John Thomas “Tom” Banyas, of Franklin, WI, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 87. 

Tom was born on March 10, 1939, in Ottumwa, IA, and grew up on a farm near the small town of Farson, where he graduated from high school in a class of seven. He served in the US Army from 1962-64, stationed at Fort Knox, KY, for the entire 2 years. His unit included many civilians, and he said he spent a lot of time teaching Kentuckians how to cut paper snowflakes. After his military service, he enrolled at Iowa State University, where he earned Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering. He went on to work for companies in Freeport, IL; Oskaloosa and Marshalltown, IA; and Michigan City, IN. 

After retiring, Tom turned his interests in farming and auto racing into a second career of sorts. He repaired and restored farm toys and trucks, selling them to customers across the country. He had a particular fondness for Farmall red tractors, Richard Petty, and visiting the Dyersville farm toy show with his 3 brothers, who were his best friends. He spoke with them often by phone and email. 

Tom was known for being quiet but plainspoken, and he had little patience for what he considered “bull *%#&.” He was gruff and could be crotchety, but he also had a sense of humor and was never one to pretend to be someone he wasn’t. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joy; his children, Jill (Chris) Zacher and Daniel Banyas; his grandchildren, Julia Zacher, Tom Zacher and Amanda Banyas; and his brothers Steve, Gary (Vicki), and Dan (Marcia). He was preceded in death by his grandson Nick; his parents John and Mary; his brother Jim; and his sister-in-law Joyce. 

The family would like to thank his caregivers at Creekside Terrace, especially Belinda, Tia, Robin, Melissa, Katelyn, and Jeanette (he sure loved Jeanette’s fried chicken), for the care and kindness they provided to Tom for more than three years. The family also thanks Mary and the entire team at Preceptor Home Health & Hospice for their care and support during the final part of his life. 

Family and friends are invited to gather in Tom’s memory on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Mission Hills Chapel, 8910 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin, WI. A Catholic funeral liturgy will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Preceptor Home Health & Hospice, 20875 Crossroads Cir #850, Waukesha, WI 53186.