Anthony I. Shulist Obituary

Anthony "Tony" I. Shulist, age 81, of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, passed away on October 13, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, music, and adventures.

Tony was born on February 18, 1945, in International Falls, Minnesota, to Philip Joseph and Shirley (Martin) Shulist. On July 6, 1968, he married Joyce Anne Edwards in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, beginning a marriage that would span 58 years. Together, they built a life, raised their daughter, Nicole, and watched their family grow to include five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Tony spent much of his professional life at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where he supervised computer laboratories and the staff who worked in them. Beginning his career in the early days of university computing, he witnessed decades of technological change.

Music was one of Tony's lifelong passions. A rock-and-roll guy at heart, he loved playing guitar and spent much of his life performing in bands. His musical tastes were wonderfully diverse, ranging from folk and Broadway to classical music and everything in between: well, almost everything… country music was definitely not on his playlist! Music was more than a hobby for Tony; it was part of who he was.

Tony and Joyce shared a tremendous love of travel and adventure. Together, they explored the world, accomplishing something truly remarkable: visiting all seven continents. Their travels took them to extraordinary destinations and provided a lifetime of shared experiences and memories. One particularly special connection was with Teri, their foreign exchange student from Sweden, who became a cherished part of their extended family. Their bond continued long after her time in Wisconsin, with many visits to Sweden and happy reunions when Teri returned to visit with her own family.

Tony's curiosity and imagination extended beyond the places he visited. An enthusiastic Minecraft player, he spent hours every day building, exploring, and meticulously perfecting his own virtual world. He was also a fan of Doctor Who, enjoying its imaginative adventures through time and space. Whether exploring the real world or creating one of his own, Tony never lost his sense of wonder.

Tony had a remarkable memory and an incredible ability to recall details that others had long forgotten. He loved trivia, enjoyed putting his knowledge to the test, and was always eager to learn something new. His interests weren't limited to his own enjoyment; he also loved sharing his knowledge with others, teaching genealogy and photography classes at his church.

And then there were the jokes.

Tony loved telling jokes, and he never needed a new one to entertain himself or anyone else. Family and friends often knew the punchline long before he reached it, but that never stopped him from telling it again. Whether talking with family, friends, or complete strangers, he was always ready to share a laugh. In fact, on September 30, his final evening out with family, he disappeared from the dinner table at Su Casa, his favorite restaurant, just long enough to tell a joke to the owners. It was a perfectly Tony thing to do.

Beyond his music, travels, and humor, Tony enjoyed photography, games, and the simple pleasure of spending time with those he loved. He had a wide range of interests, a wealth of knowledge, and a personality that made him memorable to those who knew him.

Above all, Tony was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared 58 years of marriage with Joyce and had the joy of seeing their family grow through multiple generations. His family will carry forward countless memories of time spent together, familiar jokes, music, and the many experiences they shared with their beloved Papa.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; daughter, Nicole (James) Hanrahan; grandchildren, Andrew, Sarah, Casey, Emily, and Jessica (Jessie); great-grandchildren, Cameron, Jackson, and Oliver (Ollie); brother, Patrick Shulist; and sisters, Deborah (Mark) Meyer and Susan Grambow. He is also survived by Teri and her family in Sweden, who have remained a cherished part of the Shulist family throughout the years, along with many more extended family members and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and entire Neuro ICU team at Froedtert Hospital for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion. Their dedication to Tony's comfort and dignity, and the support they provided to his family during an incredibly difficult time, will never be forgotten.

Visitation and Funeral Service.

Visitation honoring Tony's life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Woodland Lutheran Church in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Family and friends are invited to celebrate and remember Tony (Papa) at an open house on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Grace Commons Soriso Community Center on Yellow Fox Run in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Tony lived a life filled with music, laughter, curiosity, and adventure. His family and friends will remember the man who traveled the world, could recall the smallest details, always had a joke ready, never lost his love of music, and, most importantly, was endlessly devoted to his family.

And now, as Tony sets off on his next great adventure, those who love him can only imagine the places he'll explore, the music he'll enjoy, and the jokes he'll tell along the way. One thing is certain — wherever his journey takes him, he'll find someone to share a laugh with.

Friday, October 30, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Woodland Lutheran Church 280 14th Ave Nekoosa, WI 54457.