Eldred Anthony Fessler

Eldred Anthony Fessler, "Tony", 78, Cape Coral, FL passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Open Heart ICU, Health Park Hospital, Fort Myers. Tony was born July 4, 1940 in Sheboygan, WI to Eldred C. and Grace (nee Shavie) Fessler. After high school graduation, Tony joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served 10 years and became an aircraft mechanic and Crew Chief. He missed the service after moving back to Wisconsin and so joined the U.S. Navy Reserves where he served 12 years. A veteran of two wars, Viet Nam and Desert Storm, he was very devoted to his country.

Tony loved his family and friends and enjoyed being and doing things with them. Fishing topped his list of enjoyment, from on small lakes in Wis. to Lake Michigan fishing in his boat 'The Stranger', and then to fishing in the Gulf when he moved to Florida. Here he caught many great fish including shark. He said he always wanted to pet a shark and he did. Tony also loved golfing, watching it on TV and the challenges of playing the game while competing with friends. The Green Bay Packers were his favorite football team and he socialized with friends and family while watching the games. He was a member of Saint Andrew Catholic Church, the VFW, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Moose Lodge.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dianne Steffen Fessler; 2 sons Craig and Eric (Debra Jaeger); 2 grandsons Nathan and Matthew, 4 sisters Carol (Kenneth) Kuether, Patti Drews, Colleen (Teddy) Schoen, Janice (Douglas) Crane, and one brother Richard (Carol) Fessler.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Michael and beloved son Keith Anthony.

Visitation will be held at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cape Coral, on Thursday, Dec. 27th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Following visitation a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Cape Coral, FL. Burial service with Military Honor Guard Salute will be at Coral Ridge Cemetery following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate), The Golisano Children’s Hospital (https://www.leehealth.org/childrens-health/ways-to-give/holiday-donation-form.asp) and/or the Harry Chapin Food Bank (http://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/donate)