Tony Mesko, 60, Springfield, MO, made his journey to his mansion in heaven on September 21, 2015. He was born July 19, 1955 in Lafayette, IN. Tony graduated from Milaca High School in Milaca, MN. He attended St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, MN on a full football scholarship and graduated with a Master s Degree in Education. Tony united in marriage with his best friend Julia C. Johnson on April 18, 2015, in Springfield, MO. They had a caring relationship that was based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. Tony was a high school football star, Captain of his team where he consistently won state awards. He was All State in football and basketball. He won Outstanding Athlete awards in Basketball and Baseball and was a true Home Run Hitter. He coached high school football, taught high school special education in Princeton, MN, while farming and gardening. He had a love for his farm animals and baby piglets were his favorite. In his later years, he did a lot of traveling through the states and settled in Springfield in 2003. Springfield is where he met the love of his life in January of 2004 while attending a strategic fundraising class. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Frances Fisher Mesko. He is survived by his wife, Julia; sister, Marsha Lunt and spouse Alfred, Fayetteville, NC; brother, Mitchell Mesko, St. Cloud, MN; brother John Mesko and spouse Lisa, Princeton, MN; and nieces and nephews, Jessica Sanders and spouse John, Gabrielle Mesko and Sara Mesko. The legacy of Tony s kind spirit, passion for sports, and zest for life will live on through them. A memorial service will be held at 6 PM, Friday, October 23, 2015, in the chapel of Cornerstone Church, 1701 S. Fort Ave, Springfield, MO. Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield.