Anthony "Tony" Zagar

Anthony “Tony” Zagar, passed away on Tuesday December 10th, 2013, at the age of 90 years. Survivors include his children, Joe (Liz) Zagar, Steve (Pamela) Zagar, Marjy (Mark) Brzeskiewicz, Pete (Renée) Zagar, Terri (Rob) Mullens and Tom Zagar; grandchildren, Julie, David and Andy Zagar, Laura (Mike) Ogren, Sarah (Chris) James, Stephanie (Jon) Jakloblich, Lisa Zagar, Jacob, Pete (Laura) and Dann Brzeskiewicz, Matthew and Jackson Zagar, and Kyle and Lucas Mullens; 4 great-grandchildren, Tim, Carl and Owen Jakoblich and Jayden James; siblings, Frank Zagar, Theresa Pender, Stephie Zagar, and Ray Zagar, sister-in-law Mariangela (William) Pledl; further survived by many, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A WWII veteran, Tony proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942-1946, first as a Marine paratrooper and later redeployed to the South Pacific in the newly formed 5th Marine Division for the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was assigned to Weapons Company of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment. Tony witnessed the two U.S. flag raisings on Iwo Jima’s Mt. Suribachi on 23 February 1945. Upon cessation of hostilities he served in the occupation of Japan in the city of Sasebo. He then answered the call to serve his country again during the Korean conflict as a Marine DI. Tony married Rita Kauer on Thanksgiving Day in 1953 and enjoyed the next 45 years with her until her death. He enjoyed talking with people regardless of age and would joke with almost anyone he came in contact with. His sense of humor and love for making people laugh will always be remembered by family, friends and anyone who knew him. It was his knack to make people feel good as part of his job spanning nearly 35 years that took him from operating old Milwaukee street cars to driving Milwaukee County Transit System buses. He would share his experiences with his children, grandchildren and anyone interested to listen. Tony was a member of the Gross- Yaksh VFW Post 6498, where he enjoyed many hours with his peers. When he was younger, he belonged to St. Leo's Parish where he met Rita in the choir. His love of music included playing the accordion, the button box and the harmonica. While raising his six children he belonged to Mother of Good Counsel Parish and later in life belonged to St. Peter of Alcantara Church in Port Washington, WI. A visitation will be held on Saturday the 14th of December 2013 from 10 am until Noon with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow, both at St. Peter of Alcantara Church (1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington, WI) with full military honors following at the church. Private family interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. Tony’s family wants to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Harbor Village in Port Washington, and especially the Harbor Cove caretakers for their special attention and friendship to their father. To leave on-line condolences for his family please visit www.schramka-milwaukee.com