Anthony J. Edman

Tony Edman, age 56, passed unexpectedly September 18, 2018 due to a heart event. Tony was born on June 3, 1962 to Richard and Donna (Del Grande) Edman in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He attended Saint Dominic School, Horace Mann School and graduated in 1980 from North High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Sheboygan for a period and worked at Kohler Company before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1982, completing an Administrative Specialist Course at Fort Jackson, S.C. He received an honorable discharge in October 1987, after which he attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Tony married Chris Schmitt of Sheboygan on August 19, 1991. Together, they had a daughter, Sydney Marie in December of 1995. Tony and Chris moved to Racine, WI, where they purchased a home. Tony worked as a postal worker and was promoted to Shop Steward for the entire bulk mailing unit, a role in which he excelled.

He was married to Debra Jean Frank of Sheboygan on December 30, 2008. They resided for a short time in Albuquerque, N.M. They relocated back to Sheboygan where they resided until Debra’s passing on May 30, 2012. During the time of her struggle due to pancreatic cancer, he selflessly remained at her side, eventually learning the optimal techniques and medications to best mitigate her pain. Tony was given the ability to administer her medication as needed by the medical staff until her hospitalization at Memorial Hospital and eventual passing at Sharon S. Richardson’s Community Hospice.

Tony and Debra shared a dog, Benny, who was by their side throughout their marriage and he was deeply affected by both Debra’s and later Benny’s deaths. He recently mourned the death of Stubby, a dog co-owned with Kim Johnson.

Having an outgoing personality, it wasn’t surprising he was interested in thespian roles. As an 8th grader he had a starring role in a North High school performance of, “Dark at the Top of the Stairs”. Tony also participated in cross country and wresting at North High. His other interests were frisbee golf, running and later he became an avid indoor and outdoor swimmer, enjoying the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. He was a fan of all Wisconsin sports, especially the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers. Another hobby was collecting memorabilia.

An especially proud moment over the last couple of years was the purchase of his home near his childhood neighborhood. It was a joy for him to have his daughter Sydney help settle him into a home that he hoped would create special memories. He quickly assimilated into the family friendly neighborhood, enjoying a special bond with his next-door neighbors, Ken and Pat Zastrow.

The family wishes to thank Dr. William Anderson at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee and especially his companion, Kim Johnson who stayed by his side during his battles with alcohol and depression.

He is survived by his loving, daughter, Sydney; his parents; his brothers Richard, Albuquerque NM; Patrick and his children Hannah, Nathan and Alivia, Buffalo, NY; and sisters Julie Scheibel (Peter), and children George, Lilly, and Truman; Leslie Shatkin (Todd), and children Jared, Juliet, and Jade, Buffalo NY; Ellen J. Fullerton (Peter), and children, Riley, Haley, Cooper, Tanner, and Avery, Elkhart Lake, WI. He is further survived by stepsons Jordan and Aaron Mulder. In addition to his wife, Debra Frank, grandparents, many other relatives, he is preceded in death by his nephew Anderson E. Scheibel and his brother-in-law Daniel Janquart.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at St. Dominic’s Church, 2133 N. 22th St., at 11:00 am. on Wednesday, September 26, preceded by a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 until the time of service. Mass will be officiated by Father Matthew Widder followed by a burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either, to a memorial fund for his daughter, Sydney, who is pursuing post-graduate course work in law, focusing on advocacy at Tucson Community College, or a charitable organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olsonfuneralhome.info