Muscatine, Iowa – The community of Muscatine is mourning the loss of Tony Eugene Cole, 54, who passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Tony was known for his warm personality, his love for people, and his dedication to the Special Olympics. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, kindness, and genuine connection.

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Visitation and Service Information

Visitation

A visitation for Tony Cole will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home.

Graveside Service

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, officiated by Vern Cole.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to New Options, an organization that was an important part of Tony’s life.
Condolences may be shared through the funeral home’s official website.

Early Life and Education

Tony was born on October 27, 1971, in Muscatine to Vernon E. Cole and Terry Honea Hunter. He grew up in Muscatine, where he attended local schools and developed lifelong friendships. Tony was also an active and proud participant in the Special Olympics, an event that brought him immense joy.

A Life Filled with Joy, Connection, and Traditions

Tony brought happiness wherever he went. He loved bowling, participating in Special Olympics events, traveling, and talking with others. His friendly nature made him someone who could easily brighten anyone’s day.

Christmas was Tony’s favorite holiday. He especially looked forward to the homemade noodles made each year by his Aunt Sherry — a tradition that filled him with joy.

Family and Loved Ones

Tony is survived by his siblings:
Mindy Cole, Christy (Brad) Cole, Brandi (Matt) Everhart, Misty Cole, Vern (Dena) Cole, Dale Dodd, Lisa (Leslie) Dodd, and Michael Dodd.

He is also survived by aunts and uncles who were very special to him:
Norma (Tim) Stelzner, Dean (Beth) Cole, Sherry (Randy) Morgan, Kathy (Mark) Seefeldt, and Bubby Lambert.
Many cousins, nieces, and nephews also loved him dearly.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Betty Burgess, his grandparents Robert and Mary Honea and Ralph and Wilma Cole, and his aunt Lanyce Stitcher.

Heartfelt Appreciation

The family extends deep gratitude to the New Options team—especially Joe, Jenny, Amanda, Mary, and Mark—for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Tony throughout his life. Their support made a profound impact and will always be remembered.

Conclusion: Honoring Tony’s Loving Spirit

Tony Eugene Cole will forever be remembered for his gentle spirit, his love for others, and his ability to spread joy effortlessly. His presence will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.