Anthony “Tony” Virostko, 88, of Helena, passed away from natural causes on October 31, 2011.
Tony was born May 25, 1923, in Stockett, Montana to George & Mary Anna (Kohut) Virostko. Tony grew up in the Stockett and Sand Coulee area, graduating from Stockett-Sand Coulee High School in 1941. Upon graduation he worked at the Anaconda smelter in Great Falls until he joined the Navy in 1943, where he served as a fire controlman on the USS Shaw. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, he returned to Great Falls where he worked for Thisted Motors as a mechanic. Tony and Lila Hakola were married September 4, 1948 in Great Falls. He went on to attend Montana State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Arts in 1951. Upon his college graduation he went to work for the Helena School District as an automechanics instructor, until his retirement in June 1978. Not one to be idle in retirement, he drove Carroll College sports and tour bus for Karst Stagelines until May 1998. Tony was a past member of the Elks, Moose Lodge, American Motorcycle Assoc. and Montana Retired Educators, Assoc. He also enjoyed bowling, motorcycles, and fishing.
Tony is survived by his wife, Lila; son, Ed Virostko of Helena; daughters, Marjorie (John) Peterson of Libby, Alice (Donald) Trinka of Bremerton, WA, Peggy (Michael) Flood of Loveland, CO; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He has one surviving sister, Francis Feller of Great Falls.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary-Anna (Kohut) Virostko; brothers, John and George Virostko; and sisters, Agnes Wolf and Helen Childs.
Tony had a passion for life; he was a generous father and loved to be surrounded by his family. He gave freely of his time and knowledge to his students and friends.
The family will receive friends starting at 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Helena. A reception will follow at Jorgenson’s Restaurant.
Memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Elaine Mueller-Cantu says
Peggy,
I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing. May your wonderful memories of him bring you peace and comfort.
frances feller says
To All of Tony’s Family
Though you’ve lost someone so special and your sorrow is so deep
May you find true consolation In the memories you keep.
Was so nice seeing all of you.
Love Aunt Frances
Gene & Peggy Olson says
Our thoughts are with you…..
jim moyle says
a sunset here is a sunrise there.
John & Nancy Morgan says
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a Helena icon. May your fond memories be of comfort. God Bless
Joseph Wolf says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Spent many good times with Tony when I was younger and later years as a fishing partner.
Joe & Melissa Wolf
Ephrata, WA
Peter Burggraff says
I was one of Tory’s students in automobile mechanics at the
Vo Tech. I learned a lot from Tony that I never forgot. Tony will be a loss to all,I am sure. Tony was my friend and a great instructor.
Terry Harris says
Tony was one of my teachers and a freind. I always enjoyed talking to him with his big smile. We bowled in the same league for manya years. My condolences to the family.
Zig says
Ed, Time will heal the pain of the loss of your father, but your fond memeoris of him wiil never be forgotten.