Anthony 'Tony' Gurske

FAIRFIELD BAY, Kansas - Anthony "Tony" Gurske, age 66, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Tony was born on Nov. 10, 1959, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Robert and Eleanore Gurske. He grew up in Waukegan with his sisters, Rebecca "Becky" and Anita. From an early age, Tony had a zest for life. He loved playing baseball, football, hockey and wrestling, and had a love for fast cars.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Margaret "Peggy" Gurske; daughter, Andrea Gurske of Snellville, Georgia; son, Anthony (Tiffany) Gurske of Powers Lake, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Luke, Zyon and Elijah; and sister, Rebecca "Becky" (Steven) Gurske Steffen of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; along with extended family and countless friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Gurske; mother, Eleanore Gurske; and sister, Anita (Steve) Gurske Wallig.

Tony was a hardworking man who took pride in what he did. He spent 37 years working for Exelon/Commonwealth Edison of Northern Illinois, where he worked his way from boiler operator to crew leader in Substation Construction. He was proud of the substations he helped build and earned numerous awards during his career. But when Tony talked about his years at work, it was often the people he remembered most - his coworkers and the friendships he made along the way.

In the fall of 1992, Tony met Peggy in Lake Villa, Illinois. They married on Sept. 16, 1994, beginning a marriage built on love, friendship and a shared passion for life. Tony and Peggy hunted, fished, golfed, and created a lifetime of memories side by side. Their happiest memories were made at Oak Lake in Mercer, Wisconsin, including the many days spent hunting on their 80 acres. Those days were about being together and enjoying the life they had built.

Tony was proud to be a great dad and grandpa. His family and friends will forever treasure the memories and love he gave them.

In 2016, Tony and Peggy moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, drawn there by friends and the lifestyle they loved. That enabled Tony to continue hunting, fishing and playing golf. He had his favorite hunting blind and even a special spot in the garage - places that became part of the everyday landscape of his life. Tony loved his dogs and, of course, the Chicago Bears.

He was a kind and giving man who was always willing to help others. He had a great smile and a positive attitude. Tony was a jokester who loved pulling a good prank and sharing a good story. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. He seemed to leave laughter wherever he went. He had many friends, and each one was part of the rich collection of relationships that made his life meaningful.

A Celebration of Tony's Life will be held in Lake Villa, Illinois, in the spring of 2027. Details to be announced later.

Tony, you will be remembered and missed dearly. Rest peacefully.

To express online condolences, please visit http://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.