Anthony Wiedemeyer

Anthony B. Wiedemeyer
May 3, 1929 – November 28, 2007

Anthony (Tony) Wiedemeyer, 78, died Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at home of cancer. Tony, better known as 'Tuffy" to his Iowa family and friends, was born on May 3, 1929, the seventh and last child to Leo and Agnes (Kramer) Wiedemeyer of Carroll, Iowa. He said his parents reached perfection and quit. The nickname "Tuffy" came as a result of surviving a ruptured appendix at the age of two. He later received the title "The Great High-Jumping Tuffy" because he held the Iowa and Texas record for high jumping on roller skates. He grew up on the family farm until he jointed the Army Air Force at age 17. There he took advantage of furthering his education and also became a sergeant.

Tony returned to the farm in 1949 and married his high school sweet heart, Elaine Heue, in 1950. Their only child, Barbara, was born in 1953. He said they got quality instead of quantity. The family moved to the Denver area in 1956 where Tony started to work for King Soopers and eventually became produce manager. After 33 years of service he retired from Kings but continued to maintain his many friendships made there.

In 1958 Tony, Elaine and Barb moved to South Clarkson Street in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Over the past 50 years Tony has found great respect and love at that location. Over the years the 4th of July celebration has become a major event. Neighbors fondly call him the 'Mayor of Clarkson' and say he lived out the scripture "love thy neighbor".

In the late 60's and through the 70's people visited 5400 S. Clarkson Street to attend Bible Study and worship. Not only did many accept Jesus Christ as their savior and many were baptized in their swimming pool. It was at that time that Tony and Elaine graduated from Faith Bible Chapel's Bible School.

Tony was a 'jack of all trades and master of many' including collecting and repairing antique clocks. Auctions were a favorite past time where he found antiques. His favorite place to refinish them was under the old apple tree out in back back yard. In the beginning, most were for Elaine's antique shop, Country Store of Antiques. In later years, many ended up in his granddaughter's homes.

As a husband, Tony showed loving faithfulness. Even in the last seven years of Elaine's life he visited her almost daily in the nursing home. She went home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2005.

In 1995 Tony started to attend South East Christian Church, where he was very active and loved. He was involved in different aspects of the church including greeting at the door and serving on the school board for the church school.

Tony looked forward with great anticipation to the monthly Pinochle card party, where he brought the Wiedemeyer passion for card playing and a competitive spirit.

Road trips became one of his regular enjoyments. He loved to visit family and friends. Once he took a five-week road trip with his granddaughter Kristie to Nova Scotia. The most recent was a short trip just three months ago with his daughter. After going to an auction in southern Colorado they went four wheeling up Tin Cup Pass.

Much of the past four and a half years have been spend with his seven great grand children who dearly loved him. Maybe he would say that they were his reward and the fruit of a godly life.

Tony is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Dave) Becker, two granddaughters; Jamie (Terrell) Deering, and Kristie (Jared) Ginsberg, seven great grand children: Josiah (4), Paige (2) & Tyler (11 mo.) Ginsberg; Trinity (3), William (2), Katrina Elaine (2) & Anthony (11 mo.) Deering, and a sister: Dorothy Hartley of Key West Florida.

Tony will be greatly missed by many, many people who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Beginnings International Training Center, PO Box 806, Hockessin, DE 19707 or visit online at www.nbitc.org