Video of Funeral Mass for Ernest Tomkiewicz
Ernest J. “Ernie” Tomkiewicz, age 85, of Beutel Road, Port Washington, Wisconsin peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at his home.
He was born in Milwaukee, WI on April 29, 1935; son of John Ernest and Helen Grabowski Tomkiewicz. Ernie served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 during the Korean War.
On September 29, 1956, Ernie married Doris Grieshammer in Milwaukee during his military service. Together they started a family in Milwaukee when he returned from service.
For over 37 years, Ernie drove delivery truck for the Wilke Dairy of Milwaukee. The family lived in Germantown for a few years before moving to Port Washington in 1965. After his retirement, Ernie drove school bus for Johnson Bus Service and the Port Washington/Saukville School District.
When the kids were growing up, Ernie and his wife were active with the Boy Scouts, serving as troop leader for many years. He was a member of the local Blue Knights Motorcycle Club of Port Washington and the Teamsters Local 200 for many years.
Ernie looked at life to be the best you can and do it right, don’t hold a grudge, never give up on the things you love and most of all, be with your family and love them as long as you can.
He will be remembered for his amazing green thumb and garden. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. For him to be home, with his grandkids and great-grandkids around was the best.
Ernie is survived by his five children, Gregory (Judith) Tomkiewicz of Mequon, Jeffrey Tomkiewicz of Port Washington, Laura (Ray Huff) Rostankowski of Holy Cross, Steven (Nicole) Tomkiewicz of Saukville and Julie (Michael) Valle of Belgium; seven grandchildren Angela, Melissa, Alec, Amelia, Danielle, Cole and Mason; eleven great-grandchildren Brayden, Georgia, Lydia, Eli, Lucinda, Maewyn, Harrison, William, Berkley, Oaklynn and Harlow; nieces, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Doris on January 4, 2004 and his brother Richard Tomkiewicz.
A visitation will be held from 4-6PM Friday, June 19, 2020 at the POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI. Ernie’s life will be celebrated with a Mass at Noon Saturday, June 20, 2020 at St. John XXIII Parish/St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington with military honors.
A special thanks to Ernie’s caregivers over the past ten years. For their care, kindness, dignity and respect given to dad, we thank you!
Thank You All for Your Thought and Prayers
Very Much Appreciated
Greg, so sad to hear about the loss of your father! Our family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. The Downey’s
Jeff, sorry to hear about your father. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and Mary Tupta
Thanks Lisa and Cathy for your thoughts. I smile when I think of our childhoods together.
Jeff,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad’s life was made better by having you nearby. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Jeff, Sorry to hear about the Lost of your Father, I know you
spend a lot of your time taking care of him, Best Regards,
Otto.
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about Uncle Earnie. He and your mom were such a big part of our childhood. Hope all is well and sending love, sympathy, and trees in his name. Cathy and Lisa.