Anthony Ponti

Stoughton - Anthony "Tony" Michael Ponti, age 44, who died unexpectedly on July 20, 2016, will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Tony was born on March 30, 1972 to Don and Monika (Ziegler) Ponti. He grew up loving the water, boating and fishing. He excelled in athletics (wrestling and football). He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1990. Following high school he joined the Army National Guard, serving for eight years. Tony married Kirsten Wiskus and together they had a son, Vincent Michael. Over the years, Tony worked in the areas of HVAC and maintenance including at the University of Wisconsin. At the time of his death, he was employed at The Bruce Company.

Tony was at home outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing. Many days were spent on a pier with a fishing pole in his hand and usually with family members by his side. He also loved to cook. He shared his techniques and recipes with anyone who enjoyed his creations, especially his version of spaghetti alla puttanesca, AKA "Tony's Spaghetti." He also looked forward to grilling, Sun Drop in hand, with his dad and his son. Tony was an avid reader and remembered everything he'd read. He had so much to share with others.

Tony could fix anything with a motor. He frequently came to the rescue of others whenever they found themselves stranded and got them "back on the road." He was helping his son get his diesel truck and motor cycle running. Working with his hands was second nature to him. He tinkered and repaired but he also created. It was common to see him with a pocket knife carving something out of wood. He was known to salvage or rescue what others threw away and take these odd, unrelated things and yoke them together to create something beautiful and useful.

Tony was a gentle giant, a quiet protector. He was kind, sensitive and sentimental. He would do anything for you, if he could. He especially loved his family: his son, his parents and his sister. His contagious smile would appear and deep laughter would punctuate gatherings with family and friends. His sense of humor and his love of pranks and jokes are captured in family photos; everyone has a funny "Tony Story." Tony considered being a father his most important accomplishment. And he shared those things that were important to him, his skills and his strengths with his son. Tony's passions and gifts remain in Vincent who carries them forward.

He is survived by his son, Vincent Ponti of Lake Mills, his parents, Don (Deb) Ponti of Stoughton and Monika Anderson of New Mexico, his sister Lisa (Anthony) Roman of Madison, his stepbrother Pat (Rena) Humphrey and step-niece Danica of Sun Prairie, his stepsister Joanna (Ryan) Sheets and his step-nephew Weston of Jackson, WY, Vincent's mom Kirsten Crock, his best friend Renee Piraino, special extended family, Nelson and Julie Roman and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at St. Ann's Parish located at 323 N. Van Buren Street, Stoughton. Fr. Randy Budnar will celebrate a Catholic Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial of his ashes will occur at a later date.