Anthony R. ‘Tony’ Eskofski

Tony was the firstborn of Raymond and Delores (Bayer) Eskofski on December 18, 1946 in Appleton, Wis. He attended St. Mary’s School in Menasha, Wis. from Kindergarten through graduation in 1965. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 and was stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Gwinn, Mich.

On July 15, 1967, he and Marlene “Lollie” Petrie got married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Menasha. After Tony’s discharge in 1970 they lived “back home” where he worked as a journeyman painter for various painting contractors. In 1974 he got a job as a painter at KI, but this time they only moved as far N as Rapid River. Tony eventually became foreman of the Shop and was very proud of the work he had done. He received several awards from the base commander(s) for the exceptional graphic work done on the base’s buildings.

After the base closed, he started working for VanEperen Painting in Appleton. So his family could stay in their RR home and school, Tony drove three hours one way each week, staying with family members in Menasha while working. He sacrificed much for his family.

Tony also enjoyed and was known for doing custom paint jobs on motorcycles and cars, winning first place at a show for his chopped and beefed up bike. His work ethic was beyond compare.

Tony looked forward to Friday fish fries, having brandy old-fashioneds with his sister, Sue and ALWAYS popcorn. You’re not a true Eskofski if you don’t love popcorn! He also loved Adventure Days with his grandkids and playing with his adopted four-legged “kids”, especially purring Zoe who snuggled with him to the very end.

Tony is greatly missed by his wife Lollie, sons Tony Jr of Rapid River, Troy, Terry (April), his much-loved granddaughter Keerstyn, grandson Austin Erickson, all of Escanaba, siblings Sue (Eskofski) Liebhauser of Menasha, Bill of Neenah, and Debra (Bob) of Appleton, brother-in-law Ron Petrie of Menasha, sister-in-law Charmaine (Petrie) Endres of Las Vegas, and his adopted “kids” Nikki and Zoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved grandparents, step-dad Nels Pocan, half-sister Kelly Pocan, in-laws Al and Ruth Petrie, brother-in-law Al “Butch” Petrie Jr, sister-in-law Carol Eskofski, brother-in-law Rick Liebhauser, special friend John Wils, and his four-legged adopted buddy, Chip.

Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 10 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rapid River. A Celebration of Tony’s life will follow with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski and Rev. Fr. William Ssozi co-officiating. RR Legion Post 301 will do military rites following Mass with a luncheon after in St. Charles’ Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, envelopes for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Delta Animal Shelter will be available in the church and Hall, or you can donate to aggressive ALS Research.

Thank you to Charlotte and Cheetah of U.P. Health and Hospice who were so caring and kind to Tony in his last days at home, Fr. Jamie for doing the Last Rites and visiting with Tony, Fr. Jacek for his caring words and prayers, and the staff at Skradski’s Funeral Homes for all their help and compassion. God Bless you all!