Anton (Tony) P. Schatz, 96, of Custer, South Dakota, was joined with his Lord on January 20, 2012, at Custer Senior Regional Care Center.


Tony was born to Katherina (Thomas) and Joseph Schatz on January 1, 1916 in Wellsburg, North Dakota. He is the third born child of nine children. Tony grew up on the family farm that was homesteaded on July 25, 1917, about 11 miles south of Eagle Butte, South Dakota. On July 1, 1937 he married Ruth Hudspeth; they later divorced. On June 21, 1945 he married the love of his life, Ethel Peterman, who preceded him in death on February 3, 1985.

Tony's passion and talent for "fixing and repairing" things began at a very young age on the family farm where he demonstrated the aptitude to repair the machinery and equipment to keep it running to operate the farm. In pursuit of his passion, when Tony finished the eighth grade, he accepted an apprenticeship in a blacksmith shop. This was the beginning of a great future and brilliant career of one of the most unique and talented individuals of his time.



Tony was not only a blacksmith; he was an electrician, a master craftsman, a carpenter, a mechanic, a metallurgist, a welder, a machinist, a gunsmith, an inventor, a teacher and a mentor. To put it simply – he was a genius at making things work. There wasn't anything that Tony couldn't fix. He loved firearms and won many awards for his shooting.

Literally hundreds of customers from all walks of life visited Tony's Fix-It-Shop. His customers included numerous businesses (large and small). Each depended on him to repair their equipment, replace their parts or make their machinery operate for the sake of their livelihood. They knew that he would, without fail, meet and exceed their needs in a timely fashion and would do so producing a quality product while charging a nominal fee. Whatever a customer needed, Tony either had it or would make it for them; this alone made him "special."

In addition to Tony's passion for his trade, his exceptional skills and abundant talent, he was also known for being meticulous and for doing things right. He had a phenomenal memory, was extremely organized and took great pride in exactness when it related to the perfection required by his customers. These traits coupled with his genuine concern for others truly made him a rare and unique individual. Tony was one of a kind; an extraordinary and precious individual who made a difference in the world. He had a personality that could light up the room and make people laugh when they had nothing to laugh at. Tony was an awesome individual who will be sorely missed and he will leave a significant void in the lives of those he loved, those who loved him, and those he called friends, customers and acquaintances.


Survivors include two daughters Bonnie (Roger) Wagner of Superior, CO and Mary Bassemier of Custer, SD; son, Christopher Schatz of Bismarck, ND; stepdaughter Nancy Pilkington of Norfolk, VA; stepson Charles (Beth) Oller of Vivian, SD ; brother, Benjamin (Alice) Schatz of Des Plaines, Il; five sisters; Sister Gemma of Mission, SD, Barbara Boner of Nashua, MT, Frances (Paul) Marshall (address unknown), Mary (Donald) Knight of San Pedro, CA, and Odilia (Tillie) Kilby of Great Falls, MT; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson and one great-great granddaughter.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Schatz; his brothers; Andrew Schatz and Michael Schatz; and stepson; John Oller.

Funeral services are being held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Custer Community Church in Custer, South Dakota, with Pastor Bill Comfort officiating. Committal services will be held at the Custer City Cemetery in Custer.


Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.