Maureen Ellen Toonkel

Maureen Ellen Toonkel, 71, of Mankato, passed away on December 7th, 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

 A Celebration of Maureen’s Life will be Friday, March 14, 2025 from 1-5 P.M. at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato. Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

 Maureen was born in New York City. She attended Hunter College in NYC and obtained her Bachelor's degree in psychology. She then moved to Mankato to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato where she obtained her Master's in rehabilitation counseling. As a rehabilitation counselor for Minnesota State Services for the Blind, she dedicated 42 years to assisting individuals with visual impairments with life skills and job seeking. In 1979 she married Dennis Million, and in 1984 they adopted their son Flint. In her spare time, Maureen loved traveling, writing, listening to music--especially her son Flint's piano performances, watching TV shows and movies, crocheting, and collecting. A lifelong Star Trek fan, Maureen achieved one of her dreams in 2017 by self-publishing her first science fiction novel. She self-published five novels between 2017 and 2024.

 Maureen is survived by her son Flint, sister Luba, brother David, stepdaughter Brenda, stepson Robert, and many family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, parents Meyer and Thelma, sister-in-law Jody, brother-in-law Katsumi, and her grandparents.
 A very special thank you to Mayo Hospice, Mayo Clinic Andreas Cancer Center, Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center and Ecumen Pathstone Living for their service and support.