Rick Tomshack went home to Our Heavenly Father, on Monday, September 22, 2008. Visitations and viewing will be from 5-8 P.M. Friday, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 27, 2008, in the chapel at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 22nd Avenue in Brookings. The family requests that memorial donations in Ricks name be placed in a memorial fund set up through Dakotaland Federal Credit Union in Volga South Dakota on Highway 14.
Richard Dale Tomshack, Jr. was born to Richard and Mary (Turner) Tomshack on March 30, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended school and graduated from Edison High School in Minneapolis. He attended college for a short time, and met his wife, Loretta Jones, at a church youth conference. Five days later, he proposed, and they married on June 30, 1978. Together, they had three wonderful boys, who were the loves of his life. He was a dedicated father and husband, placing his family above all else. Rick studied Shu Rong Ru Shotocon and loved competing, and even won two 1st place trophies as a white belt ranking against two different black belt ranking competitors.
Rick was a baker by trade, as well as having spent time in Customer Service. Rick was a loving soul, willing to help others, including strangers. He was strong in his faith, and was an Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved spending time with his family and friends, loved Martial Arts, and collected Martial Arts weaponry. He loved to pass his time doing needlework, and many a friend and family member received gifts of his talent in the form of needlework from him. He loved watching wrestling with his boys, and loved to also watch Notre Dame football. He had an amazing sense of humor, was highly intelligent, and loved a good argument. He was a tenacious man, never giving up or giving in.
Rick is survived by his wife, Loretta, his sons, Ricky Jr., Michael, and Nicholas; his mother, Mary, his brothers Steve and wife Jeanie, Tim and wife Theresa, Kevin and wife Robin; his sisters Mary Beth and husband Mel Martin, and Sandy and husband Jeff Hansen. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Dale Tomshack Sr.