Daniel Thomas Tomanek

Dan Tomanek, 52, Thompson, ND, died surrounded by his wife and children December 8, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN, due to complications from lung surgery in May. Dan was born on June 26, 1961 to Roy and Ella (Hoger) Tomanek in Bismarck, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Mandan, ND. He grew up in Mandan and graduated from Mandan High School in 1979. On August 8, 1986 Dan was united in marriage to his soul mate, Penny (Buskohl) in Fargo, ND. Together they had 3 children: Joseph (Thompson), Steven (Fargo), and Danica (Thompson). Dan graduated from NDSSS with a degree in sheet metal fabrication and in 1991 from NDSU with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He later achieved his Professional Engineering Registration. His military years played an important role in his life. They began during his senior year of high school when he enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard and remained a soldier for 31 years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dan spent many years in the 142 Engineer Combat Battalion as well as Camp Grafton and the Regional Training Institute where he oversaw numerous troop projects that enhanced a soldier's quality of life. Dan held command positions seven times; he retired from the North Dakota Army National Guard on July 31, 2010. Dan was employed as a mechanical engineer at E.A.P.C., Altru Hospital, and currently at C.L. Linfoot in Grand Forks. He was a member of St. Mathews Lutheran Church, American Legion, American Society for Healthcare Engineering, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, and North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Dan's hobbies included fishing, hunting, cooking, and spending time and sharing stories with his family and friends. Dan was a faithful fan of NDSU Bison Football. He enjoyed watching their children participate in school activities and taught them to appreciate wildlife and the great outdoors. He was very proud of being able to hunt with his children during their successful youth deer seasons. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, two sons, and a daughter; his mother Ella of Bismarck, ND; his four brothers and their wives, ElRoy and Jerilyn of Goodyear, AZ; Gary and Claudia of Bismarck, ND; Vernon and Debra of Oro Valley, AZ; Leslie (Barney) and his wife Janel of Dickinson, ND; his mother-in-law Marlys Buskohl, Wyndmere, ND; brothers-in-law David and Donna Buskohl, Wyndmere, ND, and John and Greta Buskohl, Milnor, ND; stepmother-in-law Jeanette Buskohl, Milnor, ND; and uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends, and one very special friend, Marvin (Colleen) Zerr, Harvey, ND. Dan was preceded in death by his father Roy and his father-in-law Wayne Buskohl. Memorials may be made to St. Matthews Church of Thompson, the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or the donor's choice. FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Thompson. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 with a 7pm prayer service on Wednesday, December 11 at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND 58201. Visitation will continue the hour prior to the service at the church. INTERMENT: 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 13, at ND Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, ND, including full military honors.