John Frank Anton

John died surrounded by his family Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 89 years of age at Willow Ridge Healthcare, Amery, WI. He was born on December 10, 1927 on the family farm in Clayton Township to George and Mary (Ruff) Anton. His twin sister, Jane, died shortly before their first birthday of pneumonia. John's remaining siblings included two older brothers, one older sister and two younger sisters.

John attended Cloverleaf Country School and Clayton High School. He enlisted in the US Army in 1947. After discharge he worked at the Turtle Lake Creamery, where he met Eloise King. They married on September 15, 1951 and in 1957 settled in New Richmond, WI.

In 1959 John found his passion when he began to teach himself furniture upholstery. That quickly became a full-time job and he spent the rest of his work-life as a self-employed upholsterer. He was widely known for his upholstery skills and attention to detail. He was a true craftsman and there was no project too difficult for him to tackle. He and Eloise restored two historic homes in New Richmond and a Bed & Breakfast in Stillwater, MN along with collecting and restoring antique furniture, cars and stained glass windows.

In 1989 John and Eloise moved to a hobby farm near Deer Park so they could semi-retire, although in truth, John never really cut back. He continued with upholstery and furniture restoration, but also spent time on their farm growing grapes, apple trees, pine trees, and a large garden.

John is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Eloise, their three children Jane (Bill) Minge, Sue (Nick) Chaves, and Tom (Karen Sager), grandchildren Alex and Emily Minge, Alyssa Drury, Sarah (Greg) Chapeau, Megan Anton and great-grandson Jameson Chapeau. He is also survived by sisters Betty (Glen) Nickell and Marion (Phil) Stumo, in-laws Mary (Larry) Raffesberger, Richard (Joanne) King, Peggy Strasser, Toni King and many, many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by twin sister Jane, parents Mary and George, in-laws Alex and Emma King, siblings and in-laws George and Olga Anton, Andy and Ann Anton, Rosemary and Ray Kasper, Warren King and Jon Paul Strasser.

John's family is very grateful to the staff at Willow Ridge Healthcare in Amery for their compassionate and loving care.

Visitation Thursday, February 16, 4-7 PM at Williamson-White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Avenue N, Amery, WI. Funeral Friday, February 17, 11 AM at East Immanuel Lutheran Church, 207 120th Street, Amery, WI, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church.