Anton "Tony" Schilter, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Born Jan. 27, 1942, in Olympia, Washington, to Gottfried and Katharina (Heinzer) Schilter, Tony grew up with a strong work ethic and a passion for agriculture that shaped his entire life.
He graduated from Saint Martin's High School and earned a degree in diesel engineering from Bates Technical College. Tony served in the Army Reserves for 6 1/2 years beginning in 1963, demonstrating his commitment to service and discipline.
Tony began his career working for Western Farmers Cooperative from 1964 to 1967 before dedicating himself fully to dairy farming alongside his wife, Sunny.
Throughout his life, Tony was deeply committed to advancing agriculture and dairy farming. He served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Production Credit Board, Land O'Lakes, Federal Land Bank, Farm Service Agency, West Organic Dairy Producers Alliance and as a Darigold director. He was also an active member of the Lewis County Holstein Club. In 1978, Tony purchased his first registered Holstein, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to quality genetics and herd improvement.
Tony also had deep roots in his Swiss heritage, which he celebrated wholeheartedly. Many summer weekends were spent at Schwingfests, and he was always on the dance floor, gracefully moving to a fox trot or polka with Sunny by his side.
Together with Sunny, Tony built Sun Ton Farms, first in Auburn, Washington, and later in Chehalis, where they transitioned to organic dairy farming in 2006. His leadership and vision helped shape the future of dairy farming in the region.
Tony is survived by his children, Wendy (Kevin) Erbsen of Lanark, Illinois, Lonny (Michelle) Schilter of Chehalis and Monty (Alisha) Schilter of Issaquah; and his cherished grandchildren, Zachary (Sophie), Cassy and Joey Schilter, Payton and Delana Erbsen, and Jameson and Mia Mark.
He will be remembered for his dedication to family, farming and the Swiss community.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 157 S.W. Sixth St., Chehalis, with a celebration of life immediately following at Jester Auto Museum, 321 Hamilton Road, Chehalis.
