Anthony Walz

Anthony J. (Tony) Walz, 57, of Davenport, passed away at home on Monday, November 6, 2006, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Per Tony's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no visitation or funeral services will be held. Heesch Funeral Home in LeClaire is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends are invited to a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, November 11, to begin at 1 p.m. at Club MoKan, 4227 W. Kimberly Road, in Davenport. Memorials may be made to Genesis Hospice or a favorite charity.
Anthony Joseph Walz was born January 2, 1949, in Davenport, the son of Edmund and Jeanette (Schebler) Walz. He attended St. Vincent's K-8 and graduated from Assumption High School in 1967. He also attended St. Ambrose University for one year.
Friends for over 15 years, he wed Terri (Richters) McCarthy on June 21, 1997, at Duck Creek Park surrounded by many family members and friends who were convinced Tony would never marry, but Terri chased him until he caught her. It was truly a great match. He was her knight in shining armor and she was the love of his life. In a few short minutes, he became a husband and father for the first time and loved his new family very much. He was blessed with a grandson three months later and cherished his role as a Grandpa.
Tony was employed for 31 years at the City of Davenport, taking great pride in his work as a senior mechanic on the golf and park equipment. Due to his illness, he retired in March 2006, but continued to receive phone calls for advice regarding the equipment he worked on for so many years.
Tony had a passion for golf and enjoyed Wednesday and Sunday tee times with his pals at Emeis and Duck Creek. He spent many hours at the computer in an attempt to design the perfect golf course, possibly where his putter would not earn so many "frequent flyer miles" and where mulligans were allowed with no penalty! Tony and Terri loved to take "road trips" together and logged many miles on two-lane highways throughout the U.S. and Canada. One of their favorite long weekend destinations was Keosauqua where they spent three of their wedding anniversaries, and they were also known to show up at places like the Spam Museum just for the fun of it. Tony also enjoyed listening to classical music with his favorite composers being Rachmaninov, Grieg, Saint-Saens, and Brahms.
Tony is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Terri, of Davenport; son, Matt McCarthy, of Davenport; daughter, Megan McCarthy, of Portland, Oregon; his beloved little buddy and grandson, Tommy, of Davenport; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Jim VanAuwelaer, of Port Byron, and Bobbe and Andy Sisler, of Iowa City; a nephew and his wife, Matt and Carol VanAuwelaer, of Fishers, Ind.; a niece and her husband, Marie and Rick Allely, of Lawton, Iowa; niece, Meghann VanAuwelaer, of Fishers, Ind., and niece, Rachel Sisler, of Iowa City; and his in-laws, Robin and Keith Lamp, Steve and Julie Richters, Brenda and Tom Voss, Sandi and Kevin Moore, and their children.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Jeanette Walz, grandparents, Edmund and Jennie Walz and Harry and Loretta Schebler, Uncle Paul Walz, Aunt Carlotta Jordan, and in-laws, George and Linda Richters.
Tony was very thankful and felt a wealthy man to have the wonderful family and friends who provided him support throughout his illness. The family would also like to thank Dr. Jared Freiburger, Dr. Richard Roski and Dr. David Mercer along with their great staff (hi "Nurse Cupcake") for the excellent care they provided to Tony since his diagnosis in February 2005. We credit them with allowing us to have as much quality time with Tony as we did. We also thank our Genesis Hospice nurse, Carol and the rest of the Hospice staff, for the wonderful care and family support they provided as Tony drifted off into the sunset. A big thank you also goes to the faculty, residents and staff at Genesis Family Medical Center for their constant care and support as Terri cared for Tony at home.
You may visit WWW.HEESCHFUNERALHOME.COM to view the complete obituary and also send condolence to the family.