TOMAH- Antone “Tony” Felber, a man of unwavering faith and gentle kindness, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on February 7, 1932, in the Town of Oakdale to Michael and Mayme (Blaskey) Felber.
Tony was united in marriage to Mildred Betthauser on June 23, 1954, to this union, three children were born; Mary, Rita and Jane. She preceded him in death in 1992. On December 31, 1994, Tony was united in marriage to Nancy. Together they spent 30 years traveling, spending time with their families and enjoying all of life’s journeys.
Tony’s commitment to his faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah, where he found great joy and solace in the fellowship and worship. His involvement in church activities not only deepened his own spirituality but also inspired those around him.
Tony was a member of the Tomah Council #4125 and served that council in many positions including that of Grand Knight. He served 5 years as a District Deputy, 4 years as La Crosse Diocese Membership Director and served as V.A.V.S. wheelchair Chairman for 10 years at the VA Medical Center in Tomah. Tony was active in the Knights of Columbus ceremonials, serving on the 1st Degree team, 2nd Degree team and has been Captain of the 3rd Degree team for over 30 years. He has put more than 8000 members thru the 3rd Degree and has received from Supreme the 100 Club Award for signing up over 100 new members.
Tony was a past Faithful Navigator of Assembly #1195. On the State Council he has served as State Membership Chairman, Family Coordinator and served on the Charity Committee and was appointed to the Good of the Order Committee. Tony was elected State Advocate in May 1979, State Treasurer May 1981, State Secretary 1983, and Special Greetings Chairman for the Supreme Conventions in Chicago and Washington D.C. As State Deputy Tony started the Family of the Year Program in the State Council; held the First State Raffle, had the newest members in 2 years, started 11 New Councils and reached the highest membership in the state council at 41,407.
Sir Knight Felber graduated from Tomah High School and served in the US Army for 2 years in the 82nd Airborne and 44th Tank Battalion as a Tank Commander during the Korean Conflict. After his service he went to WWTI for Supervisor School and worked at the VA Medical Center in Building Management in Tomah until he retired in 1994.
He was active in his parish and community affairs, having served on the parish council, building and grounds and cemetery board for 10 years. Tony started and completed the Lay Ministry School in 1995-1997 and continued and completed The Leader of Prayer school.
Tony served on the Sacred Worship and Liturgy Committees at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. He was appointed Master of the 4th Degree for the Western District of Wisconsin in September of 2000 and served as Master, serving Madison, La Crosse and Superior Dioceses which have 30 Assemblies with over 2600 4th Degree members.
Those who knew Tony will remember him as the epitome of kindness. His gentle demeanor and faith-filled outlook on life made him a great source of comfort and support to his family, friends, and fellow parishioners. He was a man who always placed others before himself, and his legacy of compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Tony is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children, Mary (John) Duer, Rita (Mark) Koca and Jane (Bill) Doucette; stepchildren, Andrew Cottrill and Rebecca (Mike) Schauf; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jessica, Casey (Sterling), Adeline, Pierce, and Violet, Amy (Roger), Lisa (Adam), Dakota (Dani), Jazzmine and Alex; Father Isaac, Peter and Greta, Jacob (Chantel), Lukas and Wesley, Peyton and Isabella, Holly, Megan (Tom) Jacobson, Owen and Sylvie; Tiegan (Gabe) Fuentes, Seth Deaver, Lexi Deaver and Charles Lathan Schauf.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children, Alan and Diane; brothers, Joe and Wenzel (Marion) Sr.; sister, Marie (Arnold) Kuehl; and granddaughter, Karen Koca.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for rosary on Friday beginning at 9:30 a.m. with visitation to follow until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Tony’s honor to the Seminarians. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
