Tony Irwin Mauhar, 90 years young, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 17th at his daughter’s home in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
A long-time resident of Gladstone, Tony was born May 20th, 1930 in Ensign, Michigan, the son of Antone and Emilia Mauhar, Croatian immigrants and he grew up on a fifty-acre dairy farm. He graduated in 1948 from Rapid River High School and enlisted in the US Army. He served in the Korean War as a Signalman from 1948-1950 and was honorably discharged. After returning from Korea, Tony attended Michigan State College (now MSU) for one semester before being called back home to help on the family farm, but not before beginning a lifelong love of all things Sparty.
Tony was united in marriage on August 1, 1958 to Ann Geneva Hebert of Nahma, Michigan and the couple recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary.
Tony’s official work career began working for the Rapid River Dairy Company picking up milk from central U.P. dairy farmers and working in the creamery. This was followed in succession by a myriad of jobs including concrete construction work in Milwaukee, Iron Worker in Marquette County, truck driver for Bark River Culvert and Stang Oil Company. He spent the longest part of his working career as a Millwright at Mead Paper Company where he was known for the quality of his work and the reliability of his repairs.
Tony was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone and was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving 4th Degree Knight. Tony loved serving others and was especially proud of his annual Fourth of July bratwurst cookout that he initiated on the USA’s bicentennial in 1976 and held every year since then.
Tony was an avid woodworker, master crossword puzzle solver (always in ink, never in pencil), deer hunter, greenskeeper, and he loved spending time in his workshop and garden. He was a long-suffering Detroit Lions fan (and transmitted this affliction to all four of his children), but he took some satisfaction that the Lions drafted Barry Sanders and not Tony Mandarich. He also loved to cheer on his Tigers, Pistons, Spartans, and Red Wings.
In addition to his loving wife, Ann, he is survived by: three sons, Mark (Deborah) Mauhar of Mills River, NC, Peter Mauhar of Milwaukee, WI, and Brian (Robin) Mauhar of Layton, UT; one daughter, Lori (Marvin Nault) Lemmien of Elk Rapids, MI; eight grandchildren, Michael (Emily Hellesto) Mauhar, Marie Mauhar, Matthew (Krissy Keels) Mauhar, Megan (Adam) Furman, Brandon (Nikki) Mauhar, Brianne (Kevin) Riggleman, Ryan Lemmien and Kaylee Lemmien; six great grandchildren, Daxton, Ashton and Maverick (coming soon!), Damian, Brynli and Hunter and one sister, Anne (Howard) Kahl, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by: one brother, Victor Mauhar; and three sisters, Emily (Bernard) Burch, Angela Mauhar, and Frances Mauhar.
Private visitation will be held. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints Church in Gladstone with Father Jamie Ziminski officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells with Military Honors presented by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Knights of Columbus or an organization of your choice.
Masks are required upon entering All Saints Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Knights of Columbus or an organization of your choice. The Skradski Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Mauhar family.
Joe Maki - Gladstone, Mi
To a fellow Knight rest in peace w/ your Savior…you have definitely earned your place in Heaven…I will miss you very much
Julie (Majestic) Brunette - Gladstone, Mi
Condolences to Ann, Mark, Pete, Brian, and Lori. He and my dad, Albert, were cousins and my dad always talked so highly of Tony. Prayers to all.
Kay Cousineau - Cooks, MI
Prayers for all the family and may Tony rest in Peace. He will be missed by so many.
Dr Sudesh Kannan - Schaumburg, IL
Mark – please accept my heart-felt condolences. I can see your father in you – your leadership, your positive nature and acts of service. Prayers, Blessings and Hugs, Sudesh Chicago, IL
Jack Lagina - Green Bay , Wi
To the whole Mauhar family! Your dad, grandpa, great grandpa was not just a hero because he came from the best generation ever, cause he was, nor because he was a fellow proud Crobar, cause he was, it’s because of the dad, grandpa, and great grandpa he was!!! And also because of the family, pride, and heritage of what being a great person every single Mauher he is part of! Your dad told me many times how proud he was of each and every one of you❤️. I just want you to know how proud I am to say that I’ve had the privilege to know and enjoy your dad since the 1970’s and will always cherish those Croation talks!
My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Patti Hager - Gladstone , MI
Ann and family, Prayers and blessings for a man who raised a wonderful family of brilliant,kind and thoughtful children Hold your memories close and smile in remembrance.
Bill and Connie - Rapid River , MI
Sending our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of your husband and dad. We always knew him as a very nice man. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort.
Carbon Conversions - Lake City, SC
Dear Mark and family, Please accept our sincerest sympathies, and may peace be with you and your family. When the days seem dark, remember to cherish the good memories you created with your father. It will help carry you through the dark. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carbon Conversions, Lake City, South Carolina
Warren and Christine Groleau - Rapid River, Mi
Our deepest sympathy Ann and to your family. Tony always gave freely to all and touched so many hearts with his generosity and wonderful smile. He took the time to say hello and visit no matter where he was or what his personal schedule may be.
May God’s love reach out to you and your family and bring some measure of comfort and peace. You are all in out thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Schwartz - Rapid River , Mi
Ann and family, so sorry for your loss! Long ago memories of standing up in your wedding to Ann. You have earned your spot! Enjoy many heavenly blessings.
Gary Lehman - Escanaba, MI
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family for the passing of Tony! I met Tony through our jobs at the Paper Mill. Never met a nicer guy!!! RIP Tony and we may meet again someday!