Obituary
Anthony “Tony” Esmond
Anthony “Tony” Esmond, 72, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, died on April 3rd, 2023, at home after a four-year battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Illinois to Robert and Virginia, and raised in Nebraska, the family then moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Aquinas High School. In 1973, he married Sydney in Boulder, Colorado. They returned to La Crosse where Tony spent 25 years with Gateway/Fleming Foods as a warehouse supervisor. He then changed careers and worked for the La Crosse School District as a custodian for 15 years before retiring.
Tony and Sydney had two children, a son, Graham, and a daughter, Whitney (Esmond) Miller. His greatest joy and blessings in life were the birth of his two granddaughters. He was known to them as “Papa” and cherished that role.
Throughout his life, Tony had many lifelong friendships that he cherished. During the summer months, Tony enjoyed his role as “Coach E”, spent on the baseball fields coaching his children and other youth. He also valued all the time spent with his fellow “coaches” at their weekly coffee get-togethers. Tony and Sydney were huge music fans and attended hundreds of concerts throughout their lifetime together.
As per Tony’s wishes, there will be no funeral service as he has been accepted to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine Body Donation Program, to help further medical research. There will be a private family celebration later. He is survived by his wife (Sydney), son (Graham), daughter (Whitney – Jeremy Miller), two beloved granddaughters, and sister (Julie Guess – Jim Hunsberger). He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Health Oncology Department, St. Croix Hospice, and the outpouring of support from family, friends, and neighbors.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating in Tony’s name to any of the following organizations that had significant meaning to him throughout his life: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Coulee Region Humane Society, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
What a wonderful way to honor Tony with such a beautiful statement. If only words could capture how much he meant to all of us. He truly was a great friend. His friendship was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I’m thankful for the times we shared. God bless.
Spent many baseball summers with Tony and his wonderful family we are so sorry for your loss your in our thoughts and prayers
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Every moment with Uncle Tony was nothing short of fun or educational. He was always such a fun, yet calm man that loved his family first and cared about everyone ? we will miss him deeply RIP Uncle Tony ??
I first met Tony when we played baseball together on the 1969 Aquinas baseball team. He was a good guy and even though he was one of the upper classmen…he treated us younger players with respect. I ran into him about a year ago and we shared a few laughs about the good old days. Tony was always friendly and very positive. God bless Tony’s wife and children. You have my deepest sympathies.
Deepest sympathy and promise of prayers to Syd & Tony’s family! You were sweet neighbors and Tony was a really nice person to converse with! Syd, our prayers are with you! May Tony rest in eternal peace!
Dan and I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to you Syd and to your family at this sad time.
RIP Tony, one hell of a cool guy. May the heavens embrace you Buddy!
Dear Syd and Family,
Tony could always make me smile and laugh with his quick wit. We have many fond memories of him and are so Sorry to hear of his passing. Marie and I send our prayers and condolences to you all.
Tony was a great guy! Prayers to you. ?❤️
Oh, Syd we’re so sorry to learn of Tony’s passing. You have wonderful memories to brighten your days.
So many words to say but they just seem to be so hard to express them. Tony was a friend who was there when you needed him. We spent many hours together on baseball fields, and with Tony you just knew it was going to be fun even when the work needed to be done. Tony you always did it your way and never looked back, I think that is why I respected and considered it a privilege to be a friend. See you in the spirit in the sky coach E.
So many words to say but they just seem to be so hard to express them. Tony was a friend who was there when you needed him. We spent many hours together on baseball fields, and with Tony you just knew it was going to be fun even when the work needed to be done. Tony you always did it your way and never looked back, I think that is why I respected and considered it a privilege to be a friend. See you in the spirit in the sky coach E.
My condolences to Tony’s family. I coached him in baseball at Aquinas High School. As I remember, he played hard and enjoyed the game and his teammates.