Anthony Joseph Lyrek, “Tony” age 88 of Franklin Township, Wright County, Minnesota passed away at home on November 18, 2018. He was born on October 9, 1930 to Peter and Elizabeth (Fake) Lyrek in Franklin Township, Minnesota and raised on a dairy farm. He left the farm to work at Powell Candy Company and then Louver Manufacturing in Hopkins, Minnesota and a cabinetry shop where he honed his woodworking skills.

Tony was united in marriage to Charlene Czech on September 5, 1953 at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church. They built their home in Hopkins. In 1957, they were drawn back to farm life a few miles from where they grew up. They started a family in 1958 and were blessed with three children. In addition to farming, Tony leveraged his charm in a sales career of farm equipment and Conklin Ag chemicals. Upon retirement, fishing “Up North” became his primary hobby in addition to building a new home on the back corner of the farm and a cabin on Howard Lake near Akeley, Minnesota.

Despite many accidents and illnesses, Tony lived life without reservation. He bounced back to health time and again to the continuous surprise of family, friends and caregivers. He produced many stories of resilience that have touched our lives and bring us together.
Tony was preceded in death by his wife Charlene; son Dennis and son-in-law Adelbertus Calis; parents Peter and Elizabeth; brothers George, Clemence, Albert, Raymond and Thomas. He is survived by his daughters Jane (Glenn) Slaughter, Irene Calis; grandchildren Antonia (Philip) Hope, Joseph Slaughter, Jacob Calis and Jodi Calis; brothers Duane and Vernon Lyrek.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church in rural Delano. Visitation took place on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation continued at the church on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the Mass. Interment was in the church cemetery.