William "Bill" Tomashek

William Robert Tomashek was born November 30, 1927, in Winona, Minnesota to William and Grace Tomashek, and passed away at his home on August 29, 2021, of natural causes.
As a youth, William enjoyed hockey at West End Rec Center playing evenings and weekends. He also embraced his father's passion for hunting and fishing throughout his life, passing that love onto his sons and grandsons.
Bill attended Saint Mary's College and after 1 ½ years was deployed to Korea, where he was wounded numerous times and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Upon return form Korea, he married Martha Houle on October 3, 1953.
During their married life, Bill and Martha raised two sons, Michael and Edward, and also welcomed numerous foster children into their home. He enjoyed camping and numerous trips to the Lake Superior area, northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan.
The Winona community was enriched by the business William and his brother, Howard, ran for decades, The Winona Attrition Mill, now run by Bill's son, Edward. After turning the business over to Ed, Bill turned to his hobby of woodcarving and gardening, but maintained his interest in hunting and fishing.
Bill was a dedicated volunteer in the Winona community, serving as Scout Master for Troup 13 and active in the GameHaven Council, American Legion, and Winona Jaycees. Bill's faith was very important to him and kept him strong throughout his entire life. He served the Knights of Columbus Council #639 where he held many offices and was the Grand Knight, eventually becoming a District Deputy.
Bill enjoyed outings on the Mississippi with his grandchildren when they were young and was always interested in their activities as they grew. He was determined to maintain connection with his family during Covid, learning how to use an iPad to Facetime with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wiliam was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha; daughter-in-law, Sandy Tomashek; and brother-in-law, Richard Hartert.
He is survived by his sons, Michael (Cindy) of Rochester and Edward (Dawn Dick), of Kellogg; grandchildren, Sarah Tomashek (Daniel Fishbone), Joshua Tomashek (Jennika), Andrew Tomashek (fiancé Courtney Leinen); three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Fishbone, Abraham Fishbone, and Jori Tomashek; brother, Howard (Patte); sister, Ruth Hartert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is deeply grateful for the care given to Bill (and Martha) by Connie Chadbourn, her mother, Karen, and their team of caregivers. Bill especially enjoyed cribbage nights.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Bill and Martha will be laid to rest in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Please leave a memory of Bill and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.