Jon E. Tomer (Jack), of Portage passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on August 11, 1938, in Hudson, MI. He was the son of Robert and Doris (Winters) Tomer.

Jack grew up in the small town of Hudson, Michigan, in his early years he lived on a farm (with an outhouse for the toilet!). The family eventually moved into town where his mother and father owned a laundry and dry-cleaning business for several years. A standout athlete at Hudson High School, Jack graduated with the Class of 1956. In his high school years, he was an acclaimed four-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Of all his sports, basketball was his passion, and he was a “gym rat” at heart.

After high school, Jack pursued higher education at Western Michigan University, from which he graduated with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. His passion for athletics continued at WMU as an accomplished track athlete and where he also played football. Jack married the love of his life Doris Burkholder in Kalamazoo, on January 18, 1964. They met while working at ANR Freight in Kalamazoo and were married 55 years. They had three children, Jon, David, and Lia.

Jack committed much of his professional life to education and athletics, impacting generations of students as a Physical Education and History teacher at Portage Northern Middle and High School for over 28 years prior to his retirement. He wore many hats during his tenure at Portage Northern, serving as an assistant varsity football coach, head basketball coach, and Athletic Director. Beyond his work at Portage Northern, he extended his coaching expertise to Kalamazoo College, where he served as assistant football coach for a period.

Jack’s life revolved around coaching, teaching and his family. Throughout his career, Jack was known for always supporting the underdog, a testament to his strong-willed personality and his genuine compassion for others. His good sense of humor brightened many lives, both on and off the field, and endeared him to colleagues, students, and athletes alike.

Jack found great enjoyment in hobbies such as fishing, home improvement projects, and tinkering on his computer. He was also a supporter of University of Michigan sports as he never once predicted them to lose a game in his 88 years on this earth!

Jack is preceded in death by his wife Doris in 2019; his parents: Robert and Doris Tomer; sister: Patricia Myers; and brother: Robert Tomer.

He is survived by his three children: Jon A. (Alice) Tomer; of Richland; David (Julie) Tomer, of Kalamazoo; and Lia (Don) Swetay, of Portage; six grandchildren: Ryan Tomer, Lucy (Sean) Arnoldt, Jack Tomer, Hanna Tomer, Lydia Swetay, and Gracie Swetay; and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his black lab and dear friend, Molly.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at the funeral home from 1pm until 4pm. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Jon’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with his family.

The Tomer family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.