Anthony "Tony" Arenas

Anthony “Tony” Arenas, age 41, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on December 15, 2025, surrounded by the people who loved him most. Tony lived a life that was anything but small. He moved through the world with purpose, humor, grit, and a faith that refused to be shaken—no matter what mountain stood before him. 

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa, who walked every step of life and love with him; his treasured daughters, Lana and Eva, who were his greatest joy; his parents, Jerry and Marie; and his sister, Lisa Thom, and her husband, Joey, and other family and friends who adored him. 

Tony lived big. He found joy in the energy of a Bucks and Packers win, the rhythm of Brewers baseball, a perfect golf swing, and any excuse to pack a suitcase and see the world with his family. Tony loved basketball, and coaching CYM high school teams became a defining joy for several years—leading them to multiple championships and building young athletes.

Staying active in the family business, Palmers Steakhouse, brought Tony purpose and pride, allowing him to put his Marquette double major in marketing and finance to good use. Tony’s life was also defined by service. He poured his heart into the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Donate Life, and countless hours into the annual Palmers Tent Event—his mission to make the world a little better for those carrying battles like his. His impact will live on through the Anthony J. Arenas Professorship in Lung Transplantation at UW–Madison, continuing post-transplant research.

A decade ago, Tony received the gift of new lungs—10 miraculous years of breath, adventure, fatherhood, marriage, laughter, —because of one man’s selfless “yes.” The Arenas family wishes to thank Tony’s donor, Ron Bockin, for the life he gave, and they extend deep gratitude to Dr. James Maloney and the entire TLC team at UW–Madison for their care and compassion through every season, especially the final one. 

Visitation will be held at St. Charles in Hartland (313 Circle Dr, Hartland, WI 53029) from 12:00–4:00 PM, on January 5th followed by a Catholic Mass at 4:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Palmers Tent Event Charities (checks may be sent to: 122 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland, WI 53029) —honoring Tony’s legacy for helping others. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21.