Tony L. Wzientek

1945 - 2013

Tony L. Wzientek, 67, of Virginia, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 17, 1945, in Centralia, the son of Leon and Lucille Wyrostek Wzientek. He married Kathleen Sinclair on Aug. 15, 1995, in Las Vegas, and she survives.

He is also survived by his mother, Lucille Ferguson of Centralia; a stepson, David Miller of Virginia; two stepgrandchildren, Clayton Jay Miller and Alexis N. Miller, both of Petersburg; two siblings, Stanley Wzientek (wife, Janice) and Doloris Prunty, both of Centralia; three sisters-in-law, Bonnie Herrin (husband, Steve) of Carroll, Iowa, Coni Cox (husband, Dale) of Virginia and Mary Ann Brockhouse (husband, Ron) of Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; his stepfather, Stanley Ferguson; and a brother in infancy.

Tony was a graduate of Centralia High School and joined the U.S. Air Force where he served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant. He began a railroad career with the CB&Q and later the Burlington-Northern and Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railways that spanned 42 years prior to his retirement in 2009.

He was a life member of the Beardstown VFW Post 1239 and enjoyed sporting events, especially NASCAR racing. He had a passion for spending time with his faithful dog, Ozzie, and a deep concern for the plight of the homeless which he tried to assist when possible.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial and military honors to follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. Friday until the time of services. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Cass County Food Pantry or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.buchanancody.com.