Anthony "Tony" J. Statz, age 86, passed away on December 20, 2017. He was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison on December 9, 1931 to the late Leonard and Agnes (Laufenberg) Statz. He was united in marriage to Claire J. Hamerla on May 1, 1965. Tony was a proud graduate of St. Norbert's School in Roxbury. Because of his father's illness, he then began farming full time, and purchased the family farm in 1964. In addition to being a farmer, Tony enjoyed working as a driver, including school buses for 11 years, Weaver Auto Parts deliveries for 13 years, and dealer trades for Middleton Ford for 8 years. He was a dedicated member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, volunteering as a delegate to state conventions, and the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1986-1988. In addition to these roles, he was also a national delegate for AMPI (Associated Milk Producers, Inc.) meetings and served on the board of the Tri-County Farmers Co-op. Tony and his family were also lifelong members of St. Norbert Parish in Roxbury. He loved spending time with his wife dancing at polka fests and camping all around Wisconsin with his family.

Survivors include his wife Claire; children, Steve (Angie) Statz of De Forest, Leonard "Lenny" Statz of Prairie du Sac, Cathy (Tom Pamperin) Statz of Chippewa Falls, Christine (Nick) Hamele of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren, Sarah, Bradley, Rachel, and Logan; and sister Alice (Melvin) Kjorlie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Edward, and son Louis.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, at Hooverson Funeral Home , 251 Water St., Sauk City, where a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 2:30 p.m. On Wednesday, December 27, a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Norbert Catholic Church, Roxbury. Interment will follow at St. Norbert Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Randall Haas and all of Tony's compassionate caregivers at St. Mary's Hospital, Sauk Prairie Healthcare, Maplewood, and Home Health.