Daniel Jay Tompkins

POYNETTE / MERCER – Daniel Jay Tompkins, age 71, of Poynette and Mercer, Wisconsin, passed away on September 19, 2026, at Meriter Hospital.

He was born on August 20, 1955, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Myrwin and Betty Tompkins. Daniel spent the majority of his life in Poynette. While he was still in elementary school, his family moved from Madison to their rural farm home, where he developed a love of the outdoors and the simple joys of country life that remained with him throughout his life. He graduated from Poynette High School in 1973. On June 29, 1974, Daniel married the love of his life, Sandra (née Lawry) Tompkins. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, friendship, and countless memories. Daniel was a longtime member of Poynette Presbyterian Church, where he was a part of the church community for the majority of his life. Daniel spent much of his career in sales, including several years with Professional Products. Before retiring in 2017, he also worked in service, specializing in plumbing and radon mitigation. In 2017, Daniel and Sandra retired to Mercer, Wisconsin, where they were able to spend their retirement years enjoying the place Daniel loved most, the North. He cherished waking up with Sandra by his side and taking in their beautiful northern lakeside view.  Many summer hours were spent on the lake, enjoying pontoon rides with Sandra, family, and friends. In the winter, Daniel enjoyed snowmobiling throughout Iron County and the surrounding areas and took great pride in grooming the snowmobile trails for others to enjoy. These years gave Daniel the opportunity to spend his time doing what he loved, surrounded by the people and places that meant the most to him.

Family was at the heart of Daniel’s life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, with many hours spent coaching and watching his children play sports when they were younger, and in more recent years, he took great joy in cheering on his grandchildren and supporting them in all of their endeavors. Daniel also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. If the Packers were playing, you could likely find him settled back in his chair, taking in the game. He will be remembered for his love of his family, his devotion to Sandra, his love of the outdoors and the North, and the many lives he touched through family, friendship, work, church, and community.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandra (née Lawry) Tompkins; his son, Daniel (Charity) Tompkins, of Rio, Wisconsin; his daughter, Darcy (Brandon) Steinhorst, of Poynette, Wisconsin; and his grandchildren, Danielle (Matthew Gaston), Charlotte, and Samantha Tompkins, and Brooke, Maggie, and Sawyer Steinhorst. He is also survived by his siblings, Dave Tompkins, Joe (Renee) Tompkins, and Deb Holmes; sisters-in-law Marianne (James) McMillan, Kris-Anne Tompkins, and Elaine Lawry; brother-in-law Jim (Donna) Lawry; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrwin and Betty Tompkins; his brother, Jack Tompkins; sister-in-law Virginia Lynch; and brothers-in-law David Lawry and John Lawry.

Daniel leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his love with them always.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at Poynette Presbyterian Church, 224 N. Main Street, Poynette, Wisconsin 53955. A service celebrating Daniel’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m., then, a luncheon to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the family, who will direct them to Poynette Presbyterian Church or the Mercer Area Sno-Goers.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.