Joe Tomac

April 11, 1929 - July 20, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Tomac, age 86, a lifelong Keldron rancher, was held Friday, July 24, 2015 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lemmon. Fr. Tony Grosseburg officiated with burial in the Morristown Cemetery at Morristown, SD.

   Visitation was held Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday morning. A rosary and vigil service was held  Thursday, July 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lemmon.

Special music will be provided by Connie Maier, organist.

Serving as casketbearers are Lee, Don, Steve, and Nick Tomac, Jack Tomac, and Travis Svihovec. All of Joe’s friends, neighbors, grandsons, great grandsons, and nephews are considered honorary bearers.

    Joseph “Joe” Leo Tomac was born on April 11, 1929 on the Tomac family homestead south of Morristown, SD. He was the sixth of seven children born to Anton and Anna (Vukelich) Tomac. He attended many rural schools and completed seven years of grade school. In his youth, Joe herded sheep and learned to play the accordion and guitar by ear. He loved music and played for many community dances.

    On March 26, 1951, Joe was united in marriage to Eleanor Bergenheier. They raised their five children, Doug, Jolene, Ken, Carol and Judy on the family homestead. Joe worked the land and took great pride in his healthy livestock, especially his purebred Black Angus cattle.  Joe was also a pilot for 50 years, and loved his J3 Cub airplane; using it to check fences, hunt coyotes, help neighbors, and watch over his cattle.

Joe was an active community member, serving on numerous boards and committees including: PCA (12 years), Corson County Commissioner (8 years), REA Board (12 years) and the South Dakota Stockgrowers (12 years).

Following his retirement from ranching, Joe and Eleanor enjoyed family trips, casino weekends, and spending time with family and friends.  In 2015, Joe and Eleanor moved to Lemmon and truly enjoyed their new home. They loved game nights, card playing and an endless stream of visitors, neighbors, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joe passed from this life suddenly on Monday morning, July 20, 2015 at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND at the age of 86 years, 3 months, and 9 days.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Eleanor; their five children, Doug (Beth), Jolene (Tim), Ken, Carol (Rich) and Jude (Justin); 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren: Tari Jo, (Will), Austin, Eli;  Treva, (Ian) and Elli; Toni (Jenny), Taylor, Paige, Brendon, and Carter; Kami (Brad), Sawyer and Sela;  Kari (Coty) Dyllan, Logan, Gavyn, and Jaxsyn; Koti (Josh), Whitney, Blake, and Macie; Keli (Micah), Bonner; Lisa (Lance), Lyken; Jess (Jennifer) Makyla, Caleb,  Caden, and Joshua; Kristi (Nate) Wyatt, Vance, and Paisley. Also surviving are his 3 brothers, Emil (Gertie), Bob (Betty), Lloyd (Lorraine); sister-in-law, Grace Tomac; and numerous nieces and nephews.

  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Tom and Evan; and 2 sisters, Mary Tomac and Rose Tidball.

  In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials for a scholarship fund which is to be awarded to a Lemmon High School graduate wishing to further their education in aviation, agriculture, or animal sciences.

  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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