MANSFIELD: Tony Lieb was born & raised in Europe before coming to the US. His patriotism for America ran deep and after he served in the US Army, he could proudly declare that he was an “American Fighting Man!”
Anton “Tony” Lieb went to be with the Lord Tuesday morning, January 5, 2016 from Crestwood Care Center in Shelby, surrounded by his family. He was 80.
He was born September 10, 1935 in Yugoslavia to parents Philipp & Suzanna (Bender) Lieb. Although WWII was over, Tony was forced to spend a part of his childhood with his family in a hidden concentration camp. It was there he learned to “Never give up!” a mantra he repeated to his friends and family all his life.
In 1958 Tony was living in Germany, but traveled to America to visit a friend and met a beautiful young lady named Freda Hinton who caught his eye… and he decided to stay in America. The pair soon married on September 19, 1960. Not long after Tony and Freda wed, he was drafted to the US Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was stationed in Munich, Germany.
Tony worked as a cement mason for Mansfield Flooring and later Mansfield Cement Flooring from which he retired in 1998. He was a true family man and always referred to his kids and grandkids as his “treasures” and “sweethearts.” His friends and family will miss his hardworking spirit.
Tony attended and was very active at Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield. He could always be found helping out at the church: Men’s Class, Furniture Ministry, and Berean Gold Banquets to name only a few. Tony dearly loved his church family. He was also a longtime member of the Mansfield Liederkranz where he loved to dance.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Freda Lieb of Mansfield; children (& spouses): Anton G. “Tony” & Victoria Lieb of Lakeville, Phillip J. & Sonya Lieb of Mansfield, Larry E. Lieb of Lexington, Barb DeLong-Lieb of Mansfield, and Kathy A. Lieb of Columbus; grandchildren (& spouses): Anya & Kevin Kinsey, Kelsa & Thomas Temple, Austin Lieb, Rosslyn & Sean Cross, Arden Lieb & Sonya Javens, Jessica Lieb, Brittany Lieb, Adam & Allison Lieb, Brendon Lieb, and Hannah Lieb; great grandchildren Elliotte, Xavier, Penelope, Josephine, Mason, plus one on the way; brother Johann Lieb in Germany, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by half brother Philipp Lieb, and great aunt Kathy Bohland.
Tony’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Crestwood Care Center in Shelby.
The Lieb family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2016 in Snyder Funeral Home (2553 Lexington Ave) where a funeral service honoring Tony’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Jim Berry will officiate and military honors at the funeral home will be performed by the American Legion Post #535 of Bellville.
Contributions in his memory to the Men’s Sunday School Class of Berean Baptist Church may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Tony’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
