Anthony G. "Tony" Danhelka

Anthony George "Tony" Danhelka, age 78, of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 15, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anthony “Tony” and Emily (Chvatal) Danhelka. After graduating from Hinsdale Central High School, Tony served in the U.S. Army as a non-commissioned officer from 1966 to 1968.   While he was initially awaiting orders to go serve in Vietnam, due to a well-timed intervention from God he served in Germany as a Pershing missile operator.   Rising to the rank of Sergeant (E-5), Tony served as a squad leader and a chaplain assistant during his time in the U.S. Army.  He was honorably discharged in 1968. 

After the Army, Tony attended Trinity University in Deerfield, IL.  After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he attended Garrett Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  Tony graduated with his Master's of Divinity and served as the youth pastor at Western Springs Baptist Church.  In 1976, he answered God’s call and founded Riverwoods Christian Center (now “Fox Valley Christian Action”) in St. Charles, IL.  As founder, executive director, and eventually President of Riverwoods, Tony’s life’s work centered on ministering to the youth and families in the under-resourced communities of Aurora, Elgin, and Carpentersville, IL.  Tony also followed God’s calling to bring Chicago-area pastors and churches together to better address efforts of evangelism, social justice, and reconciliation across denominational lines.  Tony continued God’s work even in retirement by planting a new church in Eastern Tennessee.

Tony is survived by son T.J. (Tiffany) of Winfield; grandsons Anthony and Zachary; sister Arlene Danhelka of Plainfield; and many other dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tony was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years Donna, his parents, and his brother Dennis Danhelka.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva, IL. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. CST at Mission Church, 82 Stratford Drive, Bloomingdale, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Fox Valley Christian Action, 35W624 Riverwoods Lane, St. Charles, Illinois 60174 would be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

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