LL Masted. Clarence attended the Hollenback Country Grade School and graduated from Newark High School in 1943. He later joined Helmar Lutheran Church where he and Mary Jane were active members. Clarence served as Deacon, Trustee, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and a member of its choir.
In 1947 Mr. Toftoy was elected Highway Commissioner of Fox Township and held that office for 42 years. Clarence was involved in community duties, serving on the Millbrook Grade School Board as both the Director and Secretary. He was one of the founding members of the Millbrook Fire Department which later became part of the Little Rock Fire District. He was a member of the Millbrook-Newark Bank Board for 32 years and served as the Chairman of the Board for many years.
He enjoyed farming on their family farm on Hollenback Road into his 90’s. He enjoyed fishing and golfing with family and friends. He and Mary Jane attended many sports, school, and church events of the grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. After retiring as Commissioner, he and Mary Jane traveled to Alaska, Europe and spent many winters in Arizona. They also made many family trips to Woman Lake, MN.
He is survived by his children, Roger (Bobbie) Toftoy of Newark, IL and Phyllis (Kirk) Friestad of Newark, IL; his grandchildren, Natalie Toftoy, Haylie Toftoy, Eric (Kari) Friestad, Jake (Emily) Friestad, Chad (Christie) Friestad, and Kelly (Greg) Burks and 16 great-grandchildren; his sister, Eleanor Helland; his sister-in-law, Jeannie Toftoy; also his nieces, nephews; and many friends at the Silver Dollar Coffee Shop.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Konrad and Anna Toftoy; his wife, Mary Jane Toftoy; his brothers, Harold (Marian), Orrin (Jane), Norman and Ralph (Darlene and Joan) Toftoy, Clarence Robert Toftoy, in infancy; also his brother-in-law, Bennie Helland.
A Celebration of Clarence’s life will be held from 1:30 until 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the Helmar Lutheran Church, 11935 Lisbon Rd, Newark, IL 60541.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611.
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