Henry Tomasek

Henry John Tomasek (91) of Grand Forks passed away August 12, 2011 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Henry was born in Berwyn, Illinois on July 21, 1920 to Joseph and Christine (Frycek) Tomasek. He received his elementary and secondary education in Cicero, IL and earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Chicago in 1942. He served during World War II as a machine gunner in the Pacific Theatre, where he participated in five invasions and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and five Bronze Battle Stars. Following his military service, he returned to the University of Chicago and received his master's degree in social science in 1946 and Ph.D. in political science in 1959. He joined the faculty of the University of North Dakota Political Science Department in 1946 and served as department chair from 1961 to 1974. He served on numerous University committees, including two terms as president of the University Senate. In 1974 he was appointed as Dean of the College for Human Resources Development. At the time of his retirement from UND in 1992, he was second only to President Tom Clifford for his years of academic service. He was often quoted as saying, "There has never been a day in my life that I didn't enjoy going to work." Dr. Tomasek married Ann Elizabeth Howell in Grand Forks on September 4, 1948. Along with his commitment to UND, family and friends, he was an active leader in the community and his church. He taught classes at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, he volunteered at the Grand Forks Mission, Boy Scouts of America, and the United Way. He was a member of the Franklin Club and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He was also known as "dean" of Central Park dike control assisting over the years in countless flood-fighting efforts. He enjoyed rock hounding, hiking and wildlife at Lake Plantagenet. Reading, music and spending time with his children and grandchildren brought him special joy. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joe, son-in-law, Toby Shotwell and his wife, Ann. He is survived by his son, Paul (and his wife Estela) Tomasek, Burbank, California and daughter, Sue Shotwell (special friend, John Moses), Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Grandchildren Nichole and Andrew Shotwell, Grace and Rachel Tomasek Service information to appear soon...... Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.