Anthony ‘Tony’ R. Eskofski

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died December 31, 2021

Anthony R. “Tony” Eskofski, age 75, of Rapid River, passed peacefully into God’s welcoming arms in the early morning hours of Dec. 31st, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

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

On July 15th, 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 where he enjoyed the variety of jobs. Because he loved the U.P. and wanted his sons to stay in their school, Tony drove 3hrs one way each week, staying with family 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 1st place at a show for his custom painted and chopped motorcycle. 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 4-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) Patton of Appleton, brother-in-law Ron Petrie of Menasha, sister-in-law Charmaine (Petrie) Endres of Las Vegas,his “kids” Nikki and Zoe, and his VE friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved grandparents, step-dad NelsPocan, 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 4-legged buddy, Chip.

Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday June 10th 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 meal after in the 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 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 visiting with and giving Last Rites to Tony, Fr. Jacek for his comforting words and prayers, and the staff at Skradski’s Funeral Homes for all their help and compassion. God Bless you all!

22 Tributes for “Anthony ‘Tony’ R. Eskofski”

    Oh Lolly I am so very sorry to hear about Tony. He was such a sweet guy. My heart breaks for you. Love you! Hugs and prayers.

    Dear Loillie and Family, we were so sorry to hear about Tony. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. We are sending hugs and prayers to you and yours. Dennis and Kathy Wotchko

    Lolly, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God rest is soul.
    Sincerely
    Tom Flynn

    Lolly, we were shocked and so sorry to hear about Tony. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family. Growing up I looked up to you and Tony. Mom and Dad thought so much of Tony and you. I have nothing but fond memories of Him. He was such a gentle, kind and gifted man. I will always remember working on bikes and cars and learning from him. He was a wonderful, hardworking person and friend. Our love is with you and your family.

    I’m so sorry to hear that Tony passed, he was employed by our company Van Eperen Painting for many years.
    He was a great employee, very conscientious and well liked by all the painters he worked with.
    Lolly, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

    Lolly and boys, Gary and I were so shocked to hear of Tony’s passing. We remember the Shopko years very fondly when Gary and you worked together. You and Tony were always such fun to share time with. We just heard of Duffy’s passing also. He’ll be greeting Tony and they’ll be having a good ole time. Be strong, and our sincere condolences go out to you and the boys. Prayers always.

    Lolly you have my deepest sympathy, my brother Tony will always be in my heart, I have a lot of memories with him with all the times we worked on bikes and cars may he rest in peace, love always bill

    Lollie I’m so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Big hugs to you my friend!

    Dear Lolly, we are so very sorry and know Tony will be really missed. If you need anything, please call. We are here for you and your family. In Jesus care, Darryl and LuAnn Lindquist

    Dolly we send our prayers and sympathy to you and the family. Tony was truly an awesome human being. He left his mark on earth, and he will be remembered fondly by us. Ken & Jenny Schuh

    Lolly

    We are so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Dan and I send our condolences. I remember when Tony first came to Rapid River from Wisconsin and stayed with mom and dad for a short while. It was like having a big brother. I look back fondly on the days spent with Tony as he helped me with car and snowmobile painting. Tony was a very gifted man, with a gentle and loving nature. As you know my father thought of Tony as a member of our family. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

    I send my Love, Hugs and Prayers to you. What a great father, husband and dear friend Tony was. A very special friend to John. I cherish every minute we had together. Very Thankful for Tonys time with John building our garage. They had great laughter and fun. He could scale the scaffolding amazingly quick! We enjoyed Mass together too! May your great memories bring peace to your hearts.

    Lolly, my heart is breaking for you. I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. Love you.

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