Anton “Tony” Kriescher

Anton “Tony” Kriescher, 76, Oconto Falls, was called home Wednesday evening, September 7, 2022 at his residence following a 2½ year battle with pancreatic cancer with his family present.  The oldest of six children was born August 20, 1946 to Anton and Cecelia (VanDerven) Kriescher Sr. in Marinette County.  Tony grew up in the Lena area where he graduated high school with the class of 1964.  Following graduation, he began a 32 year career with Scott Paper Co.

On May 14, 1966 he married Connie Daul at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oconto.  Following their marriage, the couple lived in Oconto County before settling in Oconto Falls in 1977.  As a young man, he served for six years in the US Army Reserve.  Tony enjoyed coaching junior high school wrestling, football and other youth sports.    He started the youth wrestling program in Oconto Falls and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2020.  He was a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and served on the fund raising committee for the new church.  Tony also served on the original Falls Funfest Group.  As an avid outdoorsman, his land in Stiles was very special to him.  Tony enjoyed flower gardening to attract butterflies, was an avid mushroom forager, hunting and fishing.  After the paper mill closed, Tony became a licensed real estate agent and broker.  Anything Tony did, he was always all in on whatever he was involved with.  Along with his wife Connie, he enjoyed traveling to New Zeeland, Australia, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.  He had a love of learning and sharing it with others.

Survivors are his wife of 56 years, Connie Kriescher, Oconto Falls; three children, David (Mari) Kriescher, Howard; Michelle (Kevin) Leuck, Ashwaubenon; Sarah (Irfan) Elahi, CO; eight grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Jesse Shreve and Dylan Kriescher, Marissa (Steve) Pankratz and Dante Kriescher, Travis and Justin Leuck, Kamran and Rayan Elahi; four great grandchildren, Aiden, Ellie and Noah Pankratz, Skylar Kriescher; two brothers, Jake and Ernie Kriescher; three sisters, Becky (Tom) Burdick; Joyce (Jim) Farrar; Alice (Tom) Andersen; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Pamela, son Kevin in 1996, in-laws, Joe and Bertha Daul and two brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be held 4:00 until 8:00 pm Monday, September 12, 2022 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls, prayer service 7:00 pm Monday.  Visitation will continue after 10:00 am Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at St. Anthony Catholic Church until the time of service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Tuesday at the church with Fr. Walter Stumpf and Fr. Greg Parent concelebrating.  Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.