David Tompkins

Loving Son, Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather, Brother-in-Law, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and Loyal Friend. David Edison "Dave" Tompkins, of Wautoma, passed away Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2010 at the age of 81. At the time of death, Dave was surrounded by his family and resting peacefully at Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin. He was born August 31, 1928 in Racine, Wisconsin. He was the son of Harold and Mary Tompkins. Dave spent his formative years growing up in the Sturtevant, Wis. And Chicago, Ill. Areas. In the late 1940's Dave joined his cousin Jim as a Ballroom dance instructor for Fred Astaire Studios. This teaching skill and passion for dance was a big part of Dave's life. In later years he would use this ability to give lessons and teach many to enjoy the art of dancing. In 1950, Dave responded to the call of his country and served in the US 7th Army during the Korean War. During this time he was stationed primarily in Heidelberg, Germany. Upon completion of his military service in 1953, Dave frequently traveled with his parents to Wautoma, Wisconsin to enjoy the atmosphere that is associated with Silvercryst Resort and Supper Club. While on these visits, he met Donna Jean Honl. They soon fell in love and were married on June 26, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma, Wisconsin. In 1960, Dave and Donna moved their family to Madison, Wisconsin where Dave began an 18 year career with the government civil service corps, working in the Family Housing Administration Command, first for the Air Force and then for the Army. During this continued service to his country, Dave and his growing family also spent time in Mundelein, Ill (Fort Sheridan, Chicago) and San Antonio, Texas (Fort Sam Houston).

While in Madison, Wisconsin one of Dave's favorite second job experiences was participating in the operations and later the management of the lounge at the East Side Business Men's Association Club. Lifelong friendships and memories were made during this time in his life. With his heart never far from his love for Waushara County, in 1977, Dave and family returned to Wautoma to rejoin the family operation of Silvercryst Resort. Dave remained in Wautoma and Waushara County for the remainder of his life. During this time, he served as the Waushara County Clerk from 1985-1991. He was a loving friend to all in Waushara County and could be found on any given day helping someone or some group with their business, health, or welfare. As a husband, father, and brother-in-law his family knew him as a provider, a mentor, a coach, a religious leader, a friend, a disciplinarian, a lover of his wife and children, a sports fan, a loving brother-in-law, father-in-law and grandfather, a dreamer, a culinary scientist, a scouting leader, and a source of constant inspiration. The community will remember Dave for his commitment of time to the county and its residents. He was a member of Rotary International, the American Legion Post 317, American Military Veterans, Wautoma School Board 1981-84, Wautoma High School Booster Club, Friends of the Wautoma Library, Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, Wisconsin, and the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America. In addition to his public service, Dave was a loyal and engaged member of St. Josephs Catholic Church and Community in Wautoma, Wisconsin. With his warm, friendly, and outgoing "never met a person he did not like" personality, he was an active participant in many groups at St Joe's. He served on the Church Hospitality committee, Parish Council, taught CCD to elementary age parish members, a teacher and friend of the Young Adult Special Needs Bible group, and an active participant with his wife in the Cursillo movement. Dave was exceptionally proud of his relationship with the Knights of Columbus Council 6228. During this long and dedicated service to the Christian community in Central Wisconsin, Dave could be found participating in a number of KC activities. From insuring that Pancake Breakfast batter was just right to serving as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the K of C Assembly 1862, Dave was always a source of support and inspiration to his fellow Knights and all of the community. David Tompkins was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mary Tompkins, brother-in-law Duane Peterson, and daughter-in-law Mary Schuler Tompkins. He leaves to cherish and honor his memory; his devoted wife, Donna (Honl) Tompkins - Wautoma; 1 daughter, CAPT Dawn Tompkins US Navy- Wash. DC; 6 sons, 4 daughter-in-laws, and 11 grandchildren, Craig (Lynn) Tompkins, Audrey, Alan - Katy, TX, Dr. Mark Tompkins - San Antonio, TX, Dale (Beth) Tompkins, Caitlyn, Casey, Hannah - Oshkosh, Wis., Dr. Dean (Mary deceased) Tompkins, PHD, Briana, Annelise - Madison, Wis., Mike (Lori) Tompkins, Seth, Olivia, Chloe - Dousman, Wis., Chris (Ruth) Tompkins, Daniel - Bristol, Wis.; brother Donald Tompkins - Fredericksburg, Va.; brother & sister in laws, Jerry Honl, Ray Honl, Tom Honl, Mary Peterson, Joan Honl ; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma with the Rev. Robert L. Stegmann officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery, Wautoma. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. A Parish Prayer Service and time of Remembrance will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Church.

A Memorial is being established and contributions may be sent to the family. Any floral offerings may be directed to the services at St. Joseph Catholic Church 364 S. Cambridge St. Wautoma, WI 54982 The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Wisconsin Veterans Home for their love and care for Dave.




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