Anthony H. Kodrich

Anthony Kodrich, 34, made his way to Heaven on Oct 18, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tony was born March 27,1989 to the total delight of his parents Karl and Teri Kodrich. He leaves them behind along with his sister, Rabeka and her children, Jack, Cole and Sophia. He is survived by his Aunt Patty (Hale); His Aunt and Uncle Dr. Kris and Yadira Kodrich; Aunt Kathy, Uncle AL; his cousins, Turner (Jenn) Kunkel, Kalia and Bianka Kodrich.

Tony was preceded in death by his infant brother, niece Catalina, Uncle Kurt, grandparents - Anton Kodrich, Dolores Kodrich, Turner and Margaret Hale and his cousin PJ.

Tony was an exceptional person, who enjoyed everything in life from nature to electronics. His inquisitive mind took him to many places to discover so much that gave him joy. He was fortunate to travel to South America to explore Chile with his sister and mother and also to be at his cousin Kalia’s baptism in Nicaragua as well as trips to Disney World and a few to Wisconsin Dells with his family and friend Luciano. He loved the Farmers Market in Madison and we visited often.

As Tony entered his late teens and early twenties, he began to experience the symptoms of Schizophrenia, an illness if not treated consistently and properly will increasingly take away your relationships, your plans in life, your health and your future. His college years were cut short. Along this path that Tony had to endure, he was treated with such kindness by many strangers whom he met along the way. He loved meeting people, and they were always good to him, offering him whatever he needed at the moment, whether it was shoes, clothes, food or a place to sleep. This illness can leave you homeless and not able to live a normal life. We wish we could thank and name everyone who helped him along the way as he became more ill but we can’t - they are nameless people with big hearts that did not pass judgment on him. We have been thankful for these people every day.

Schizophrenia is especially cruel as it affects every aspect of your life and the lives of your family. We loved Tony unconditionally and wish his life had not taken this turn. But he gave us so much joy and we experienced so much happiness together it was a gift to be his parents.

There is a mental health “system” in Milwaukee county - but from our 15+ years navigating it with Tony, it is badly broken. Everyone we worked with and talked to including Doctors have told us how inadequate it is and how it can be better. Yet every day they go to work to do the best they can with what they have to work with to help their patients. The laws don’t allow parents to get the needed help for their adult children. We knew what Tony needed to get healthy and live a safer life but making it happen within this mental health and legal system was impossible. The “system” is lacking in access to the right care and coordination.

A special Thank you to Erin at Whole Health (MCFI) who knew Tony the best and wanted the best for him. She accepted him as he was and worked hard to help him.

You can’t see from the outside of a person that they are suffering on the inside. Being kind is always the best response. In honor of Tony, never judge anyone as they make their way through life, oftentimes you’re not seeing the whole person and don’t have all the information to pass judgment.  They deserve to be treated with dignity and kindness.

If you wish to donate, please remember the Street Angels who helped Tony or a food pantry.

A service will be held on Thursday November 9, 2023 at St Augustine Church, 6762 W. Rogers St, West Allis. Visitation will start at 5:30pm until the time of service at 6:00pm.