Anthony Warnke

Anthony "Tony" August Warnke, age 81, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2023. He was born May 14, 1941, in St. Johns, Michigan, to the late William and Catherine (Knieper) Warnke. Tony proudly served in the Michigan Army National Guard. Tony grew up on the family farm near Maple Rapids, Michigan, and spent many years as a salesman, first selling farm equipment and later heavy trucks; he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, and eventually retired in the Southwest that he had read about in his many Louis L'Amour novels. Tony spoke fondly of his children, including the pride he felt and the love he had for them. Surviving Tony are his three children, Kim (Ed) Piper, Jeff (Julie) Warnke and Kerry (Kevin) Reister; grandchildren, Andrew (Kristi) Heffelbower, Amber (Christopher Redmond) Heffelbower, Korey (Ariel) Blundy, Madison Warnke, and Hailey Warnke; 4 great-grandchildren; and sister, Martha Seitz. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, William and Cathrine; brother, Lawrence Warnke; and sisters, Rita Miros, Theresa Kabelitz and Delores Michutka. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life is being planned and details will be announced as soon as they become available. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Samaritas Senior Living for their care of Tony over the past year and to Gentiva Hospice for their help and compassion during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association or Gentiva Hospice. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Anthony Warnke, please visit our flower store.