Michael Alan Lee Tonniges

At 3 p.m., October 16, 2022, Michael Tonniges of Swannanoa, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by his fiancée, Shelley Hipps, and friends.

Born in Bethesda, MD, to Col. Gary Tonniges and Loralee Tonniges, and raised as an army brat, Michael, was known by his friends as “Mikey.” He lived in many states where his dad was stationed. His favorites were Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, largely because of the snow; Virginia because the space museum was close by; and Texas since he could wear a cowboy hat everywhere he went!

Mikey moved to Asheville, NC, in 2010. He worked with a “vet for vets” farm for several years and did security for different venues, including concerts. He was an avid builder and starving artist. He worked in many mediums, including wood fracking, acrylic, and oil paint. He loved and spoiled his dogs – but not bears or copperheads!

He met his forever love, Shelley Hipps, several years ago and they were planning to marry in the near future. He was known for his generous spirit for helping others, his good sense of humor, and his contagious laughter among his friends.

Mikey will be forever missed and loved by his family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Michael’s name, to the Veteran’s Restoration Quarters at https://abccm.org/veterans-restoration-quarters/

Michael is survived by his fiancée, Shelley Hipps; his parents, Col. Gary & Loralee Tonniges; his sister, Misty Tonniges; his brother and wife, Gary and Cyndy Tonniges; his niece and her husband, Walker and Sarah Jordan; his nephew, Max Tonniges; his large family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and many, many friends.