Tony Waluch 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Sept. 7th, 2014.
Born August 20, 1930, the youngest of three children to Rudolf and Irene (Csavoy) Waluch, following the families’ emigration from Trencin, Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) in the late 1920’s.
He attended Kenosha schools and graduated from Mary D Bradford HS, participating in basketball and track. Following school, he was approached by the Arthur Murray Dance Organization and offered an opportunity to learn all methods of dance steps. Tony was light on his feet and his naturally ebullient personality made him a favorite dance partner.
He married Betty Lou Gross 1956, they had five children, divorcing in 1975. He married Donna (Tuttle) Euting in 1976, which ended in divorce in 1983.
He served in the US Army during the Korean War, and maintained lifelong contact with fellow soldiers from that era.
Serving as a union steward for the IBEW for many years, Tony worked as a dispatcher for the Wisconsin Gas & Electric Co., where for 37 years he was the calm, assured voice that Kenosha and Racine relied upon for service assistance.
Tony was an avid golfer, and for many years played in leagues at Petrifying Springs, winning many EMBA championships for his efforts. Upon his retirement, he wintered in Sarasota, FL and Winter Park, FL with his daughter – where he met up with countless Kenosha friends, continuing to hone his game – as well as his considerable culinary skills…never cooking for 2 – always the more the merrier.
Tony loved his family, and always looked out for those less fortunate. He was a kind, loyal friend with many friendships spanning decades. He was quick with a joke and a smile, making friends everywhere he went.
Tony shared his lifelong love of the Green Bay Packers with his kids. Sundays were about decking out in “Packer-wear” and watching the game “hashing out details during the breaks”, or complaining about it after the game…it could get pretty loud at Cambridge on a Sunday. Saturdays, it was all about the Badger games.
He is survived by his sister, Annie VonArx, Elmhurst, IL, Sister in law Maryellen (Steve) Waluch, Oakland, CA; Sons: Jeffrey Waluch, Dallas, TX.; Rudy (Missy) Waluch Lake Orion, MI.; Daughters: Terry Waluch, Kenosha, WI. & Mary (Waluch) Apostolu Venice, FL. Grandsons: Charlie Waluch, Kenosha, Reece & Owen Waluch , Lake Orion, and Jake & Luke Apostolu, Venice; Granddaughter, Tayloranne Waluch, Kerrville, TX, Great Grandson, Tatum Waluch Kerrville. Nieces: Ilene (Robert) Lane, Naperville, IL; Susan Lee (Ken) Story, Seattle, Annette (Von Arx) Schulte, Elmhurst, IL; Debby Von Arx Elmhurst, IL; Waluch’s in Oakland, CA. (Stephanie, Peggy, Bridget, Mimi, Renee’, Virginia, Christine (Christ); Nephews: Frank Von Arx, Los Angeles, CA; David Waluch, Las Vegas,NV
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolf and Irene Waluch, his brother Steve Waluch and his infant daughter, Jean Marie.
The family wishes to thank the professional staff at St. Catherines CCU, for the excellent, compassionate care he recently received.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.
The family will receive friends at the Kemper Center, Founders Hall (6501 3rd Ave.) on Friday, Sept. 12th visitation at 3pm, followed by service. A reception will be held immediately after, at The Boat House restaurant, located at 4917 7th Ave. Kenosha.
Charlene & Jana Peachey Morrison says:
Terry, Charlie, & Family:
We were so sorry to learn of your dad’s/grandpa’s passing. He was such a nice guy. We enjoyed spending time during holidays, Charlie’s birthdays, and other occasions with him. You obviously took after him in many aspects, Terry, including looks (can’t deny that!) and mannerisms. You’ve done a wonderful job taking care of him, especially these last few months. Charlie, you were so good to go with your mom many, many times to care for your grandpa. We’re certain he appreciated the caretaking and the dependability of your visits.
You have numerous memories to hold onto as you grieve the end of his journey here on earth.
As always, please let us know if there is any way we can be of help.
Much love,
Char-Jana
Jeri & Jack Moore says:
Terry and CB~and family…
Please KNOW how sad we were to hear of your dad’s/grandpas passing but we are happy to know that finally he is at peace and rest. Your love and concern and daily trips in the morning to make sure he had his breakfast and started his day out right was a bright spot for sure in his daily routine,Terry. And when CB could accompany you, I know that Charlie’s ‘spirit’ brought him added JOY and some man talk too! And of course I know the trips continued unending thruout the day and week…for whatever the need~ or just because you wanted to bring him sunshine with your smiling faces and positive spirits…for this is what love is all about.
Memories are wonderful gifts and in time the tears will fade and smiles will return as together you and Charlie share, reminisce and remember…this and that…for your love for him and his for you will forever be etched in your inner most being…for ‘LOVE~knows no boundaries.’
And always, KNOW we are here for you two–whenever!
Only LOVE~
Jeri & Jack
Gwynne Theres says:
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. Tony was a good man.
Gwynne Theres
(Donna Euting’s Niece)
Hugh Daly says:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Rudy. May God bless you in this time of grief.
Chris and Joel Perrino (nee Arquette) says:
SO sorry for your loss. Fond memories of times at VonArx’s on VanBuren in Elmhurst – hanging in the basement, Aunt Anne’s cole slaw and much laughter from Tony and all the adults. Prayers for all the family.