Stephen Joseph Tomeck

Stephen J. Tomeck (AKA The Man in Black) passed away peacefully at age 74, on the early morning of April 24th, 2025 at home after a long battle with cancer. Stephen was a beloved community member and resident of Duluth, Minnesota. He served in the US Marine Corps in the Vietnam war from 1968 to 1971 aboard the USS Hancock, after returning home he went to college to pursue a welding degree, and then found a passion for cooking and worked as a chef in many restaurants, including the Buena Vista and Casa De Roma. 

Stephen was a devoted single father and raised his two children: Zachary J. Tomeck and Sophia A. Tomeck. When his granddaughter was born he took an early retirement. It was then that he took a vow of sobriety. Stephen enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his granddaughter, who could be found as his shadow. He loved volunteering at her school. 

Stephen was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Many mornings you could find him having coffee at the Rustic with his buddies. He especially enjoyed barbecuing, fishing, Friday fish fries with his brother Paul, taking his granddaughter on adventures around town, and going to fairs and festivals. He was a devoted catholic and was a member of the Saint Peter’s Church, but when it closed he attended various churches in the city. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Earl Tomeck; and older brother Eugene Tomeck. He is survived by his two children, Zachary and Sophia Tomeck; granddaughter, Madison McKean; sister, JoAnne Manaski; younger brother, Paul Tomeck; nephew, Corey Andresen; niece Erin (Andrew) Adney, and numerous cousins. A special thank you to Father Sekhar, Marissa Richardson, Julie Schultz, Allison Herrick, the Essentia Health Hospice care team, Stephen’s best friend John Grafmyre, and Stephen’s bonus granddaughters Abby Grafmyre and Kayleen Harshman. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. (Elvis has left the building, but never forgotten). 

A Visitation will be held in Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd St, Duluth, on Thursday, May 1st from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. The visitation will continue on Friday, 2nd at 9:00 a.m. in St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 325 E 3rd St, Duluth. Mass of Christian Burial will start at 10:00 a.m.