Tony Havelka

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Anthony “Tony” Robert Havelka passed away August 24, 2026, at his home in Verona, Missouri, with family by his side. He was born in Dodge, Nebraska, on September 10,1939, the son of Anton and Mary (Uher) Havelka.

The family moved to Missouri in September 1950. Tony attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Verona High School in 1957. He married the love of his life, Barbara Fenske, on October 3, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pierce City, Missouri. Tony worked for Huellhorst Construction Company for ten years. He then joined the Gas Service Company (now Spire) where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 2001. He and Barbara also owned and operated a seed company and a farming operation.

As a teenager Tony went on the wheat harvest which took him through Texas, Kansas, and Montana. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Verona, Missouri, where he served on the Parish Council, was a lector, and sang in the choir. Tony was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2265. He served as secretary for many years and participated in various council activities. During the Lenten fish fries, Tony and Barbara served as cashiers and welcomed all who were in attendance.

Tony enjoyed spending time with his family, especially Barbara, his wife of 61 years, and grandchildren. His hobbies included going to farm auctions and visiting with friends and neighbors. Tony never knew a stranger; he always had a story to tell and a smile to share. On Thursday mornings, Tony could be found at Braum’s, having coffee and swapping stories and jokes with friends. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara; daughter, Sandy and her husband, Tim, of Verona, Missouri; son Mark and his wife, Jennifer, of Liberty, Missouri; granddaughters, Hannah Brolsma and her husband, Luke, Ashley Freiburger and her fiancé, Reed Shimkus; grandsons, Jonathan Freiburger, Cole Havelka, Evan Freiburger, and Trenton Freiburger.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anton, and Mary Havelka; sisters, Helen Chudomelka and Elizabeth Havelka (infant) and brothers, Edward Havelka and Albert Havelka.

A rosary will be held from 6:00-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Aurora with burial to follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Aurora.