William Franklin Tomatz

Tomatz, William Franklin, Age 89 of Leesburg, FL and formerly of Pewaukee, WI, reached his Heavenly home peacefully on March 1, 2023. Bill was born 6/30/1933 in the middle of the depression in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Frank Tomatz and Pearl (Gaethke) Tomatz. Bill was the oldest of 2 children and was preceded in death by his beloved brother David J. Tomatz. Bill loved to talk about his days growing up in the in Milwaukee and his times at Friess Lake where he spent his summers at his grandfather’s cottage in whom he was named after. This was where Bills passion for fishing started. Bill graduated from Rufus King High School in 1952 where he played his clarinet in the Marching Band. Shortly after High School Bill enlisted in the Army in 1953 and served in Europe where he began learning his trade as a Tool & Die Maker. In May of 1956 he married his sweetheart Faye Eakin and were married for 65 years until Faye preceded him in death in February 2022. Three sons were born from this union: Glen (Carolyn) Tomatz, Craig (Robin) Tomatz & Scott (Mary) Tomatz. Bill was passionate about his Savior Jesus Christ. Bill served his church in countless ministries giving of his time to build the church, a passion he passed onto his sons. Everywhere Bill went he looked for an opportunity to share with people Gods saving grace through Jesus Christ. Bill was always ready to pray with people in need and saw God perform countless miracles to answered prayer. Bill had never lost his passion for fishing and always had a story to tell. In his 50’s he became passionate about biking when on his 60th birthday he biked 60 miles to take his grandchildren to the park. During his retirement Bill & Faye moved to Leesburg, FL where they lived for the past 22 years being active in church, fishing, socializing and storytelling. Bills legacy runs deep not only because of the lives he touched but because he raised 3 sons that serve Jesus passionately and survived by them along with 7 Grandchildren: Jennifer Kuchta, Jamie Foos, Kelle Tomatz, Kerre Tomatz, Amanda Sullivan, Rebecca Martin, Scott Tomatz and 11 Great Grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Tuesday March 7, 2023 at Beyers Funeral Home located at 1123 W Main St, Leesburg, FL 34748 officiated by Rev. Derrel Strickland. The family will receive visitors at 11:00 AM before the service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Society: https://williamtomatz.muchloved.com/ Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

William Franklin Tomatz

June 30, 1933 - March 1, 2023