Grace Ann Toldness, age 72, passed away on April 9, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Grace was born in Waukegan, IL on July 7, 1948 to Frank and Anna (Sacramento) Merlo. She resided in Waukegan, IL before moving to Kenosha in 1972. She was a graduate of Waukegan High School.

On September 6, 1969 she was united in marriage to her beloved husband, James Toldness at Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan, IL.

Grace was employed in Customer Service for Jewel Foods, retiring after 25 years of employment.

Grace was member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church and Kroozers of Northern Illinois Classic Car Club. She was avid in sewing, embroidery, knitting, crocheting and hand painted projects. Grace was an enthusiast in genealogy and family history. She enjoyed collecting precious moments and 50’s and 60’s nostalgia items. Most of all, she enjoyed playing slot machines at Hard Rock Casino and Potowatomi Casino and spending the winters at Blueberry Hill Resort in Tampa, FL.

She is survived by her children, Teresa (Eugene) Vaughan and Jaime (Jerry) Dugan; her grandchildren, Tyler Suhling, Sara Radulovic, Colin and Noah Dugan; her great grandchild, Charlotte Suhling; her sister, Margaret Merlo; her sister-in-law, Paula Merlo and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend, Jeani Schmidt.

In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, James Toldness; her son, James Toldness; her brother, Frank Merlo, III and her partner, Ron Brown.

A special thanks to Kilea Steinke at Hospice Alliance for the compassionate, kind, and loving care provided to Grace.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Grace’s life will be held on Saturday, April 17. 2021.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Private Entombment will take place in All Saints Mausoleum.

A visitation for Grace will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.

Due to public health concerns, and in compliance with CDC guidelines, only 50 people will be permitted to enter the funeral home at one time.  Social distancing will be maintained and those in attendance are required to wear a face covering.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.