Obituary of Maxine Tomash

Maxine June Tomash of Williamsburg and formerly the Oxford and Tiffin areas, died Wednesday, June 19, 2024.  At the Compass Memorial Healthcare Hospital in Marengo.  She was taken to heaven while surrounded by her loving family near and far and listening to her favorite Danny O’Donnel Hymns. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, August 3^rd 2024 at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home, with a time of visitation from 10 am until the time of the service.    

Maxine June Madden was born April 11, 1924, in rural Johnson County, Iowa the daughter of John and Lillian (Curry) Madden.  She was united in marriage to Leonard F. Tomash in 1942 in Monticello, Missouri.  Soon after, Maxine followed Leonard to several states in order to be with him during his military basic training.  Their first child, Jim was born in 1943 in Tacoma, Washington.  Maxine often said those were some of the best times of her life. After Leonard was deployed to Germany during WWII, Maxine traveled with little seven month old Jimmy by train back to Iowa where they were greeted by Granny and Grandpa Tomash on Christmas Eve. After Leonard came home from his deployment in Europe, the young couple was able to begin their married life together.  From humble beginnings, they were so grateful to have the help and support of both their parents as they were given a wood stove, firewood, and some farm animals for their new farm life together.  Their family life grew with the addition of their   daughter, Linda who was born in Iowa City, Iowa in 1947.  The proud couple now had Jim and Linda who they raised in the Tiffin and Oxford areas. 

Maxine’s joy was her family.  There was never a day that she didn’t have an after school snack waiting for Jim and Linda, before they started their chores. She brought warm meals for Jim and Linda to the country school house often so they didn’t have to eat cold sack lunches everyday.  She was taught by her mom Lilly, at an early age how to can, make homemade candy, and make her famous pies. Later, Granny Tomash taught her how to make kolaches, breads and noodles. Maxine worked hard and lovingly to provide for her family whether it be in the kitchen, or helping Leonard in the fields. She loved when her sisters got together for gardening and canning. She was also involved in all of the country school events.

As her family grew and started families of their own, Maxine and Leonard enjoyed traveling.  They had many campers that they would take all over the United States to see friends and family.  Later, they found a special place in McAllen Texas where they were snowbirds.  Here they met many, many friends who also became part of the family.

After Leonard passed away, Maxine moved to a home in southern Iowa built by her son, Jim. When she finally had a quiet moment in her life, she loved her time on her screen porch listening to birds and watching for deer. She also enjoyed baking pies for family and neighbors, picking blackberries, and taking gator rides in the timber.   

Her family that survives includes her daughter, Linda Simonson; daughters-in-law, Kim Tomash, Marylin Lee Netolicky, Jeanie Conkling; Sister, Margie Swenka; Grandchildren, Holly Driskill (Les), Tarena Toy (Don), Bowe Tomash (Kristy), Jeff Simonson (Dayna), J.J. Tomash (Nicole); Great-Grandchildren, Chase Sick (Kelsey), Bailey Tomash (Andrew), Seeley Driskill, Trevor Toy (Jenna), Derek Toy (Alexi), Mason Tomash, Mead Tomash, Molly Tomash, JoHanna Tomash, Ryder Tomash; great-great-grandchildren;  Bridger Tomash, Savanah Sick, Huntleigh Sick, Tommy Toy, and several nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; son, Jim Tomash; son-in-law, John Simonson; parents, John and Lillian (Curry) Madden; inlaws, Anna and Frank Tomash; Siblings, George “Buzz” Madden, Lyle Madden, Wilbur Madden, Ruth Carmona, Joan Reese,  Dorothy Verry, Marlene Holderness, Virginia Smith, Mary Ellen Madden, Donald Madden; brother-in-law, Frank Tomash; Special sister-in-laws, Doloras Tomash and Iona Madden

Found in Maxine’s Journal:

I still miss my mom and dad.  They both did so much hard work to raise us.  Now, many years later, I have my own family to love and care for.  

My Love Always,

Mom “2018”