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Anthony Rossetti

February 2, 1983 ~ September 11, 2023

Anthony (Tony) Eugene Rossetti, 40, of Mechanicsville, Iowa, passed away at his home on September 11, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be organized and announced at a later date. The family is being cared for by the Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa. Tony was born on February 2, 1983, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Roger and Cheryl (Smith) Rossetti. He was unconditionally loved, cherished, and supported by his parents as their only child. He was united into marriage to Kari Knudtson on October 10, 2015, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Tony graduated high school from City High and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Iowa. Tony is survived by his parents, wife, children, Gianna and Leo Rossetti; previous wife, Kelli (Matthew) Cerruto, and their child Tessa Cerruto; mother-in-law, Barb (Roger) Leistad; father-in-law, Jeffrey Knudtson; brothers-in-law, Justin (Ann) Knudtson, Brian (Caitlyn Robert) Knudtson, and Brody (Kari) Knudtson; friend, Jonathan (Cassie) Shear; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tony was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph (Betty) Smith and Eugene (Elsie) Rossetti. Tony loved to be on the stream fly fishing with his friend Jon. He taught himself through online tutorials and took great pride and joy in learning to cast just right, the right fly for the place and hatch, and picking the perfect spot on the stream. Even on days when the fish weren't biting, they'd go back to camp, sit around the fire swapping stories and laughing, reminiscing about all the memories they shared over the years. His children were his greatest pride. He always wanted to give them the most fun and loving experience when they were together. Whether that was birding or watching football with Leo, taking Gianna to the library, competing with her in a strategic board game, anticipating together the release of the newest family video game, preparing their preferred individual meal requests, or just lounging about the house. There were infinite moments they shared in between, but no matter what, he always wanted his kids to know he loved them and was beyond proud of the people they had become and were becoming. Tony was incredibly proud of the close relationship he and Kari had formed with Kelli and Matt in co-parenting their shared children. So much love, respect, and compassion flowed between all of them. After moving to an acreage with Kari in 2019, he understood and cherished the quiet solitude of life outside of town. He helped care for and loved all their fur babies and had a special relationship with each one. He knew how much Kari loved animals and wanted to give her the world. He loved showering her with cards for no particular occasion, so she knew just how much he cared for and loved her. To know Tony was to meet one of the most charismatic people you have ever met. He wanted life to be light-hearted for anyone he met and tried never to take himself or this earthly world too seriously. To the people who will meet Kari, who had interacted with Tony, continue to tell stories of how much better he would make them feel, the way he led work teams with such positivity or the way he always tried to make people laugh. His passing has left a hole in many hearts, and his friends and family pray that all who knew him will find comfort in their fond and joyful memories of him. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to support nonprofit mental health and suicide prevention organizations in Tony's honor. For anyone experiencing mental health crisis please reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

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  1. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon

  2. I don’t have the words…Kari, Tony’s children, family & friends…I’m sending you love, hugs and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

  3. Anthony’s gentle manner, his quick-witted humour and keen intelligence were qualities that endeared him to all. As Kari’s dear friend, I had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful bond they shared – a romance that would elicit the brightest smile from her. His deep affection for his bride and children was evident in his every action. Tony’s welcoming spirit will forever be remembered. It is with profound sadness we acknowledge his pain and express our deepest condolences, hoping his soul has found peace.

    • Thanks for sharing fond memories of Tony, Leah.❤️ He never quite got over the Chiefs beating the 49ers in 2019. 😉

  4. Kari, Leo, and Gianna; My heart hurts for you and all of your family. Been thinking and praying for you all and will continue too. Hugs, prayers and love to you all.
    Rachel Neeman

  5. We have favorite memories of Tony, the Master Chef, making us his specialty of ravs and broth, cooking for us every time he and Kari came to visit. He made us delicious fish dishes, loving to catch fish but not eat them. Tony had high standards of quality, in food, ingredients, goods, and people and yet could be very kind and forgiving. He had a quick sharp wit, and we loved his humor. I hope you’re watching, Tony, and know you left us too soon.

    • He LOVED cooking ravs and broth for you. I’m going to have to learn now so I can carry on the tradition.😌 It will never be quite the same experience though.❤️

  6. Tony was always the one that made us laugh with some quirky comment and/or gesture. We always looked forward to Kari and Tony’s visits and enjoyed his cooking adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed the time we went fishing even though I fell and hit my head on a rock and he took me to the ER. We will miss him.

    • He loved to visit you and Ginger. And even when our herd expanded he was always encouraging me to come visit. Thank you for folding him into our family with such understanding and kindness.❤️

  7. In elementary school Tony was so much fun to be around! He was always cracking jokes and it was impossible not to be in a good mood around him. He had the best smile with a hint of mischief in his eyes at all times! I’m so sorry for everyone’s heartbreakingly tremendous loss. Sending love, peace, and healing.

  8. Tony lived up the street from me on Sweetbriar Avenue in Iowa City. I loved playing with Tony when I was younger. I remember how fun he was to be around. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing.

  9. Kari – I know we don’t know each other but we live right down the road from you. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you need anything.
    We are very sorry for your loss. I pray God wraps you and your family the comfort of His grace.
    Larry & Regina McCall

  10. prayers for comfort and peace to your family, Kari. I remember having Tony for 7 years as his music teacher in elementary school. he was always happy, energetic and even a little mischievous!! That smile!!!! It will always be remembered and honored. deepest sympathy to his family.

  11. Tony and I were babies in the nursery together at mercy hospital. We went to creative world preschool together. He was always so kind to me as a kid. Later in college I walked up to him at sports column bar in Iowa city and my temporary tooth fell out on to the floor. We laughed and laughed about it and he helped me look for my tooth. he was always so welcoming and just a great person to be around. He will be missed.

  12. He was soo funny! He always made me laugh. I will never hear the “Thong Song” with out thinking of him! What a heartbreaking loss!!

  13. I still remember the first time Kari (finally) introduced me to Tony. He was so polite, funny, sassy and generous. When we visited, he would delight in cooking delicious meals and then send us home with a variety of leftovers. He was an amazing chef and you could see the joy it brought him. He shined bright and always wanted to be sure everyone was having a good time. I think that was his blessing and, ultimately, his curse. I can’t believe he’s gone and I truly hope he’s looking down on this world, seeing and feeling how loved and needed he was. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone he touched. R.I.P. Shine bright for us up there, Tony!!! 💔😔.

  14. May you 🙏 R.I.P.. I am sadden after discovering you passed recently. I was laughing here by myself, watching Loudermilk for the first time. May you keep happy and loving in Heaven, as your special talents filled our Hearts 💕 here. May we meet again when it’s my turn. My brother and sister, Cheryl and Auturo befriend you, as they left here last year as well. I Miss You All.

    Lisa777


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