Charlie Tomlanovich

He was born in Phelps, Wis., on Feb. 14, 1950, the son of the late Mike and June (Dibbs) Tomlanovich.

Charlie grew up in Eagle River, Wis., enjoyed racing snowmobiles, playing hockey, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his brother, sisters and his family, especially his granddaughters watching them play hockey and softball.

Charlie graduated from Northland Pines High School in 1969; he went on to the skilled mechanical trade and became a master plumber.

He was a member of U.P. Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 and along with his son, Eli, owned and operated Sunrise Plumbing in Norway.

Charlie always brought joy to those around him, waved at everyone he knew and often said “I’ve always thought that it’s nice to be nice, we can’t save the world, but we can try. Any thing short of death, or something happening to our kids, we should be okay.”

Charlie is survived by his son, Eli (Jessica) Tomlanovich of Norway; daughter, Jodi (Nick) First of Grand Rapids, Mich.; grandchildren Lilly and Lyla Tomlanovich, and Grayson, Halston, Axton and Declan First; brother Donnie (Joan) Tomlanovich; sisters Gloria McDonald and Mary (Jay) Wentworth, all of Eagle River; many nieces and nephews.

Family will greet friends on Tuesday, May 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.

Condolences to the family of Charlie may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.