Gregory Thomas Toenjes passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in his home in rural Kansas on March 11th, 2026. He was 38 years old.
Born on April 7th, 1987 in Winchester, KS, he was the 11th of 12 children born to the late Thomas and Teresa (Brighoff) Toenjes. He grew up on a small farm near St. Marys, KS and loved spending time outside with his siblings, playing, swimming in the pond, building forts, exploring, calligraphy, artwork and more.
He graduated from Our Lady of Victory Catholic homeschool in 2006, and then worked hard at a variety of construction jobs. He did beautiful tile work and was very particular about everything he did, always trying to achieve the best possible end results.
Gregory never married and never had any children of his own, but he loved his nieces and nephews very much and could often be seen holding the little ones, or throwing them up in the air, and spending time with the older ones, either in serious conversation or doing fun activities, such as fishing, fireworks or games. He loved his in-laws as if they were his own siblings.
Some of his favorite things to do included fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, shooting, fireworks, dirt bikes, reading, smoking cigars, and spending quality time with his brothers and brothers-in-law. He was good with animals, and especially loved dogs. He dreamed of one day having chickens of his own. He was very enthusiastic about the things he liked, and loved to talk to others about them.
Gregory was a very good and warm-hearted man, big, tall, and very handsome, and was loved by many, especially his family. It made him so happy whenever family would give him food gifts, especially any kind of meat, homemade chocolate cake, cookies and pretzels, and the olive bread that his Godmother would make for him almost every birthday.
He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, often volunteering, whether it was to lay a brick hearth or laminate flooring, help build a patio or structure, move someone to a new home, or just move something heavy, babysit, process meat, and much more. He spent many hours sitting with his father during his father's final years and days, which was a wonderful blessing for them both.
In August 2025, he moved in with Kateri and Don into their basement apartment. He was elated to be living out in the country again, and spent lots of his free time fishing, walking the property and relaxing by campfires. He lived there until the time of his death, and was very grateful to them for letting him do this, as was the rest of the family.
Everyone will miss his big bear hugs, his loving nicknames for them, and his affectionate teasing and sarcasm. They all knew he loved them very much, both because he said it and because he showed it in so many ways.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Thomas and Teresa Toenjes.
Survivors include his beloved siblings: Matthew Toenjes of Topeka, KS, Kateri (Don) Pomeleo of St. Marys, KS, Henry (Hollie) of St. Marys, KS, Rebecca (Gary) Penrod of Delia, KS, Joseph (Angeline) Toenjes of Paxico, KS, Mary Jane (Gerald) Robinson of Topeka, KS, Christopher (Andrea) Toenjes of Kunheim, France, Louis (Alisha) Toenjes of Erie, CO, Gerard (Celine) Toenjes of Bunbury, Western Australia, Joan (Israel) Armenta of Maple Hill, KS, Cecilia (Pedro) Zavala of Maple Hill, KS; 58 nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
You will be missed very much, Gregory! But we are truly grateful for having had you as part of our lives. We love you! May your soul rest in peace.
The family will receive friends at Piper Funeral Home from 3:00 - 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 22; a rosary at the funeral home will be offered for Greg at 5:00 PM. A sung requiem Mass will be offered at 10am on Monday, March 23 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 14611B Waterman Crossing Rd in Maple Hill, KS. Burial following the Mass will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Emmett, KS
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