Ayers, Anthony J.

MOUNT HOREB - Tony Ayers, age 65, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024. Tony, the sixth child of seven, was born to Roy and Lorraine Ayers on July 18, 1958, in Dodgeville, Wis. 

Tony attended elementary and junior high in Ridgeway and graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1976. Tony started working at the family business, Ayers Furniture, as a young boy, making it his life’s work. He eventually became an owner of Ayers Furniture. Tony embraced his small town of Ridgeway where he knew everyone and greeted each person by name. He was the first to offer his help and energy; he cared for others deeply. 

Tony found his perfect match in a sweet farm girl, Kristie Karls from Pine Bluff, Wis. The couple married at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Pine Bluff on Feb. 13, 1982. They welcomed a son, Adam, who Tony said was the best son and friend anyone could ask for. Tony enjoyed watching Adam in all his athletic events and attending Badger games with him. Tony’s beautiful rose, Kristie, proceeded him in death on April 5, 2022. 

On a summer day Tony could be found on his bike or working in his yard and feeding and watching the birds. Tony was an avid storyteller. 

Tony is survived by his son, Adam, daughter-in-law, Anna, and grandsons, Aden and Theo Ayers, of Oconomowoc. He is further survived by his six siblings, Lynne (Dave) Rufenacht of Monroe, Kathy Ayers of Madison, Mari Pat (Tom) Wittwer of Waunakee, Gerry (Cindy) Ayers of Dodgeville, Rick (Sheri) Ayers of Blue Mounds, and Anita (GR) Lyons of Janesville; his brother and sisters-in-law, Kathy (Pat) Acker of Black Earth, Audrey Braucher of Madison, Louise (Dan) Beuthin of Cross Plains, Sue (Mick) Kalscheur of Waunakee, and Gary (Cherri) Karls of Blue Mounds; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, many of which he was their godfather, a role which he was proud. He took this role to heart; he was an active participant and advocate in their lives, eager to attend their events. Family was paramount to Tony; he was a selfless and loyal servant. He was a faithful and devote Catholic. He coveted the happiness of others and the connections he shared with them. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kristie; parents, Roy and Lorraine Ayers; his parents-in-law, Joe and Loretta Karls; a nephew, Troy Beuthin; and two brothers-in-law, Bob Braucher and Tim Malec. This world is better for having had Tony in it; he will be missed by all those who loved and knew him. For the first time, “the Ayers Goodbye” went way too fast. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 109 S. Sixth St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Calvary Cemetery, Mount Horeb. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.

In lieu of sending thank you notes, the family will make donations to various charities in memory of Tony. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho 

Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077