After a long battle with anxiety, depression, and addiction, Anthony “Antone” Allan Taggart took his own life on July 10th, 2018.

Anthony was born April 10th, 1991, in Merrill, WI, with an eagerness and curiosity about life that would carry him through the rest of his days. He wanted to know about everything as a child. “Why?” was often his favorite question. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet Anthony would be graced with the sweetest, most unforgettable smile. He always wanted to put others at ease, even when he was plagued with self-doubt about himself. People often turned to him for advice or just an ear. He was good at anything he set out to master. As a kid he learned to juggle and perform tricks with the yo-yo and he could throw a football like a quarterback. His brother, Kolten, describes him as unapologetically fearless. Together they ruled the soccer field. Countless hours were spent on the trampoline, learning one flip after another.

He loved being outdoors, where he felt most at peace. Fishing was a favorite hobby, and he spent a lot of time with his grandmother, Jeanette, and his uncle, Tim, on the lakes of Langlade County, sometimes winning awards for his catch. Anthony was mischievous. Making people laugh brought him great joy, but seeing the laughter in their eyes after a well-executed prank was even better.

Anthony suffered the loss of many friends along his journey and was also preceded in death by his grandmother, Bonnie Schmidt, and his aunts, Deb Hoecherl and Sandy Anderson.

He is survived by his daughter, Analynn Marie Adsit; parents Tim Taggart and Sarah Taggart; siblings Kolten (Chloe) Taggart, Tristan Taggart, and Emily Taggart; grandparents Jeanette Reeves, Willy Schmidt, Robert and Patti Ricci, and Delores Wimmer; two nieces, a nephew, numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The family will remember Anthony and celebrate his life with an open house from noon to 4pm Saturday, July 21st at 902 E 4th St. In Merrill. Anyone attending is asked to write down special memories or thoughts about Anthony, so that friends and family may share them together.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you learn the symptoms and warning signs of depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, so that through education and awareness we can hopefully prevent another loved one from tragically ending their own life. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, help exists. Visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for help and resources. Or call the Lifeline anytime 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Resources for support:
• 24/7 Hotline: (800) 273-8255
• suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• narconon.org
• afsp.org
• 7cups.com
• adaa.org/finding-help