Anthony "Tony" J. Lepkowski

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Lepkowski, 76, of Smithton, IL, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family on Thursday November 16, 2023. Tony was born on January 25, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware to Anthony John and Elizabeth Lepkowski, nee Truitt and his parents precede him in death.

Tony proudly served his county over a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Air Force. His service took him undercover for three tours in Cypress, 2 tours in Iceland, 5 years in England, and he was stationed in California for 4 years. While serving, he was awarded Outstanding Unit medals 2 times, Good Conduct medals 5 times, National Defense Service Medal 4 times, an Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Longevity Service Award Ribbon 3 times and an NCO Military Education Graduate Ribbon. He was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant.

After entering civilian life, Tony began working for the YMCA of Southern Illinois in Belleville as a financial director and would spend 24 years in this career. He also dedicated his free time to the YMCA, volunteering for many projects and fundraisers over the years. Tony was a devoted member of the Patriot Guard Riders and enjoyed riding his motorcycle especially Gold Wings for the Patriot Guard. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Smithton for many years. He was a caring animal lover and spent much of his free time volunteering for Belleville Area Humane Society.

In his free time, he loved building things and was a skilled carpenter. He had a passion for birds and loved feeding and caring for them. Tony had a great sense of humor and was known for his one-liners. One Halloween many years ago, he got a real Barney costume and surprised his granddaughter, Isabella while she was trick-or-treating! He was a loving and devoted husband and stepfather and was very devoted to his stepson, Patrick. Most important to Tony was spending time with his family and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Linda Rhein, nee Greaney, whom he married in 2010. His step-children: Carrie (Aaron) Hall of Wildwood, MO, Matthew (Donna) Rhein of Alpharetta, GA and Patrick Rhein of Smithton, IL; his step-grandchildren: McKinley Hall, Isabella Hall, Haley Rhein and Sydney Rhein; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Stephen (Brenda) Greaney of Oakdale, IL, Mark (Debbie) Greaney of Waterloo, IL, Kathy Greaney of Collinsville, IL, Susan Greaney also of Collinsville, IL, Dennis (Marilyn) Greaney of Wildwood, Mo and Matt (Angie) Greaney of Red Bud, IL in addition to extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday November 24, 2023, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 303 S. Smith St., Smithton, IL from 9:00am-10:30am. Funeral service will follow at 10:30am with Pastor Brian Damrow officiating. Tony will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO with full military honors following the funeral service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made directly to Belleville Area Human Society, 1301 S. 11th St., Belleville, IL 62226 or www.bahspets.org.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.