Anthony Maurice

ALL SERVICES PRIVATE

Anthony peacefully went to God’s open arms as He welcomed him to everlasting life. He was a hard-working, fun-loving, adventuresome husband, father, son, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. One lucky day, Anthony met his future wife Verna in McHenry. It’s amazing what God had planned for their journey down life’s path together. He was so generous & sharing & helped so many throughout his life with his loving wife, Verna, by his side. His loving spirit was a good example to many on serving God by example. He gave us hope, and taught us how to be responsible, good moral values, honesty and the importance of family. He taught us so much!

He was in the drum and bugle corp and enjoyed music. He enlisted and became a World War II fighter pilot and luckily returned home to his beloved Verna. In his early married days he opened a milk store, then a dairy queen, Bloomingdale Foods store, and then Pik Kwik grocery store in Roselle. When he was in his mid forties his Dr told him if he didn’t sell the grocery store and reduce his stress he was at risk for a heart attack (maybe that was good advice since he stayed here with us for another 50 years)! He sold the grocery store and then decided the next chapter in his life would include farming, buying several hundred acres of farmland in Wisconsin! After researching Simmental cattle he looked into the genetics and bred the top bull in Wisconsin within 3 years. He welcomed family to his new farming life and the green “Flintstones” pickup truck. You could see the ground through the floorboard!

Tony researched everything that he ventured into and was always eager to learn something new. He loved the Roselle community where he lived with his family and operated his business. He & Verna were members of St. Walter’s parish since the late 1950’s. In his later years just drives to have a “car picnic” to Turner’s pond or a paddle boat ride down the Fox River, special cups of coffee or the unexpected treat & card games kept him entertained. Even though he could no longer walk up the stairs at St. Walter’s Church his family would sit with him outside and say a prayer.

Verna and Tony loved boating and sailing! He always said he thought he had one more boat in him…..he said this many times & many more boats! His laugh was contagious and his family cherished his sense of adventure! In his later years, he enjoyed hearing about the rest of the family’s adventures, many times encouraging a grandchild to take a chance, work hard and be “king of your own castle” or “captain of your own ship”

Tony had a positive influence on so many lives. He was a great philosopher and shared his views freely. He cherished family dinners, visits from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers & sisters often sharing stories of his adventures with Verna. He had a smile that would light up a room!

Good-byes are tough, no question. Our loved ones slip from our grip no matter how tightly we cling to them, care for them and love them. We love Tony enough to let him go and know that his hands are now held gently by someone who never grips too tightly and yet never lets go. God who gave us life and love will rise him up to his new everlasting life with Him.

Rest in Eternal Peace our beloved Tony Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association