Reverend Anthony “Tony” Richard Ring, at age 87, passed away on September 3, 2024, peacefully at his home surrounded by loving family. Tony was born March 17, 1937 to parents Henry and Elvira Ring. He graduated from Eau Claire High School, Eau Claire. WI. Tony married his wife Hazel October 18, 1980.
Following high school Tony began his career with L.G. Arnold holding positions as laborer, heavy equipment operator and worked his way up to Manager. Tony could have run any equipment anywhere. With the closure of the company Tony took his knowledge of heavy construction equipment to sales. He ended his career working as service manager at car dealerships in the Eau Claire and Oshkosh area.
Tony didn’t stay retired for long. He went back to complete a religious training program resulting in his ordination as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church (Diocese of Eau Claire). Tony served St. Katherine’s Church of Owen, WI for 20 years. Through Tony’s ministry he shared his love and compassion with so many: completing church services, visiting the sick, presiding over marriages and funerals. He also provided regular spiritual services as a chaplain at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen. Tony also supported many charitable activities provided to the community by the church to include: free Thanksgiving meals, monthly free soup and sandwich events, and Hands Foundation’s projects.
In 2023, Tony was recognized by Shriners International in appreciation of his 50 years of service and loyal support to their fraternity and philanthropy benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children. Prior to that Tony was a member of Masonic Lodge #317 in Owen and was twice elected as Worshipful Master. Tony, along with his wife Hazel, enjoyed many years of fun and friendship traveling with the Shriners Drum and Bugle Corps where Tony held the role of Drum Major.
Tony had an interest in all things old west and had a passion for raising horses. He had as many as seven horses at one time and helped birth two foals. Tony loved training horses and could have been called the “horse whisperer.” Tony also supported his wife Hazel in her garden adventures. He planted, pruned, mulched, picked, helped her can and even built her an enormous greenhouse to fuel her habit.
Tony is survived by his children: Peter (Sherrie) Ring, Julie (Keith) Dilley, and Lisa (Eric) Pitman - “Blessed to spend time with Minion and Pebbles,” Scott (Debbie) Marrier, Dawn Marrier Auclair, and Kurt Marrier; grandchildren: Kelly (Troy) Riesselman, Dylan (Keira) Ring, Noah Dilley, Harper Dilley, Shauna (Christian) Johnson, Darrell (Nicole) Marrier, Chauncey Marrier (Melissa Miller), Travis Auclair (Elise Velasco), Tyler (Kaylee) Auclair; and many great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elvira Ring, his brother, Max and wife Hazel Ring and his beloved son-in-law, Fred Auclair.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Riverside Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice, both for their kind and compassionate care. A special thank you to RN Kati Kunhart at Riverside for giving Hazel and Tony a loving home and Hospice RN Breanna Schuld for ensuring Tony’s end of life comfort.
Tony will be laid to rest on Saturday October 12, 2024. Visitation from 10-12, with funeral services at 12:00 p.m. at St. Katherine’s Church, 206 E 3rd St., Owen, WI 54460.
“Thank you Tony for loving and caring for our mom Hazel and Grandma B.” - Scott, Dawn and Kurt.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
