Anthony “Tony” C. Spychalla died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at his home in the Town of Antigo. He was 88 years old.

He was born December 18, 1928 in Antigo, son of the late Anton and Helen Spychalla. He married Phyllis Marie (Smith) on February 23, 1952 at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church. Phyllis preceded him in death on November 17, 1994.

Tony was a lifetime Antigo resident, graduating from Antigo High School in 1946. He was a certified seed potato grower, and grew potatoes for 52 years. He helped establish the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato program, and served on the certification board for many years. He was also a pioneer in irrigation, and was the first farmer in Langlade County to use center point irrigation.

He was a member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus. He was a private pilot and owned his own plane. Tony lived life to fullest, always enjoying a celebration and time spent with family and friends. He especially loved time at the Bass Lake cottage, swimming with his grandchildren. He also loved grilling out, visits to the casino, trips to Florida and Wyoming, and playing Skit.

Survivors include his special friend, Jane McMahon of Antigo; 2 daughters, Pam (Mike) Peterson of Westfield, Vikki Leseberg (Dan Summers) of Summit Lake; a son Anthony (Karen) Spychalla of Antigo; 7 grandchildren, Nikki (Roland) Edwards of Oxford, Megan Peterson (Tim Tetzlaff) of Westfield, AJ (Megan) Spychalla of Rochester, MN, Noelle (Zack) Washatko of Antigo, Richard Leseberg of Wyoming, Kayla (Eric) Gillette, Antigo, Jessie Leseberg (fiancé Colin Smith) of Antigo; 9 great-grandchildren, Lexi, Remington, Julia, Wyatt, Walker, Brielle, Cassidy, Jo, and Izzy; 3 sisters, Helen Blomdahl of Superior, Leona Baraniak of Antigo, and Grace (Steve) Koss of Antigo; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Catherine Lese and Bernice Wisniewski, and a son-in-law, Michael Leseberg.

Funeral Mass will take place at 11:30 Saturday at Ss. Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church, with Fr. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 8:30-11:30 at the church. Entombment will follow the service at Queen of Peace Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to All Saints Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund.