Anthony Vrhel

Anthony Vrhel Jr., 91, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017, from 11am until 1pm, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur. Military Rites will be presented at Harrison cemetery following the gathering. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Anthony was born March 8, 1926, to Anthony & Julia (Tomas) Vrhel in Chicago, IL. He attended Decatur Public Schools and then served his country as a Sergeant in the Army during WWII. On May 3, 1947, Anthony married Helen Milkovich in Paw Paw, MI. Upon coming home from the war, Anthony opened his own filling station on his property in Decatur. After a few years he went on to work in different businesses such as the Round Oak, Kaiser Frazer, Eatons and retired from GM after working a total of 45 years. Anthony was a very well read, interested in the world, politically aware, intelligent man. He was very good and generous to his children and grandchildren. He had good times working on his beautiful garden. He never had to hire a handyman because he was so well versed in doing all types of construction and mechanics. He didn’t hold any religious beliefs but he enjoyed his early education when his teacher, Mabel Schuneman, played piano while the students sang hymns. Anthony is survived by his children, Janet (Jim) Fons of Springs, TX and Joyce Winchester of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Michele Winchester-Greer, Alia Fons-Scheyd and Marin Fons-Hernandez; great-grandchildren, Madelynne, Brandon, Marcus, Jacki, Joshua, Atreyu, Absinthe, Atlas, Maiya and Delilah; great-great-grandchildren, Bodhi and Sebastian; and siblings, Tom (Barb) Vrhel, Jim (June) Vrhel, Don Vrhel and Joan (Tony) Badalamenti. Anthony was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents; and brother Robert.