Hi everybody, its Tony. If you are reading this I’ve moved on to the other side, on December 3, 2025, and I mean moved on, I can again walk, run, jump, dance and drive as much as I want to, I can eat and drink what I want to and when I want to, without help, I can have real conversations with people again, I can read and write again.
I was born April 23, 1958, and lived in South Milwaukee most of my life. My parents were Anthony C and Rose Tanaszczyk, my half-brother is Ron Jakubicz. I met Pam Gaurkee middle of 2020, while I was living in assisted living, and became my guardian in 2023. Pam is helping me put my thoughts together.
I was diagnosed with Dystonia with Torticollis, early in my life. Dystonia is a chronic often painful, neurological disorder characterized by extreme muscle spasms that cause involuntary movements and postures in the body and limbs. I graduated from DeSales Prep Seminary High School in 1976. For a very brief time I was Police Officer in Elm Grove fulfilling my childhood dream, but Dystonia began interfering more and more with my abilities and I was no longer able to fulfill the job requirements. I was very involved in the Democratic Party in Milwaukee area, as well as longtime member of Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. This Foundation’s mission is to increase awareness about Dystonia, support research looking at new treatments and ultimately a cure for Dystonia, providing educational webinars, support for persons living with Dystonia as well as support for those providing support and care to persons living with Dystonia. I was able to travel, visiting warm and sunny spots. I met Jerry in late 1990’s and spent time in California with him during some of our cold Wisconsin winters. For about 20 years we traveled together taking cruises and visits to Hawaii.
I’ve lived at Pine Haven 2 ½ years, thanks to everyone I have met here.
Additionally, I want to thank caregivers, LaToya, Tamika, Jackie, Caleb, Hailey, Senela, Sophia, Dayne, Julie, Ruby, Candy LPN, and Mary LPN for always treating me with respect and dignity. Thanks, Jeff, for successfully managing my investments. Thanks, Jerry, for the memories we made traveling together. Thanks, Pam, for always making sure I had everything I needed to be comfortable, respected and safe–even before you became my guardian.
Sharon Richardson Hospice was part of the final part of my journey, thanks to them as well.
Cremation has been completed. There will be no visitation, nor services. Private internment will take place at Calvery Cemetery Sheboygan, WI.
Donations to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730, Chicago, IL 60601-9553, www.dystonia-foundation.org, would be appreciated.
Enjoy every day, live life to the fullest. See you on the other side.
A note from Pam: We have another guardian angel looking over all of us.
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