Tony was born in Milwaukee on October 9th, 1953 as an only child to Leroy and Jeanette (Grabowski) Bunzel. He was a 1972 graduate of Pulaski High School. He went on to earn a degree in Police Science in 1991 from MATC.
Tony had many different job titles and professions during his working years. He worked as a Police Auxiliary Officer for the Greendale Police Department in the late 1980’s. He was also a Private Investigator in the 1990’s. His other workplaces included the following:
- Dietz Electric Co
- Southridge Mall as security Sergeant
- Milwaukee County Hospital as a security supervisor
- Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department- Correctional Officer
- Department of Homeland Security -Transportation Security Administration Officer
- Aurora West Allis Medical Center as Sergeant/Security Officer
- Wisconsin Kenworth
Tony was a true patriot and gun enthusiast. He enjoyed hunting, reading survival manuals and self-defense books. He often practiced his self-defense moves on his family members. He loved going to various car shows and used to reminisce about past vehicles he had owned. Motorcycles were also a huge part in Tony’s life. He had owned multiple motorcycles including Harleys and other sports bikes. The kitchen was a specialty for Tony, as he loved cooking for his wife Laurie and was also taught the fine art of canning, which he learned from Uncle Al and Aunty Rose. Aside from spending time outside at home, traveling to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Nashville to listen to music in the Honkey Tonks, was where he enjoyed life the most.
Tony was a man of integrity and it was important to him he raised his daughters to be strong women with good morals, including respect, determination, and hard work. Tony was a loving grandfather to his three grandchildren. He was always there to go trick or treating, going out to dinner or just spending time at home with them. Tony also loved any dogs and often spent time hanging out with Stella Mae. Going to Kwik Trip for a hot dog run, going to the park, and snuggling on the couch were things they did often together.
He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie, of twenty nine years, his devoted daughters Lindsay (Nick) and Kelsey (Kevin), three grandchildren; Jaidan, Nixon, and Nova. His Father-in-law Kenny (Mary), Sister-in-law Yvonne (Dave), niece Jessie, and other family members, friends and colleagues.
Tony’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 15 from 1PM until ? at BREWTOWN EATERY BAR AND GRILL; 5121 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53220.
In Tony’s difficult battle with COVID-19, he lived up to one of his favorite quotes, “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway” -John Wayne. As our Dad would often say when he was leaving a room or at the end of a shift, “I’m off like a prom dress!”
