Antonio “Tony” Evans

Visitation will be held at Heritage – Suminski / Weiss Funeral Home at 1901 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI, on Saturday May 29, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, with a service immediately following at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the children’s education may be made c/o Ellen Evans at First Midwest Bank, 14870 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005.

With a warm smile and a gentle, welcoming heart, Antonio O. Evans lived a life rich in family and friends. A man who embraced each day and every person as a gift, Tony proved a powerful inspiration for all who were lucky enough to know him. He never hesitated to give of his himself in service and support of others, and with good food, love, and laughter, Tony reflected unwaveringly his faith in the goodness of people. Tony was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, mentor, and friend. Adored by many, Tony will long be remembered and ever so missed.

In 1962, as President Kennedy set a goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade, Ophelia (nee Polk) and Horace Evans Jr. readied their lives for the arrival of their son. Born March 30, Tony was the eldest of six Evans kids. Growing up, he learned every day the importance of hard work and dedication to family—something his mother instilled in her children. He was a wonderful older brother whose affection and care made him easy to look up to. From a young age, Tony enjoyed flying kites and building model airplanes and even wrote to NASA to express his interest in space. As a teenager, he became interested in cooking from scratch, running track, and playing football.

Tony’s love for cooking led to a long, successful culinary career which started at Dos Bandidos. While he had to lie about his age to get the job, his experiences became an important foundation for the rest of his path. In time, he brought his talents to other restaurants, including Highland House, Top of the Plaza, Shorewood Inn, Armadillo Grill, Brew City BBQ, TLC Catering, Bravo, and Moxie. During many of his professional endeavors, Tony built a culinary program from scratch. He carefully created the menu and kitchen culture, and even contributed to restaurant constructions. For the last three years, he enjoyed a new adventure as Culinary Director at Heritage Senior Living.

A much-respected mentor for many in his field, Tony was always calm under pressure. He loved to tell the story of his kitchen staff’s wide eyes as tickets flooded in on a busy Saturday night. Seeing their panic, he would tell them confidently: “Alright. Ain’t nobody scared, ain’t nobody cryin’!'” His faith proved infectious, and they would rise to the occasion. He was supportive of his staff, including helping many of them move up through the ranks. It’s no wonder that many of his crew followed him to each new restaurant endeavor.

In 1993, Tony had the good fortune of meeting the love of his life, Ellen Rottkamp, while working at Brew City BBQ. His first words to her were, “You’ll be #16 . . . she just quit.” They married in a joyful celebration on May 2, 1998, officially beginning their 23-year adventure. In time, Tony and Ellen were blessed to welcome two children to their family. Jackson and Fiona quickly became the center of their world, and Tony devoted himself to fatherhood. He was exceptionally proud of all their accomplishments, including Jackson’s Irish dance and Fiona’s roller derby and soccer. His deepest joy was sharing time with his children and cheering on their hopes and dreams.

Tony had a tremendous work ethic and loved using his culinary and hospitality skills to entertain family and friends. Whether hosting the Riverwest Elementary Holiday Party, Sunday Soprano Dinners, Packers games, lakefront BBQs, family reunions, or impromptu get-togethers around a fire pit in the backyard, Tony made everyone feel right at home. A Dewar’s scotch whiskey man, Tony’s customary toast, “Here’s to us and those like us. Damn few left!” always inspired smiles.

In his leisure time, Tony loved riding his Harley and often attended the Harley Museum Bike Nights. He loved gadgets, and his idea of fun at the mall was checking out all the new devices at Brookstone, dreaming of having enough room for a massage chair. Tony felt tremendously grateful to get to spend time his favorite way: with his family and friends. Though the pandemic presented many challenges in his work, it afforded the family a wonderful opportunity to spend more time together, which Tony treasured. He relished witnessing his children grow into young adults and sharing each of his days with his beloved. In his final days, he frequently expressed his gratitude for the life he felt privileged to live.

Though our days with Tony were far too few, the power of his life will long nourish our lives. While it is beyond words to imagine life in the absence of Tony’s bright smile and generous heart, may we find comfort and courage in carrying his beautiful legacy forward. With each meal we carefully create, challenge we meet with confidence, dream we encourage, and gathering we host, we celebrate the many ways Tony gifted our lives. In this way, we keep Tony’s spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Antonio O. Evans passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021, after a two-year battle with cancer. His loving wife of 23 years, Ellen, was by his side.

Tony is survived by his adoring mother, Ophelia Evans (nee Polk), and his father, Horace Evans Jr. Tony will forever be in the hearts of his children, Jackson and Fiona Evans and Tiffany Spears. He will be remembered with so much love by his siblings, Edward, Carla, and Wesley (Petula) Evans, Kimberley (Ronald) Buckhanan, and Alyse (William) Tatum. Tony is further survived and will be greatly missed by his in-laws, Carol Rottkamp, Bernie (Nan) and Tom (Marla) Rottkamp, Kathleen (Jim) Caragher, Jeanne (Dave) Yeagley, and Colleen (Jim) Dier, 31 nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, hundreds of friends, coworkers, and mentees.

Tony was preceded in death by his grandparents Georgia and Horace Evans Sr. and Hila Mae and Curtis Lasley, and by his father-in-law Bernie Rottkamp.