Obituary of Anthony James Willoughby

Anthony “Tony” James Willoughby, 75, of Superior Wisconsin passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth, MN, on Sunday, September 5, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born on April 30, 1946, in Duluth, Minnesota to Carl and Ethel Willoughby.

On December 31, 1965, Tony was married to the love of his life, Bette Renaud and were happily married for 56 years. Tony served our country in the US Navy, stationed in San Diego, California 1965-1967 where they lived for two years then moved to Superior, WI, where they purchased a small farm, and the marriage was blessed with four children, Lena, Dave, Nick, and Karla. At age 16, Tony joined the Stevadores waterfront and in the 1980’s became President of ILA Local 1366, and worked for Zenith Dredge Company where he worked on the building of the Bong Bridge. He later became employed as a Tugman for Great Lakes Towing. After an accident in 1997, Tony was forced to retire with an extensive injury. He was a man of honor and treated all with respect, and loyalty and always stuck to his word. He took great pride in everything he did and was a friend to all. Tony adored his family and all the grand babies and great grand babies.

He loved farming his land and enjoyed spending his time on his old but new tractors that he found so peaceful. He very much enjoyed hunting and fishing. He took great pride in hunting big game in Colorado with his boys and especially bringing all the grandsons out there for their first Elk hunt and teaching them the way. He was a real outdoorsman and loved going to the cabin fishing and always tinkering with something. He loved telling his grandchildren stories and hoped he taught them wisdom. Tony and Betty spent their winters going south to Texas, where they met and made some very good friends and spent time with extended family and always stopping in Branson, Missouri on their way home. Whenever the grandkids would leave the house, Grampa’s last words were always “Papa loves you”. Blessed be the memory of Tony.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ethel Willoughby, brother Carl (Cheryl), sister, Darlene  (Melvin) Fremling, brother Clarence and brother Milo. He is survived by his wife Bette, daughter Lena (Jeff) Greenfield, son David (Lisa) Willoughby, son Nick Willoughby (Cindy Hammarlund), and daughter Karla (Joe) Van Overmeiren. Sister Mary Moldenhour (Bruce), brother John Willoughby, brother Mike (Mari) Willoughby. Nine grandchildren, Garrett, Ashlee, Brandon, Natosha, Wade, Evan, Austin, Eric, and Trevor. Five great grandchildren, Levi, Teagan, Colt, Eli, and Hazel. And many, many nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Life to be determined at a later date, as there is continued prayer for Tony and Bette’s son Nick. Dad/Papa will be dearly missed by all. Remember “Papa loves you”.

The family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic/Hospital for their continued expert care and compassion over the years, and St. Luke’s staff, and Tony’s favorite doctors Dr. Popham at St. Luke’s and Katie Linnen at the Mayo Clinic.