Richard Tornowske

Richard C. Tornowske , 78, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at his Green Lake Home, which he called his "Happy Place", with his loving wife of 50+ years by his side.
Dick was born on April 9, 1940 in Gilman, WI, to parents, Jeanette (VanGordon) and Russell Tornowske. His parents moved to Elmwood where his Dad was the principal. They moved to Eau Claire when Dick was in 5 th grade where his Dad owned and operated the Starr Avenue Superette. Dick graduated from Eau Claire high school in 1958. He then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a full baseball scholarship and graduated in 1962 with his Bachelor’s Degree. He taught and coached at Baldwin Woodville for three years. Dick was a teacher, coach and athletic director at Eau Claire Memorial High School for 30 years until he retired in 1995. Since then, he has resided in Webster, WI, on Green Lake in the summers and winters in Scottsdale, AZ, where they were blessed to have 23 years of retirement.
Dick was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his many friends, kids and grandkids whether it was in Canada or at Green Lake. Dick loved all the wonderful trips he and Judy were so fortunate to take with their friends and family. Their very last trip was a cruise celebrating their 50th anniversary with all of their children! He loved spending time with his family and friends at Green Lake and in their home in Arizona. He's left us with wonderful memories!
Dick is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; aunts and uncles; and son-in-law Joe Connors.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Judy; children: Amy (Randi) Heimstead and Ann Krueger; Kim (Dale) Connors-Johnson, Kelly (Dean) Watt, Kevin (Marghan) Curry; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Steve (Kay) Catlin and Rick Catlin; sisters-in-law, Mary (Joe) Giammona, Sally (Bill) Biscobing and Barb (David) Henderson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 11:00AM (visitation from 10-11:00AM) at Lakeside Community Lutheran Church in Webster, WI, with Pastor Bill Schroeder officiating.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at Florian Gardens Conference Center, 2340 Lorch Ave, Eau Claire, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the YMCA Strong Kids Program in Eau Claire, WI.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Pastor Bill, the EMTs, first responders, sheriff deputies and wonderful friends who were there at our time of need.
"If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again"
Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor in Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at  www.swedberg-taylor.com