Anthony �Tony� Spaeth

Anthony "Tony" Spaeth, 83, of Viroqua died Saturday, April 20, 2013 Normal 0 false false false Anthony J. (Tony) Spaeth, age 83 of Viroqua passed away on April 20, 2013 at Vernon Memorial Health Care surrounded by family. Tony was born in Monroe County on October 31, 1929 to Peter and Anna (Mlsna) Spaeth. He graduated from Cashton High School in 1947. During high school Tony worked a short time in the Portland cheese factory and then started working in the meat cutting business until 1951, at which time he entered the United States Army. He trained in Camp Gordon, Georgia for the army signal corps, and was later assigned to Camp Oatsu in Japan to be a radio operator in the Southwest Command. After discharge, he resumed his meat cutting career, which he held for over 40 years at various locations including Super Valu and D.W. Meats in Viroqua. Tony was also engaged in beef, and later, dairy farming operations for a number of years as well. Upon retiring from the meat cutting business, Tony drove school bus for the Viroqua School District for 11 years. As if life werent busy enough, Tony also started and operated an apple orchard on his property for over 20 years. On October 26, 1957 he married Patricia Mullenberg and together they raised 5 children. He was a wonderful father and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.. Tony was an active member of St. Marys Catholic Church and was involved in various church activities and functions, including teaching catechism classes, lector at masses, and helping with the summer chicken dinners and fall dinners. He was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Tony was a member of the Viroqua VFW and a charter member of the Cashton VFW as well. Tony was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and also enjoyed raising and training fox hounds, including several field trial champions. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in the north woods. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, reading and doing puzzles. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, of 55 years, and 5 children, Tammy (Daron ) Jefson, Tracey (Charles) Simpson, Terry (Joy) Spaeth, Todd (Konna) Spaeth, and Tim (Cheryl) Spaeth; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie ( Joe Vikemyr) Spaeth and Vanessa Jefson, Autumn Simpson, Eric and Corrine Spaeth, Lindsey (Ryan) Formanek, Chelsey (Dustin) Rogers and Sophie Spaeth, Tara(Jason) Hollander, Casey (Tom) Dubinski and Charlie (Kelli Irish) Spaeth and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 5 sisters, RoseAnn (David) Silbaugh, Wilma Spaeth, Charlene (Cliff) Romfoe, Mary (Jim) Will, and Angela (Gary) Spade and by 4 brothers, Raymond (Judy) Spaeth, Edmond (Ruth) Spaeth, Albert (Norma) Spaeth, Larry (Kala) Spaeth, a sister in law, Marjorie Spaeth and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, by 4 brothers, Francis, Cletus, LaVern and Peter, a sister in law, Phyllis Spaeth, and a brother in law, Ron Hauser. Blessed be the memory of Tony Spaeth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Viroqua. Monsignor Francis Abuah Quansah will celebrate the Mass. Burial with military honors will be in Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St. (Hwy 56), in Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday after 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers and plants, contributions may be made to the family for a memorial to be designated at a later date. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.