Rev. Eldon & Jerrine Toll
- Their Journey Together -
Return to Home Page Jerrine as Storyteller
Eldon Vern Toll was the fourth (and youngest) son born of 2nd-generation Swedish immigrants on November 15, 1930.
He died peacefully at age 93 while hospitalized, August 25, 2024.
Jerrine Phyllis Toll (née Hallworth) was the youngest of two siblings. Born on August 6, 1933, she died peacefully
at age 93 under the care of hospice on August 13, 2026.
Eldon was raised west of Lindsborg, Kansas, where field crops, livestock, and
handy-man skills established the rhythm of farm life. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1948 and the
following year assembled a functioning Ford Model A from two non-working vehicles while employed as a plumber with
his oldest brother. Then, it was off to Chicago, Illinois, for studies at North Park College and Wheaton College.
Far from a rural setting, Jerrine was raised in the Chicago, Illinois, area. She enjoyed playing
piano by ear with the radio and establishing herself athletically as a high school cheerleader. After graduating
from Wheaton High School, she worked as a housekeeper while earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education at
Wheaton College. Later in life, when the children were older, Jerrine furthered her education and taught in
elementary classrooms followed by several years teaching music in public and private schools.
As it turned out, Wheaton College owned a Christian camp in the romantic Northwoods of Wisconsin. Eldon
took a summer position working maintenance; Jerrine independently had signed up to be a HoneyRock counselor.
Apparently, they were destined to wash their clothes at the staff laundry at the same time! Subsequently,
they enjoyed seventy years of marriage together beginning June 14, 1954, in Wheaton, Illinois.
The young couple journeyed to Connecticut for Eldon's pastoral internship at Cromwell Covenant Church and Cromwell
Covenant Children’s Home. Jerrine was initially reluctant when her role as girls' dorm counselor was expanded to
include establishing an all-resident choir! This surprise musical expectation gave rise to a life-long
passion of helping children reach their fullest potential.
Upon graduation from North Park Seminary, Eldon accepted the position of Manager at Mission Springs Camp in
northern California, followed by eight years as Director of Christian Education for the Covenant’s Pacific
Southwest Conference. Then he served as pastor for: Salina Covenant Church, KS; Mt. Prospect
Covenant Church, IL; Kirkland Covenant Church, WA. The couple ventured to Taiwan as short-term missionaries, after
which Eldon became Chaplain for Covenant Living at the Shores, a retirement community on Mercer Island, WA.
Throughout his 41-years of vocational ministry Eldon was devoted to the church and to following God’s
direction. Jerrine was a creative and reliable partner. In addition, she purposefully pursued her roles as mother
and teacher. Not only was Jerrine a proficient
storyteller, she designed and arranged music programs while directing children's choirs in multiple settings
throughout her adult life. Even while residing in Assisited Living and Memory Care facilities,
she brought joy to the residents through her energetic and thoughtful piano playing.
In 1996, Eldon and Jerrine retired to Tucker, Georgia. Their active pace continued,
including ministry to international students. Perhaps most significant was the adoption of three teenage boys from
Russia in 2001 and 2003. This adoption journey brought immense joy and fulfillment. Their love was unconditional,
even in the midst of challenges. They cherished spending time with all their children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren.
They strived to be a light to all encountered, extending hospitality through a simple meal shared or an invitation
for an extended stay in their home. Even in declining health they treasured family dinners
filled with stories of the past, participating in church events, and walks in the neighborhood. Their "mission
field" became LaVista Woods Drive, praying for neighbors while delivering unsold Panera Bread items. In their
actions and words, Eldon and Jerrine aspired to point individuals toward the importance of a relationship with
Jesus.
Preceded in death by son, John, and an infant grandson, Noah Toll, Eldon and Jerrine are survived by five
children: Marvin Toll (Doris) of Milford, MI; Carolyn Hancock of Marietta, GA; Yvonne Toll Schneider (Ed) of
Chamblee, GA; Victor Toll of Marietta, GA; Timothy Toll (Joy) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter-in-law: Ellen Toll
(John) of Peachtree Corners, GA; seven grandchildren: Kathryn Toll Calcut (Chris), Sara Burden (Stephen), Ana
Hancock, Sophia Wolfe, Lily Toll, Benji Toll and Cooper Toll; and nine great-grandchildren: Hannah, Logan, Lucas,
Henry, Asher, Hailey, Simon, Emma and Conner Calcut.
Eldon once reflected on their life together:
“Looking back is mixed with joy and pain. The best part is yet to
come. Remember John 14:3? ‘And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
so that you may also be where I am.’ Jesus said, ‘Follow me.’ Let’s meet there with Him!”
International memorial gifts can be sent to a Russian ministry for graduate orphans at tinyurl.com/HarborRussia.
The Harbor at St. Petersburg serves to prepare young adults for life outside an orphanage. Further context
is available at TheHarborSpb.org.
Local memorial gifts can be sent to the Atlanta Mission Ways to Give.
The Atlanta Mission empowers those experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. Further context
is available at AtlantaMission.org