SPARTA - Roger Alan Antony, age 68 of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly on December 12, 2023.
Roger was born September 29, 1955, to Erling and Alice (Baardseth) Antony Sr. After graduating from Sparta High School in 1973, he received an associate degree in diesel mechanics. In his earlier work years, he was a mechanic at Big Al’s Truck Stop in Black River Falls, Sparta Motors, Jackson Chevrolet, and Bangor Implement. He then started Antony Excavating with his brother, Jeff. The partnership continued until they semi-retired in October 2023. During these years, he also worked as a patrolman for the Town of Sparta and the Town of Adrian. Roger enjoyed many sports in his younger years, especially volleyball and softball. Roger loved his work in the excavating business, with his favorite being bulldozing. He enjoyed domestic and international travel with siblings and friends. His favorite travels were to the western United States, Spain, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Iceland, Peru, Ireland, and Germany. Roger relished spending time and having a beverage with friends and family. His spontaneous, hearty laugh was easily recognized.
Roger is survived by his siblings: Steven “TT” Antony; Erling (Patricia) Antony Jr.; Margaret Ball; Jeffrey Antony; and Jenny (Michael) Haun. Nieces and nephews: Keith Ball; Douglas (Erika) Ball; Theresa (Jacob) Nyberg; Eric (Lauren) Haun; Kathleen (Chris Pruet) Antony; Erling (Kathy O’Toole) Antony III; and James (Kelly Bennion) Antony. Grand nieces and nephews: Landon, Logan, and Liam Ball; Addison and Miles Nyberg; Tatum, Canton, and Bodee Haun; Tara, Linus, and Cecil Pruet; and Alice Antony.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and youngest sister, Lori.
A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be at a later time in Burns Cemetery, rural Bangor.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Honorary pallbearers are Roger’s nieces and nephews, Keith, Doug, Katie, EC, James, Tess, and Eric.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP). Roger was an active participant in their research program for several years. Online condolences may be offered at schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
