West Bend, Wi – Anthony (Tony) Raymond Spaeth, 84, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024. Tony was born on April 9, 1940, in the town of Polk to the late Isadore and Lorraine (Hentz) Spaeth. The farmstead on which he was born and raised is now the site of the Washington County Fairgrounds.
He attended Holy Angels Grade School and graduated from West Bend High School where he excelled in sports, receiving the Pick award in 1958. Tony was united in marriage to Mary Jane (Knoebel) in 1959. Together they raised four children, Connie, Janet, and Tony and the late Michael.
He worked for WE Energies (Wisconsin Electric) for 45 years, starting as a meter reader and working his way up to an Engineering Technician. In addition, Tony served as a part-time Police Officer for the city of West Bend for 18 years. While working, he went back to school and received his associate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Washington County in 1975.
Tony was an active member of the community. He was a life-long parishioner of Holy Angels Parish; a member of the Moose Lodge since 1963; a 57-year member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving the level of 4th degree, and instrumental in creating the KC Hall (now The Columbian). Tony also held office as an Alderman where he started the curb-side recycling program in West Bend and volunteered his time and talents to the Friends of Lac Lawrann Conservancy.
Tony’s interests and hobbies included camping, bowling, woodworking, NASCAR racing (Dale Earnhardt), traveling (especially the annual family trips to the beach), and football. As a die-hard Packers fan, he attended many games at Lambeau Field with his brother Jerome, including the legendary “Ice Bowl.” As a loyal Badger fan and proud father, he attended countless games, never missing the opportunity to see his son, Tony, play football for the University of Wisconsin.
Dad loved sharing stories of growing up on the farm, and will be remembered for his smile, quick wit, being the best fixer-upper, willingness to help others, but above all, his love and devotion to his children and grandchildren. No matter rain or shine, he never missed a chance to attend their activities and sporting events.
Tony is survived by his wife Mary Jane (Knoebel) Spaeth, his loving children Connie (Scott) McDonald, Janet Spaeth, Tony (Michelle) Spaeth, and his grandchildren Ryan McDonald, Eryn McDonald, Abby Spaeth, and Sydney, Christian, and Averie Spaeth. He is also survived by his brothers Jerome (Diane), Bernie (Trish), Ron (Helen), Rich (Judy), and sister Lucy (Dave) Bingen, his sisters-in-law Kay (Harry) Chesak, Joan (Marcel) Lindert, Ruth (Jack) Reis, and Ruth Spaeth, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his son Michael, in-laws Ward (Bud) and Jane Knoebel, siblings Hank (Laverne) Spaeth, Sister Gabriel Mary Spaeth SSND, Chuck Spaeth, Alice (Merlin) Adelmeyer, Mary (Lloyd) Verhaalen, Sister Laura Jean Spaeth SSND, nieces Barbara Verhaalen and Sherry Lutz, and nephews Dennis Spaeth, Chuckie Spaeth, and Tom Chesak.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cornerstone Assisted Living and Allay Hospice for taking such wonderful care of Dad; his niece Sue Adelmeyer for her ongoing spiritual support throughout his journey “home”; Rev. Howard Haase for providing peace through his anointing; and our heartfelt appreciation to our amazing extended family and friends who visited often and made his last months’ special. As Dad would say, “Thank you for coming.”
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Tony’s name to Holy Angels School.
Following the Mass there will be a celebration of life at the Walnut Room.
The Schmidt Funeral Home is serving the family. Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.
Below is a tribute that was published earlier this week about Tony Spaeth Sr. and his commitment to the community of West Bend, WI.
West Bend, WI – One of the few remaining godfathers of the community has died. Tony Spaeth Sr. passed Thursday, October 24, 2024. He was 84.
