Anthony C. Wittkowske, Sr.

Anthony C. Wittkowske, Sr., 85, of Franklin, WI, passed away late Friday evening, June 14, 2024, at Accent Care Hospice Center at Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa, surrounded by his family, after watching his beloved Brewers.
Born May 21, 1939, in Milwaukee, Tony was a son of the late Clarence and Elsie Sulok Wittkowske. He attended Milwaukee area schools and graduated from West Division High School. On May 21, 1960, he was united in marriage to MaryAnne Olson at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee.
Tony worked from the age of 16 in various roles around Milwaukee; from gas station attendant to baker until joining the Milwaukee Transport company as a mechanic to be able to witness the modernization of its fleet from street cars to diesel buses. In 1964, Tony became a truck driver and drove millions of miles all over the US and Canada. He never met a stranger he couldn't or wouldn't speak to, creating lasting friendships everywhere he traveled. He was quite the card sharp enjoying cribbage, sheepshead, and many other card games. He would encourage anyone to play with his favorite invite, "Did you bring your money?". Tony was an avid bowler and enjoyed many leagues around the city, but especially those with his kids, their partners, and his friends. Tony spent many days in the outdoors, taking his family on many extended family camping trips throughout the Midwest creating lifelong memories with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many, many cousins. Master of the obvious, he would always tell you something was hot after you burnt yourself. Tony was fond of jokes, story telling, and humorous banter. Tony loved to travel with his wife, MaryAnne, and they shared many international and domestic adventures. Tony was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, following and supporting both professional and collegiate teams. Go Pack Go!
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anne; 8 of his children, Heather (Cal Seng) Adams, Vernon, Michelle (Michael) Kudlewski, Big Bend, Anthony Wittkowske, Jr., Franklin, Aaron Wittkowske, Muskego, A.J. (Regina) Wittkowske, Dyer, IN, Gabriella Esponda Lopez, Chiapas, Mexico, Marguerite Stitz, Wausau, and Andrew Wittkowske, Jacksonville, FL; his 12 grandchildren, Michael (Melisa), Lia (Ben), Emily, Maddie, Kyle, Nique, TJ, Morgan, Declan, Monica (Veronica), Alyson, and Anjel; 14 great grandchildren, Gwen, Owen, Violet, Mackenzie, Madison, Mason, Robbie, Osiris, Chloe, Matthew, Daenerys, Elena, Cas, and Ira; his two sisters, Darlene Bairaktaris, Elk Grove Village, IL, and Karen (Ken) Szuta, Milwaukee; three sisters-in-law, Gretchen (Clete) Hansen, Madison, Sheri Olson, and Diane Olson, Berlin; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Monica Anne who was waiting to guide her father home.
A memorial service for Tony will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the family home in Franklin followed by a celebration of his life. Family and friends may gather at the home at the time of service.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Accent Care Hospice for all of their loving care and support.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Tony’s arrangements.