"My name is Randy Johnson. In late 1980 Tony and Jill moved to Waupaca, WI for Tony's new job as Golf Pro at the Waupaca Country Club. As it would be I applied for caddying. Tony called me and asked if I would like to do some cleaning around the pro shop during the winter. That landed me a 6 1/2 year job with one of the nicest couples I have ever known. Tony and Jill were a wonder to work for. I was a youngster but the job and they really instilled some maturity in me. I will always credit them for that. I have many. many memories of Tony that I will never forget. I am sadden by the news that he has passed. I am happy for him cause he is in a much. much better place. I am sadden for Jill. Carrie. Katie and the rest of the family. I regret not having been in contact with them for many years. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Randy S. Johnson"
In loving memory of
Tony Coleman
May 16, 1949 - October 17, 2013
COLEMAN, Tony of Middleton passed away October 17, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Tony was a PGA professional employed at Bishop's Bay. Survivors include his wife, Jill Coleman; daughters Carrie Murphy and Katie Coleman; son-in-law Corey Murphy; twin grandsons Jimmy and Tony Murphy; parents Keith and Betty Coleman; brother Jeff Coleman; sister Laurie Coleman; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Tributes
"My deepest condolences to Tony's family. My memories of Tony always include a smile on his face. I knew Tony from his days on the high school golf team when I was a senior and he was a freshman and a very talented one. He will be missed by many. May his family remember the good times with Tony and hold those memories dear to their hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"In 1989 I had the good fortune to take over the golf professional position at Waupaca Country Club, where Tony had served for several years, before moving on to take the helm at the Wisconsin PGA Section. The entire membership spoke highly of Tony's abilities and professionalism. Serving in an exceptional manner as the Wisconsin Section president that was always evident to me as well.
Although not a good moment for me personally, one of my first and, ironically, fondest memories of Tony was during a sectional PGA event in Fond du Lac. Being new to the area ( and way before the advent of GPS technology) I got lost driving to the club. Arriving just as my fellow-competitors were playing their tee shots off the 1st, Tony informed me I had incurred a 2-stroke penalty for missing my tee time, but could proceed with the round. "From now on" he annoiunced, "you'll be known as John Shilli-Two."
My deepest sympathies to Jill and family on Tony's passing.
John Shillito, Waupaca"
"Tony brought a high level of professionalism to the Wisconsin PGA events that I'd cover for the Wisconsin State Journal. He appreciated the coverage and was always willing to share his insight and knowledge of the golfers/tournaments with us. Much of the tournament structure we enjoy today with the WPGA was due to Tony's early work. He was a good guy who will be missed. My thoughts are with Jill and the family."
"One of my best freinds ever played a lot of golf together skied ever wk end we played a lot of bb in his driveway all winter no matter what the weather was like we played on the golf team in highschool and went to the state champ tourney my regards to his family will be missed very much s.hanson"
"Tony was a childhood friend in Chippewa Falls. We went all the way through school together. Tony's path to school went past our house for several years and we often walked to school together with a few escapades along the way. One remembrance was him winning a free throw shooting contest (about 8th or 9th grade?). Time has erased the exact number he made in a row, but it was incredible. He beat all the other best players, it was great. My wife, Judy, also a good friend of Tony's in Junior and Senior High School, and I send our condolences to Tony's family at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"We have lost a very special person and our thoughts and prayers are with Jill, Carrie, Katie and the entire family. I will always remember Tony's love for the game of golf and doing everything he could to promote the growth of the game in Wisconsin. His other love was his family and just over a month ago we were talking about how cool it is to be grandparents. Again, our thought are with you and your family at this very difficult time. "
"Tony was a dear friend of mine and my family's. My daughters and his were friends that played and swam together at many Wisconsin PGA functions. My wife, Lorraine and Jill were good friends. I still remember taking Tony on his first ice fishing trip with other good Wi PGA friends. Tony was a trooper on those trips and fortunately I have great photos of those times. We will greatly miss our friend Tony. Jill and the family are in our prayers. "