On Friday, December 20, Tony Staloch, a well-known Janesville resident, passed away at 71 in Rochester due to injuries from a car accident the day before.
Although any loss in the community is a tragedy, no words can sufficiently explain Staloch’s impact on Janesville. Staloch was a courier for UC Laboratory, which is next door to the Janesville Journal. Many also knew him for his service to the Janesville Food Shelf. He was one of their busiest volunteers and could be seen either at the Trinity Lutheran Church, where they are based, or at several events the food shelf participated in.
However, Staloch arguably had the most impact on Janesville through his faith. Staloch was one of the most involved parishioners at St. Ann Catholic Church, where he served as a Lay Minister, served communion, and taught catechism. The proof of his impact was when congregants banded together for a rosary rally for him and the Staloch family on Saturday, December 28, the morning of the funeral, at the adoration chapel.
Staloch’s impact on St. Ann students was also apparent when the 7th and 8th graders gathered in the church for his funeral to honor him. He was their teacher, and they wanted to show appreciation for him and his dedication to the Catholic faith by being there for the family.
Tony Staloch may have been born in Albert Lea and grew up in Minnesota Lake, but with his limitless giving spirit within the community, he is as much a Janesville resident as someone born and raised here. The community lost a fantastic human being whose impact will be felt for many years. May his family find closure and solace from his sudden passing, and may he be resting in peace up in heaven.
