Anthony M. Kokal
October 27, 1928 - April 23, 2012

Anthony M. Kokal (Tony) was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly father on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the age of 83. Following a brief bout with MSA (multiple system atrophy) he died in the loving arms of his wife LaVerne (Vicky) and was surrounded by his devoted family.
Born to John and Mary (Bernot) Kokalj on October 27, 1928 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tony was the third of seven children growing up in the depression era where the values of being thrifty, hard work and making the most of everything transcended his life. His values of faith, family, charity, and service to others were present until the very end of his life. Tony was probably best known for his lively sense of humor, outgoing and very friendly personality, love of music, love of travel and adventure, and incredible energy. He was also a faithful caregiver to his wife and a loving and helpful father to his children. These values all live on in his children, his grandchildren extended family and have touched everyone who ever met him.
Tony will be missed by all, especially by Vicky, his loving wife of 62 years. He will live on forever in the hearts and minds of his devoted daughters and sons- in- law, Wendy and Lowell Franklin, Nancy and Brian Mineau and his loving sons and daughters-in- law, Randy (Therese Pekala), Brad and Dr. Amy Fox and four cherished grandchildren, William, Kati, Abby and Michael Anthony Kokal.
He is survived by his older sister, Ann (Clem) Gloweinka, younger sister, Fran Gloweinka; his brother, Frank (Naomi) Kokalj; his brother-in-law, Dominick (Peggy) Del Bovo; sister-in-law Eleanor Loper, cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends and family.
He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, John and Mary Kokalj; his in-laws, Joseph and Eleanor Orzelski; his brother, John Kokalj and his wife Millie; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Vince Ogrodowski; a brother-in-law, Thomas Gloweinka and his youngest sister, Bernice Del Bovo as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
Tony and Vicky's lifelong romance began when they met at a local "sweet shop" at the tender age of 15 while they were both in high school in Bay View. The "sweet shop gang" friends would meet at the Sweet Shop to mingle, snack, dance and show off their hot cars and hot dates after school. Tony and Vicky maintained these precious friendships throughout their lives having annual reunions over the next 50 years. After graduating from Boys Technical School, Tony began his career at the Milwaukee Power Company as an electrical draftsman.
Tony and Vicky were married in a candlelight service on September 16, 1950 at Ascension Lutheran Church at the age of 21. They waited a long time to get married as they wanted to save up enough money to buy their own home. They legally shortened their last name to Kokal, dropping the "j" off the end of his birth name.
Shortly thereafter, he was called into military service during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri while Vicky served as a court reporter to the base commander. Upon his honorable discharge in 1956, Tony began what would be an over 25 year career back in Milwaukee with A & P (The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co.). He worked all over the Milwaukee area in various grocery stores as a meat cutter learning about the grocery and meat merchandising. He was promoted many times and was called upon to share his expertise and innovative merchandising techniques promotions presenting seminars throughout the meat industry. He loved to meet people and tell jokes and stories at meat products shows (including the infamous "Pig Squealed" joke to the Pork Industry conference).
In 1974 Tony accepted a position with Super Valu Corporate Headquarters and moved the entire family to Green Bay, Wisconsin. As Meat Director, he was responsible for purchasing, pricing and promoting meat and deli products for Super Valu and Cub Foods. He worked for Super Valu until his retirement in 1990. Never one to slow down or take it easy, Tony took on various part time roles including Bus Driver and Tour Guide for Moraine Ridge Retirement Community, Delivery person and bindery support for ProGraphics Printing and as a School Crossing Guard at the corner of Webster and Allouez Avenue for many years. He made many new friends everywhere he went and was loved by so many.
Tony was a 32nd Degree Mason at the Theodore Roosevelt Lodge #322, Free & Accepted Masons; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Valley of Green Bay; and Beja Shrine AAONMS.
Tony and Vicky have resided at Brookview Meadows in Howard for the past two years where they made many new friends and enjoyed the great care and support of the staff and caregivers there. We are sure Tony's ever present smile will be missed by his Brookview Meadows family.
The family would like to give special thanks to Melissa Derks and Dr. Cony Santellian, of Neurology Consultants, Bellin Hospital, Bellin Home Health and Rehab Center, Rennes Rehab and Therapy Group, Heartland Home Health, Brookview Meadows staff, Dr. Fred Walbrun, St. Mary's Hospital doctors, nurses and Chaplains Patricia and Sister Patrice for their loving care and support for Tony and the family.
Visitation will be held on Friday April 27, 2012 at Lyndahl Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with funeral celebrant, Matthew Cornelius officiating. Military honors will follow. Entombment will follow that afternoon in the Chapel at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com.

Tony was always there whenever someone needed a hand, teaching, sharing and giving unselfishly of his time and energy. We have lost a cherished husband, father and friend but heaven will be rejoicing in their wonderful new addition.
Lyndahl Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
1350 Lombardi Avenue
(920) 499-1223

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