Tomas Santos, 96, of Ironwood, went to his Heavenly home with his wife Kate by his side on April 25, 2024, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

He was born on January 13, 1928, to Pedro and Maria (Kowal) Santos in Blue Island, Illinois. He was a graduate of Frobel High School in Gary, Indiana. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen "Kate" Ryan on March 4, 1966, in Dyer, Indiana. Tomas went on to work throughout his years in sheet metal fabrication and was the custodian at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood.

Tomas was a proud US veteran who served his country in many ways. In 1945 he began in the Indiana National Guard, then joined the Marine Corps where he was stationed in South Carolina, Japan, China, Guam, and Philadelphia until he was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1948. Tomas went on Reserve duty until being recalled to active duty for the Korean War being stationed at Camp Lejeune then he ended his military service in the 25th Rifle Company, USMCR from 1953 to 1957. During his military service, Tomas earned the following medals; Marine Corps Good Conduct, World War II Victory, Navy Occupation Service (Asia), China Service, National Defense, and United Nations Service.

Tomas continued his service to his country as a member of the American Legion Post #5 in Ironwood, VFW Post #9084 of Wakefield, the Gogebic-Iron Detachment-Marine Corps League in Hurley and Central Wisconsin Detachment #350 in Stevens Point. He was the past commandant of the Department of Wisconsin Marine Corps League and the past commander of the Wakefield VFW Post #9084.

Besides his dedicated service to his country, Tomas was active in the community. He was involved with Habitat for Humanity, was a lector at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, volunteered at the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, volunteered at the Festival of Ironwood, and was on the honor guard for the Wakefield VFW Post #9084 and the Ironwood American Legion Post #5 making many memory boxes for deceased veterans.

Tomas will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Kate; and sister, Frances. Other relatives and friends further survive him.

Tomas was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard, Jack, Phil, Ray, and Issac; and his sister, Maria (Pasqual) Rodriguez.

Visitation for Tomas will be held on Saturday, July 27th from 9 a.m. to the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with Father Brian Gerber officiating at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood with military honors conducted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul in Ironwood.

A special thank you to Chris & John Matiska, Louis Jagla, and the staff at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility.