Anthony A. Bartkus, 80, of Hinsdale died peacefully at Amita Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale Sept. 10, 2019.
Tony was born in 1939 in Taurage, Lithuania. As a very young and mischievous child, he traveled with his parents and brother Al through war-torn Europe to seek safety in the American Zone in Germany. After several years there, his family arrived in Chicago, joining many relatives and friends.
He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep and received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was the manager of the engineering department of Material Service/General Dynamics Co.
He was also very active in Chicago’s Lithuanian community for many years as captain of the Neris basketball team, president of the Nativity BVM Lithuanian School, president the of Lithuanian Ski Club, an active member of the tennis club, and a supporter of Nerija, the Lithuanian Sea Scouts. Tony was also a talented carpenter who enthusiastically enjoyed life and always could be counted on to get things done.
His laughter, pranks and common sense will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Dalia; his daughters, Lisa (Peter) Harwood and Lara (Robert) Barber; his granddaughters, Tessa, Vija, Gately, Lilia and Amelia; his brother, Al (Selma) Bartkus; his sisters-in-law, Rasa (Timothy) Dilger and Vida (Charles) Bartkus-Murray; his godsons, Alexas Bartkus and Peter Dilger; his nieces, Andrea Hayes, Alida (Nick) Coury and Karolin (Chris) Buhrmester; his nephews, Andrew (Lauren) Bartkus and Andy (Carrie) Dilger; and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 S. Grant St., Hinsdale.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nerija, (checks payable to LSA-Nerija), Attn. Julie Stankaitis, 6910 Waterfall Place, Downers Grove, IL 60516; or Lithuanian World Center, 14911 127th St., Lemont, IL 60439.