Daniel "Dan" John Vomastek

Daniel “Dan” John Vomastek, 54 of Portage, Michigan passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024 with his loving family at his side at Munson Medical Center. Dan was born on July 11, 1969 in Cadillac, Michigan to the late Roy and Shirley (Brenner) Vomastek. He was raised in McBain on the family’s dairy farm. He graduated from McBain Public High School in 1987. He then continued his education and graduated from Michigan Tech in 1992 with a B.S. in Mathematics and a science and education minor. Dan was hired in the South Haven School District as a Math Teacher, Year Book Advisor and Tech Specialist from 1992-1998. Then he moved to the Bangor Schools as the Director of Technology and Media Services from 1998-2001. All while teaching, he earned his Master’s in Education Technology from Grand Valley State University in 1999. Dan was hired at Portage Public Schools in March 2001 as the Assessment Coordinator and IMS Director. In 2001, he continued his education earning his MBA in Computer Information Systems at Western Michigan University in 2007. He proudly ended his career as the Director of Technology Services at Portage Public Schools. Dan provided the educational technology expertise during the building of seven new schools and two extensive school renovations. He oversaw the successful adoption of 1-1 devices for all Portage Public School staff and students. He championed the implementation of best technology practices in education for Portage Public Schools. Dan oversaw the creation of a robust technology infrastructure in Portage Public Schools and he mentored many students in IB Diplomas. Dan took great pride in helping with the Portage Central High School yearbook advisory team. He especially helped Ann Alburtus and the Portage Central High School yearbook team these last five years with enhancing yearbook photography. He truly loved the opportunity in teaching kids how to use the cameras and how to take quality photos. He was so happy to share his love of photography with his students and colleagues. He oversaw and established digital gradebooks for staff and introduced the “Parent Internet Viewer” for parents to see student grades. He proudly mentored and supported teachers, leaders, and the technology team at Portage Public Schools. Most recently, he was named the National Honor Society Teacher of the Year. To provide a frame of reference as to how young Dan was when he got into education, he once shared that, "I started teaching when I was 21. Had my first solo classroom at 23.” Beyond his professional life, Dan was an incredible dad, and loved his role as the neighborhood kid hang out place. His love for cooking brought joy to all of the kids. A passionate photographer, his works adorned lakeshoreclick.com. He took pride in capturing a wide variance of photos from senior photos for many students to just beautiful photos and placing them on his website for the world to enjoy. He also enjoyed photographing weddings on the side. Dan will be remembered as a dedicated educator and administrator for over three decades, whom always took pride and prioritized his teachers and students first. A cherished coworker, his Portage Public School family will profoundly miss him. His legacy as a son, father, brother, colleague, teacher and friend will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to know and love him. He once said that he learned more from the kids than he ever taught them. He is survived by his children Will and Ella Vomastek, his mother Shirley Vomastek, his siblings Andrew (Rose Holly) Vomastek, Dr. Edward (Tamara) Vomastek, Dr. Rebecca Hagerty, many nieces, cousins and friends. His is preceded in death by his father Roy. Private family gatherings will be held. In lieu of cards or flowers please make memorial contributions to https://www.portageeducationfoundation.org/donate.html. Please to indicate Dan Vomastek in your Memorial Donation.

Daniel "Dan" John Vomastek

July 11, 1969 - February 27, 2024