Casey J. Tomlinson

Casey James Tomlinson, 46, left this world surrounded by tremendous amounts of love Friday, March 8, 2024, at the age of 46. Casey was born June 24, 1977 to James and Christine Tomlinson, little brother to Heidi and Andrew. 

Known as “Spooner” to most of his friends, Casey grew up in Poynette, Wisconsin, where he made his home for most of his life. Casey joined the Poynette / Dekorra Fire Department as a volunteer Firefighter when he was 17 years old, a role he committed to for 25 years.  He started building his welding career at an early age, spending time at both Kilgust Mechanical and ACS, where coworkers quickly became friends.  Casey married Juanita Bankers in 1999, then welcomed their baby girl Leah in 2001.  The same year, Casey and Juanita became co-owners of the Arlington Inn with their good friend Pudge, who eventually took over the business. Casey and Juanita continued to build their family, welcoming Jesse, Wyatt, and Josie to make their family complete … or so they thought.  Life took some turns for their family, which gave them the opportunity to welcome their nephew Maurice and their niece Makaylah into their home for many years, truly completing their family.  Casey obtained his realtors license, working with Juanita at Turning Point Realty for several years before taking a leap of faith and purchasing Kelly Lake Motel, in Suring, Wisconsin, which became his final resting place.  Owning and operating this motel was Casey’s dream.  He loved hosting guests of all sorts, showing them the area, and accompanying them on the trails with his ATV.  

To say Casey was competitive was an understatement.  If there was a way to make something a competition, he was in – as was his ridiculous trash talking.  And things were great when Casey won, but if he didn’t, look out world. He followed NASCAR and was devastated the day Dale Earnhardt passed. He learned his dance moves from one of his favorite movies, Saturday Night Fever. He knew his firearms well and was known to be the local go-to for all questions gun related. Casey enjoyed family trips to Hayward and Mexico and spent many of his summers early on boating on Lake Wisconsin.  He and Juanita often took mini trips to bed and breakfasts around the state, always finding time to be together.

When Casey was really happy, you knew it from this glimmer he’d get in his eye.  It was hard to describe, but so beautiful and full of light.  You couldn’t help but adore him when you saw it.  It made you love him and forgive him.

Casey is survived by his beloved wife, partner, and strongest supporter, Juanita, and their babies Leah Rose (Jacob), Jesse James (Katie), Wyatt Joseph, and Josie JoAnn, a grandbaby due to Leah and Jacob later this month, his parents, James and Christine, sister Heidi, brother Andrew, special niece and nephew Maurice and Makaylah, mother-in-law Sue Purves (Al), many aunts, uncles, other nieces and nephews, and so many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, fathers-in-law, Kevin and Brian, sister-in-law Kayla, and brother-in-law Michael. 

A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 15 at 6 PM at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville. Visitation will be held from 2 PM until the time of the service. 

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