John "Jack" Tomhave

John Edward “Jack” Tomhave, 81, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, where he has resided for the past year and a half.   He was born on July 1, 1939, in Red Wing to Leonard and Sadie (Moen) Tomhave.  He was baptized on August 27, 1939 by Pastor Baumann and confirmed on May 24, 1953 by Pastor Barthels at St. John's Lutheran Church, He graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1957.  He attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and then the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he graduated with a degree in education teaching mathematics.  On August 7, 1965 he was united in marriage to Darlene Charlson.   He dedicated his entire education career as an Algebra teacher and Assistant Principal to the Ellsworth Junior High School and later Ellsworth Middle School until retiring in 2000.  His untiring dedication to students in the Ellsworth School System, and the professional excellence he exhibited through his career as a teacher and assistant principal was recognized by his being named State of Wisconsin Teacher of the Year in 1997. It would be difficult to truly quantify the lives he impacted in his time in education.  He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing, where he served on the church council and was congregational president. He umpired Little League games and played amateur softball on a local team.  Jack was an avid Twins fan and enjoyed taking in games when time allowed. He also enjoyed traveling, where he took many photos, and spending time with his grandchildren.  Jack was also instrumental in organizing gatherings and reunions for the class of 1957 and for his extended family.

Jack is survived by his wife, Darlene, of Belle Plaine; one son, Daniel (Stacy) Tomhave of Mankato; two grandchildren, Tyler and Caleb Tomhave of Mankato; one sister,  Ruth (Dennis) Fulton of Sedona, Arizona; one brother, Paul (Connie) Tomhave of Spring Lake, Michigan and  nieces and nephews,  Daren  Tomhave, Randy Charlson, Greg Charlson, Charles Charlson, Teresa Charlson and Lisa Prehn.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Due to COVID 19, a private family service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Peter Sternberg officiating.  The service will be lived streamed on the church’s facebook page at 11 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2021. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery.   Memorials are preferred to The Lutheran Home of Belle Plaine or St. John's Lutheran Church.  Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.