Ernest J. ‘Ernie’ Tomkiewicz

Ernest J. “Ernie” Tomkiewicz, age 85, of Beutel Road, Port Washington, Wis., peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at his home.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on April 29, 1935, the son of John Ernest and Helen Grabowski Tomkiewicz.  

Ernie served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957, during the Korean War.

On Sept. 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 a 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 a 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 leaders 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; 11 great-grandchildren, Brayden, Georgia, Lydia, Eli, Lucinda, Maewyn, Harrison, William, Berkley, Oaklynn and Harlow; nieces, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Doris on Jan. 4, 2004, and his brother Richard Tomkiewicz.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2020, at Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington, Wis.  

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 St., 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 10 years. For their care, kindness, dignity and respect given to dad, we thank you!

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.

Covid-19 recommendations will be followed. Masks are recommended but not required. Exercise social distancing. Thank you.