Anthony “Tony” James Wildeman, 98, died on January 15, 2018, at Cedar Village, Ness City. He was born on July 6, 1919 in Park, Kansas the son of Valentine and Anna Mary Zimmerman Wildeman. He married Dorothy Haffner on August 12, 1940 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, Kansas. To this union four children were born, Kathleen, Robert, Richard, and Gareld. The family came to Trego-Ness County in 1956. They purchased a homestead North of Ransom where they made their home raising wheat and running a Herford herd. Tony also worked as a meat cutter for 32 years, having earned his certification in Denver. Tony retired in 1980 and in 1987 they moved to Ness City.
Tony had a passion for growing things. He enjoyed many aspects of life leaving priceless memories. He was a member of the greatest generation. He had a great spirit and a strong will with a never give-up attitude. He survived the great depression and the strifes of life. He lived his faith, not by words, but by his actions. He was ornery to the end. His grandchildren were priceless to him and his great grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Survivors include Kathy Wendler, Ness City, Robert and Jolenne Wildeman, Colorado Springs, Richard and Shelley Wildeman, Elbert, Colorado, Wynona Wildeman, Warrensburg, Missouri; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, a son, Gareld, a son in law, Mell Wendler; a grandson in law, Terry Henning; and his best buddy, a great-grandson, Jonathan Henning. Tony was the seventh of 15 children, all have preceded him in death. He taught us to live and showed us how to die. Thanks Dad, for your endless support and love. We were blessed to have you as our dad.
Rosary and Parish Vigil will be on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, Kansas.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund, Park Kansas.