Will Tomlinson, age 12, of Rio, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, on his family’s farm.

Will was born October 5, 2012, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Joe and Jennifer Tomlinson, who were married December 22, 2001, in Madison.

Will attended Rio Middle/High School and was enrolled at St. James Catholic School for the upcoming 7th-grade year. He loved the outdoors and was a natural athlete. He played baseball for the Rio Youth Baseball Team and hockey in the greater Madison area with the Sun Prairie Youth Hockey Association and the Madison Capitols AAA.

Will was the best big brother and cousin you could ask for and a true friend to so many. He wore a smirk that made you love him instantly and wonder what he was up to. He had an incredible ability to accept people just as they were, and the quiet confidence that inspired those around him. He was super competitive—not just in sports, but in everything from Monopoly and Brawl Stars to tag and even the quiet game in the car with his siblings. He loved sushi and avocado toast, listening to music that made his mom cringe, and playing catch with his dad. He raised his own chickens, stacked a mean load of hay, and found comfort snuggling with his beloved four-legged friend, Stella.

Will was always in motion—shooting basketballs in the house, playing knee hockey in the basement, casting fishing lines in the driveway, hitting golf balls in the yard, or playing hide-and-seek with his siblings and their friends. His million-dollar smile lit up every room, and when he hugged you, you could feel all the love he carried wrapped in that embrace.

Anyone who knew Will, knew that he rarely left home without putting a pole or two in the car, just in case there was time to stop and fish somewhere.

Will is survived by his parents, Joe and Jennifer Tomlinson; his brother, Mason Tomlinson (10); and his sister, Solene Tomlinson (8). He is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Mary Beth Tomlinson; his maternal grandparents, Tom and Judy Priske; uncles and aunts Paul (Cindy) Tomlinson and their children Erin and Jack, Mike (Melanie) Tomlinson and their children Myles and Mya, Matt (Erin) Tomlinson and their children Gunner and Charley, and Brian Priske and his daughter Reyne; as well as his great uncle and aunt, John and Dorothy Priske. He leaves behind many other special family members, close friends, coaches and teammates who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his aunt, Holly Marie (Matecki) Priske (Brian), and his cousin, Broderick Charles Priske, son of Brian and Holly Priske.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Rio Middle/High School. A Mass will be held on Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church. In Will’s honor, throw a fishing pole or two in your car—you might just find a good spot down the road at Olbrich to cast a line.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the family or https://www.gofundme.com/f/wa42vj-support-the-tomlinson-family-in-their-time-of-grief. The contributions will be used in a meaningful way to honor and memorialize Will’s memory. Details will be shared at a later time.

The Tomlinson family is deeply grateful for the love and support surrounding our beautiful boy during his 12 precious years. That love helped shape him into the bright light that he was and will always be. We hold special gratitude for our Rio community, whose kindness and care have lifted our family when we needed it most.

Stay golden, Will.