Anthony “Tony” William Seizys was born Sept. 8, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He was the only child of Leo and Francis (Serutis) Seizys, both of Lithuanian descent. Despite the challenges of being raised in an urban environment, he graduated with honors from Roman Catholic High School in 1955. He was then selected to be a member of the highly sought after inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated in 1959 and went on to pilot training in Marianna, Florida and Lubbock, Texas. He served his country honorably in the skies over Vietnam in 1969.
Although primarily trained as a pilot, Tony’s career deviated from the typical pilot’s path when he realized family was more important than flying (a pursuit he cherished) and he selflessly surrendered his flying status, an almost unheard of decision in the career of an Airman. His family was more important than his personal aspirations, a common theme of Tony’s life. He completed his formal education with a Master’s Degree in Geodetic Science, and served as a surveyor, a TAC Officer for both the Air Force Academy and West Point Military Academy, and a university ROTC Commander, retiring from the Air Force after serving 22 years. His occupations after retirement included high school and college educator, draftsman, part-time flight instructor, special needs aide, librarian and school bus driver.
Tony married the enduring love of his life, Patricia Ann Johansen on July 30, 1960, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Omaha. He and Pat raised eight children of their own and provided foster care and love to 19 additional children. The family moved 25 times before finally settling in Seward. Aside from work and family, Tony enjoyed not only reading but studying and dissecting the Bible, and many considered him a true biblical scholar. Despite understandable obstacles inherent in having a large family, Tony found great joy in sharing God’s natural wonders while camping with his family. He was a self-taught handyman, carpenter and antique furniture refinisher. He was the rare individual who would enjoy looking at an atlas as much as reading a non-fiction book. Tony had a beautiful singing voice and loved to play the harmonica and accordion. He was a talented sketch artist.
Anthony is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia; children, Teresa (Mark) Heidemann of Seward, Jeffrey (Rae) Seizys, of Michigan City, Indiana, Michael Seizys, of Lewistown, Montana, Susan (Don) Nelson of Elkhorn, Michelle (Paul) Wibbels of Hastings, Carrie Marion of Omaha, David Seizys of Lincoln, and Nichole Seizys of Lincoln, 24 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a step-sister and a step-brother. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
