Anthony Margol Jr.

Anthony “Tony” Margol, Jr., 77, of Sawyer, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the River Valley Garden Club (www.rivervalleygardenclub.org), or mail to 13722 Pardee Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Tony was born January 24, 1949, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Anthony Margol, Sr. and Joanne (Cutler) Margol. On December 2, 2021, he married Brenda Greenlee, renewing a connection that began years earlier.

Tony had a career in manufacturing and construction, retiring from Balkema Excavating in Kalamazoo after 37 years as a construction equipment operator. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a man who believed in hard work, loyalty, and showing up when people needed him.

A standout athlete, Tony’s youth was defined by a deep love for the game of baseball. A graduate of the River Valley High School Class of 1967, he was a multi-sport varsity letterman in basketball, football, track, and cross-country—competing first for Three Oaks High School and later for River Valley. However, his true passion was always on the diamond. Inspired by seeing his idol, Mickey Mantle, play up close during a Yankees/White Sox double-header, Tony harbored dreams of playing professionally. Following graduation, he pursued that dream at the renowned Art Gaines Baseball Camp in Hannibal, Missouri. Upon returning home, he continued his education at Lake Michigan College, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of the Beta Epsilon Iota fraternity.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, interests that began in his early scouting days and stayed with him throughout his life. He loved rock collecting—whether small enough to fit in your hand or large enough to require heavy equipment to move. A spiritual man, he found peace working the land, gardening, and caring for his property along the Galien River. Later in life, he came to value the idea that life itself—like something living and growing—is richer and more enduring than theory or words alone, a belief reflected in the way he lived close to nature and valued real experience over talk. Tony will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of the outdoors, and his ability to find value and beauty in things most people might overlook.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; his children, Nathan (Audrey) Margol and Christopher (Laura Landis) Margol; Brenda’s children, Stephen Whittington and Patrick (Ashley) Whittington; five grandchildren; his brother, Joseph (Mary) Margol; his sister, Rebecca (David) Blair; and two rescued cats, Fiona and Ghost. He was preceded in death by his parents and Figaro, a feline companion of nearly 20 years.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Bridgman, Michigan.