Tony E. Van Hammond

Tony “Toto” was greeted by His Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Cherry Meadows Hospice after a 2-year battle with esophageal cancer. Tony had the assurance that he would be in heaven because of God's promises (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance).
Tony was born on April 17, 1958 to the loving home of Earl J. and Ann L. (Demerath) Van Hammond. After graduating from Kimberly High School in 1976, he started to work at Marathon Engineering (now Poyry) for 30+ years. Poyry was much more than just his work place, it was also his work family. We will always be grateful for their support and love throughout all 30 years!

Tony married his high school sweetheart, Cathy Riedel on April 28, 1979. Tony enjoyed all kinds of athletics: bowling, golf, softball, volleyball, basketball, football, and wrestling. He often teased Cathy that it should have been in their wedding vows that she needed to learn how to bowl and golf and of course, she learned to love both sports because of her love for Tony.

Tony loved the Green Bay Packers, especially watching them with his sister-in-law, Chris, who would get so excited, she would almost jump into the TV to help the Packers play!

Volunteering at Fox Valley Christian Academy was one of Tony's passions. He coached volleyball and basketball while his two girls attended FVCA. You would often find him staying after practice helping any player who needed extra coaching. He would also take time off of work and be a hot lunch volunteer at FVCA. Once he was volunteering with another Dad (John H.) and they got into a water spraying “fight.” After that FVCA was careful who they put together to serve with Tony or John.

Tony is survived by his wife, Cathy, his two wonderful daughters, Amber and Bethany; father-in-law, Jim Riedel; brother, Dan (Vickie) Van Hammond; sister, Kathy (Jeff) Pointer; sister-in-law, Chris Van Driel; brother-in-law, Randy (Michele) Riedel; sister-in-law, Polly (Mark) Sonnleitner; nieces and nephews: Joe, Chrissy (Chris) Nelson, and David Van Hammond; Sam and Jacob (Shauna) Pointer; Ben, Rick (Nicole), Ryan (Shannon), Murph (Ali) and Casey Van Driel; Brandon and Brady Riedel; Luke and Eric Sonnleitner; great nieces and nephews: Olivia and Owen Nelson; Morgan Pointer; Allie, Adam, and Anna Pointer; Gracie and Carson Van Driel; Kyleigh and Jaxson Van Driel; Kaylah, Kaden, and Kami; Chloey, Solly, and Roman Van Driel. Tony was also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Nancy, infant brother-in-law Joey, our baby in Heaven, his nephew Adam, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tony and Dad: we want to let the world know what a wonderful, godly Husband and Father you were and we will always love and miss you dearly. Tony enjoyed every sport Amber and Bethany participated in, often teasing Amber when they competed in bowling and “coaching from the stands” when Bethany played volleyball at Mount Mary University.

We would like to thank Macy's and Mount Mary for their understanding and flexibility with Amber's work schedule and Bethany's schooling. We would also like to thank Jeff and Patti, Jan, Aunt Debbie, FVCA, Calvary Bible Church, Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology (Dr. Timothy Goggins and his staff), Cherry Meadows Hospice, family and so many others who blessed us with help, support, love, and prayers.

The memorial service for Tony will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, April 13, 2015 at CALVARY BIBLE CHURCH, 1450 Oakridge Road in Neenah. Rev. John Hartenberger will be officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday at the church from 5:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are established for Community Benefit Tree, FVCA and Calvary Bible Church. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.