Anthony (Tony) John Ploszay, age 87 passed away peacefully at Golden Age Manor in Amery, WI, at about 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. He was born on January 28, 1925, the son of Ludwig and Mary (Wros) Ploszaj. Surviving are his children, Brian (Beth) Ploszay of Woodbury, MN, Jolene (Mike) Paquette of Cabery, IL, and Mark (Linda) Ploszay of Holmen, WI; grandchildren, Nicholas Paquette, Katie Paquette, Aaron Ploszay and Annie Ploszay; step grandchildren, Katie, Jacquie, Daniella and Chris. Also left behind are his sisters, Hedy Keller of Red Wing, MN, Veronica (Yatch) Keller of Hibbing, MN and brother, Lawrence Ploszay of Amery. Many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors are also left to mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life. A day and a half before dad's passing, he became an honorary "Great-Grandpa" to Elijah Roderick Hastings, son of Daniella Nelles and Nathan Hastings of Holmen, WI. Before passing, dad did hear and acknowledge Elijah's birth. We can't be certain he saw the baby's picture, but one was shown him and he smiled. Preceding him in death are his beloved wife, JoAnne (Klatt) Ploszay whom he married on September 10, 1955, infant son Richard Michael, sisters, Anne Zachman, Helen Sherack and brothers, Frank (Marie) Ploszay and Steve (Eleanor) Ploszay. Special 'grand-daughter" Mia Stollenwerk also recently left this earth to her heavenly home. Mr. Ploszay enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow, gardening and sharing the "fruits" of his labor. He was dedicated to the Amery VFW Post and marched in countless parades and participated in honoring many veterans at their gravesites. Before losing JoAnne, he spent many hours "helping" at the Amery Area Senior Citizens Center. He also loved bird watching. An avid sports fan, he was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers. His true love of sports was watching his own son's success and hearing of grandson Nick's achievements as a junior high athlete, and Katie's talents on the clarinet. He was just beginning to hear of grandson Aaron's "pee-wee" sports career and granddaughter Annie's tumbling and dance expertise. Tony served in the US Military/Navy during the end of WWII. He spent time on the islands of Japan, Philippines and was in the clean-up crew after Pearl Harbor on Hawaii. Much of his loyal service occurred on tugboat "Annie". It was while in the military the silent "j" in Ploszaj was changed to a "y". A 1943 graduate of Amery High School and a lifelong devoted Catholic, Tony enjoyed giving back to his community and proudly serving St. Joseph Church as needed. A lifelong laborer in the Amery and Clear Lake area, he retired in 1990 from Land O'Lakes in Clear Lake after 32 dedicated years. Prior to going to work, Tony farmed raising dairy cattle, and an assortment of other animals. He kept pristine gardens and an immaculate lawn. In his retirement and prior to his stroke, he shared his lawn and snow removal talents with Pondhurst in Amery. Golden Age Manor became the home for Tony in August of 2011. He easily made new friends and was known for his smile by residents and staff alike. He spent his last days tooling the halls in his wheel chair and brightening the lives of others with his smile. Finally, on August 1st he was reunited with his wife and all those gone before him. He would want to be remembered for his love and loyalty of family, his hard work ethic, and love of God and nature. He truly has earned his reward and to hear his Heavenly Father say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Very Reverend Father John Drummy officiating. A visitation was held from 4 to 7p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2012 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, as well as for the hour prior to the service at church. Music was provided by organist Arlene Dado and the St. Joseph Funeral Choir. Casketbearers were: Debbie Althaus, Tim Klatt, David Klatt, Craig Benson, Victor Ploszay , Karen Kjeseth and Katie Paquette.