Anthony Brickner

Anthony J. Brickner passed away after a long battle with cancer late Friday evening, on October 13, 2023, while at home with his loving wife Carol by his side.

Tony was born September 8, 1945, in Red Wing, MN to Ernest and Marie Brickner. He met his high school sweetheart, Marion Olson, in Independence, WI and they were married on June 11, 1966. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from UW River Falls in May of 1968 and taught for a couple years in Luck, WI before to moving to Whitehall, where they raised their four children. He taught math, drivers education and computer science in the Whitehall school district for over 25 years, as well as coached several sports early in his career there, then furthered his education by receiving his Master of Education Degree from UW Eau Claire in 1988.

During and after retirement, Tony continued to serve his community through his volunteer service on the Fire Department and later becoming a registered EMT for several years, working after retirement at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center as a CNA and then in activities before completing a secondary retirement and being there for family and friends that needed support or just a ride to a doctor's appointment.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman, from hunting on the family Tree Farm that he and his dad carefully restored from barren and eroded pasture land to fishing at the cabins in Isabella, MN several times every summer, sharing that passion with his children, extended family and close friends. He was a man of strong faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. John's church in Whitehall, moving to St Peter and Paul in Independence when Marion declined in health and was placed in memory care. True to his nature, he spent almost every day by her side until she passed on February 25, 2019.

Tony was fortunate enough to meet Carol Langowski and their friendship grew into a loving relationship. They were married on September 19, 2020 and shared three wonderful years together, enjoying going to see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling to see friends and family and spending time at their camper during the summer just outside of Chippewa Falls.

Survivors include Tony's wife, Carol; daughters, Robin Brickner of La Crosse, WI, Deb Brickner of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Carmen (Ed) McRoberts of Mondovi, WI; son, Kevin Brickner of Holmen, WI; step-daughter, Therese (Frankie) Oliver of Osseo, WI; granddaughters, Dorothy, Cecylia, Toni, Tiffany and Emily; grandsons, Garven, Adlai, Landon, Kyle, Dylon and Montana; seventeen great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas (Ginger) Brickner of Dayton, OH; sisters-in-law, Lucille Linck of Blair, WI, Darlene (Greg) Fjelstad of Strum, WI and Rita (Jerome) Olson of Eau Claire, WI; and brother-in-law, Richard (Doreen) Olson of Independence, WI,

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Lillian (Olson) Bremer; brother-in-law, Jerome Olson; nephew, Gary Brickner; and niece, Laura Olson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2023 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Reverend George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at church. Following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at the Independence Opera House. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tony's memory to the American Cancer Society, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, or the Alzheimer's Association. To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.