Anthony L. "Tony" Birch, 54, of Grand Island, NE, died Sunday, February 11, 2018, at CHI Health St. Francis, with his family at his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 16, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Kadaprayil and Rev. James C. Schmitt will concelebrate the mass assisted by Deacon John Willmes. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 15, 2018, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the church with a vigil service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family with designation at a later time. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Tony was born March 1, 1963, in Omaha, NE. He was the son of Sidney Dean and Doretha Dora (Neal) Birch. Survivors of his immediate family include his wife of 30 years, Theresa Birch, of Grand Island, NE Daughters, Niashja Ware Tasha Birch of Grand Island, NE Tristian Birch of Grand Island, NE ToniLynn Birch of Houston, TX Son, Thomas Birch of Grand Island, NE Sister, Victoria "Vicki Lynn" Birch of Omaha, NE Others left to cherish his memory include several in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Tony grew up in Omaha graduating from Omaha Burke High School in 1982. After school he began working as a groom on the Nebraska Horse Racing Circuit. He married Theresa R. Costello on December 12, 1987, in Grand Island, NE. They made their home in Grand Island and Tony was employed at Monfort's. Tony then began working for IAMS in 1989. He also was a courier for United Nebraska Bank. While at IAMS Tony owned and operated Birch Cleaning Service until 2010. He worked in the meat department at Skagway as well. In 2006 he began working for Northwest Public School as head custodian at Cedar Hollow. Tony enjoyed all sports and especially loved watching his children participate in softball, baseball, soccer, football, and swimming. Along with his many other delights, Tony found his passion in cooking. He loved to cook for every occasion and everyone. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid horse racing fan. Tony was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Traci M. Birch Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Tony's obituary. Visitation Resurrection Catholic Church Thursday, February 15, 2018 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803 Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. Vigil Service Resurrection Catholic Church Thursday, February 15, 2018 6:00 PM 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803 Mass of Christian Burial Resurrection Catholic Church Friday, February 16, 2018 10:30 AM 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803