Anthony Theodore Handzlik

1921 - 2017

Handzlik, Anthony Theodore Anthony Theodore Handzlik passed away peacefully on December 12, 2017, at the age of 96. Born in June, 1921, to Joseph and Louise Handzlik in Milwaukee WI, Tony was one of five children: Josephine, John, Lucy, and Walter. Tony married Hattie Zwicker while serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant, and lived happily with the "love of his life" for 72 years. Tony is survived by his wife, children and their spouses: Anne (Ron) Leggio, Mary (James) Graham, Susan (Craig) Kapp, Tony (Joan) Handzlik; and his youngest brother Walter (Cathy) Handzlik. He is loved and missed by his seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Tony will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind and loving gentleman with a great sense of humor and the skills to design, paint, sculpt, invent, teach, coach and mentor. He was an artist, musician, poet and comedian. Tony attended St. Mary of Czestochowa, Messmer High School, and Layton School of Art-all in Milwaukee. He left art school to enter the Air Force during World War II. He got married during the war, so upon his return, he apprenticed and worked as an electrician to support his family. He worked his way up to become the Head of the Electrical Engineering Department at Vilter Manufacturing-all as a self-taught engineer. In his retirement, he taught art at Alverno College, was a dedicated member of the Milwaukee Sketch Club, and an esteemed member of the Wisconsin Water Color Society. He was an avid tennis player and golfer, enjoying the links until he was 95. He was a passionate fan of Wisconsin sports: cheering for the Brewers, Packers, Bucks, Marquette, the University of Wisconsin, and Notre Dame (unless they were playing the Badgers). A celebration of Tony's life will be held on January 27, at Christ the King Church, 2604 North Swan Blvd, Wauwatosa. Visitation will be held from 10AM until 11:30AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:30AM and an Air Force Honor Salute. The family thanks the dedicated professionals that made his last days both comfortable and joyful.