Tony Chavez, age 99 passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 15, 2024, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Center in Albert Lea. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., April 9, 2024 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea with visitation one hour prior followed by internment at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Tony Chavez

Tony was born October 17, 1924 in Memphis, Texas to the late Andrew and Antonia (Martinez) Chavez.

Tony was a proud World War II veteran who served all over Europe in Scotland, Belgium, Germany, France, and South Wales as a medical assistant. It was in South Wales where he met and married his bride, Elaine Barnes on April 14, 1945, and celebrated 58 years of marriage until Elaine’s passing in 2004.

Upon Tony and Elaine returning to America with their first child, Tonette, Tony learned the trade of auto body work which he did up until age 82. In 2008, Tony met and married Anne Studier Jergenson and celebrated almost 16 years of marriage until Tony’s passing. Tony will be remembered by family and friends as one of the kindest, most giving, and hardest working individuals.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Elaine; daughter Linda (Chavez, Hildreth) Quam, grandson Christopher Chavez, brothers Tim, Barney, Mike, and Joe Chavez; and his sisters Stella Chavez, Priscilla Alcala, and Julia Broyles; half-brothers Jesse, Andrew, and John.

Tony is survived by his wife Anne in Glenville MN.; children: Tonette Carmeli of Shoreview, MN., Jeffrey Chavez and wife Darla (Helmers) of Dallas, his brother Pete Chavez of Wichita Falls, Texas; son-in-law Gary Quam of Blaine, MN.; four grandchildren: Troy, Jodi, Judd and Mandy; great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins.

Tony’s family would like to thank Thorne Crest for all their care and kindness.