Anton "Tony" Thomas Riha

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Anton “Tony” Riha, at the age of 80. Tony passed away on August 11, 2026, at Oak Terrace Autumn Lane in North Mankato. He was born on February 17, 1946, in Vinton, Iowa, to Josef W Riha and Anna (Spevak) Riha, both immigrants from Czechoslovakia, who made their home in the United States.

Tony attended public schools in Vinton, Iowa, graduating in 1964. He furthered his education at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, Estherville Junior College in Estherville, Iowa, ultimately earning his B.S. degree in Art from Mankato State College (now Minnesota State University, Mankato) in 1971. It was during his time at Mankato State that Tony met Adeline Malecha, a Home Economics major, whom he married on August 1, 1970, in Lonsdale, Minnesota. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Ty Anthony Riha, in 1976.

Tony’s career in the Mankato area was diverse and fulfilling. He began as an assistant manager at the original Pizza Hut on Riverfront Drive, then served as assistant manager at Harold’s Shoes in downtown Mankato. He later worked at Northwestern National Bank, which transitioned to Norwest and then Wells Fargo, dedicating over 23 years before retiring in 2001. After a year of retirement, Tony began working part-time at Carlson Craft for five years, retiring fully in 2007. Tony was also an active member of the Mankato Area Jaycees.

Retirement allowed Tony and Adeline the opportunity to travel extensively in the United States, enjoying eleven bus tours together. Tony loved exploring Minnesota, often taking road trips along gravel roads in nearby counties. He was passionate about woodworking, building furniture, creating garden art, gardening, and spending time with loved ones. He maintained a collection of ten collector cars, including a 1962 Chevy Super Sport convertible and a 1953 GMC truck, and enjoyed taking Adeline and Ty for Sunday rides. Tony’s musical interests began with piano lessons and participation in high school vocal groups, and he often listened to the music of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as polkas, while working in his shop.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Josef and Anna Riha, Ben and Mary Malecha (in-laws), sister Katherine (Don), sister-in-law Barbara (Marvin), brother-in-law Richard, many aunts, uncles, nephews, and his beloved cat, Toffee. He is survived by his wife Adeline, son Ty Anthony, sisters Johanna and Addie (Jon), and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Tammy, Kelly, Adele, and the staff at Oak Terrace and Audrey and Alissa from Prairie Grace Hospice for their loving care and support.

Family and friends are invited to a celebratory gathering at North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, Minnesota, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Memories and prayers will begin at 6:30 pm. Socializing and light refreshments will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Tony’s name to Oak Terrace Autumn Lane, 1575 Hoover Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003, or an organization of one’s choosing.

Tony cherished his Czech heritage. He encouraged others to learn about the customs, traditions, music, and foods of their nationality, and to take pride in their ancestors.

                             Forever in our hearts. Navzdy v Nasich srdcich.