Henry Joseph Tomasic passed away on May 11, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born from Merriam, Kansas, on February 9, 2001, and he passed away in Lawrence, Kansas. He left behind wonderful memories that will be remembered for all time since he was a loving son, brother, and friend to a great number of people.
Henry, 23, transformed the lives of others around him via his kind attitude and unshakable resolve. Henry worked hard to fulfill his academic goals while attending the University of Kansas. His employment at Blind Box BBQ and Tropical Smoothie Cafe demonstrated his strong work ethic and approachability. He had two professional accounting internships, at Myers and Stauffer and Security Benefit.
Henry really loved learning. It wasn’t just about perfecting a skill or solving a problem for him; it was about the thrill of discovery, unravelling the universe’s secrets one little revelation at a time. And his humble quest of knowledge inspired everyone around him to do the same. Henry was quite interested in astronomy, and he even made his own telescope from parts found at Home Depot and online.
He adored his cat Lucina and liked golf, soccer, tennis, swimming, skating, watching Chiefs football, and cheering for Jayhawk basketball and football teams. In 2022, Henry drove to New Orleans to personally cheer on the Jayhawks to the National Championship. Henry’s service as president of Phi Kappa Tau and the St. John’s Men’s Club highlighted his commitment to leadership and community.
Henry’s education began at Broken Arrow Elementary School and continued to Trailridge Middle School. He graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest in 2019 and will graduate from the University of Kansas in 2024. He played varsity tennis, swimming, and soccer. Henry was an exceptional student who achieved significant milestones such as an ACT score of 35, National Merit Scholar: Commended, the Chancellor’s scholarship, and a regular position on the Dean’s list. His academic grades reflected his hard work and devotion.
His maternal grandparents, Dr. William G. Osoba and Barbara Osoba, as well as his aunt Jan Osoba Bosserman, cousin Grant Nelson, and grand “friend” Diane Hudyka, all died before Henry. He is survived by his parents, Pucka O. Tomasic and Mark J. Tomasic, and stepmother, April Tomasic; twin sisters, Sophie and Lila Tomasic; younger brother, Frank Tomasic, and stepbrothers Matthew and Quinten Wittenauer; paternal grandparents, Nick and Karolyn Tomasic; and a large number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas. The funeral will be conducted on Friday, May 17th, at 10 a.m. at Shawnee Presbyterian Church, 6837 Nieman Road, Shawnee. A private burial will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Shawnee.
