"So sorry for your loss. I saw the reference at the end of Hobo Jim's "If I ever forget you". Rest In Peace and thank you Hobo Jim for putting to song and music your song about Alzheimer's - my mother is suffering through this currently and your song helps with the process. God bless you. Larry Bohr"
In loving memory of
Milton Varsos
October 5, 1922 - October 6, 2013
In Loving Memory
MILTON M. VARSOS, age 91 passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 6, 2013. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 5, 1922 the son of Christos Varsos and Kipariso (Daskalapalous) Varsos. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Culbertson on June 2, 1948.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary Ann, daughters Susan (David) Skrzeczkoski of Plover, WI; Claire "Carrie" Goudeau of Madison, WI; Sons Jim (Cyndi) Varsos of Soldotna, Alaska; Steve (Flip) Varsos of Madison, WI; grandchildren Michael Skrzeczkoski, Lisa (Pete) Skrzeczkoski-Bzdusek, Laura (Joel) McCauley, Shaun (Marie) Varsos, Tamara and Sara Varsos, seven great grandchildren and his sister Toula Geracie of Milwaukee, WI. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and three brothers Tom, George, and Pete Varsos.
Milton was a member of the US Army air corps in WWII after which he attended Milwaukee State Teachers College financing his education through the G.I. bill and working as a professional boxer. He was a three time golden glove champion and maintained a love of boxing throughout his life. He attended graduate schools in Baton Rouge, LA and Purdue, Indiana. He then began his career as chief psychologist for the state of Wisconsin. Upon retirement he was referred to by the Governor as "Mr. Childcare Institution" for his years of dedication to children and making sure the bureaucracy stayed human and humane. A testament to this is the years of work he put in to marking the numbered graves of children at the Sparta children's center with their names. Upon his retirement he pursued a second career as Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Oconomowoc Developmental Treatment Center. He also served on the board of the International Juvenile Officers Association and aided police departments in developing and implementing stress evaluation tests. Milton was a Shriner and a 32nd degree mason of the Scottish Rite in the Zor temple. All who knew Milton knew him as a happy, compassionate man with an unconditional love for all. His greatest love was for his family for which he always had a smile and a laugh. He loved reading, with a passion for westerns, fishing, camping and traveling with his wife. He will truly be missed by all he touched so much. May God hold him in Peace.
A short memorial service for family and close friends will be held at noon on Monday, October 14, 2013 at Roselawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 401 Femrite Dr. Monona, WI with Rev. Glen Reichelderfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00am until time of service on Monday at Roselawn.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. 517 N. Segoe Rd Suite 301 Madison, WI 53705.
"Special thank you to Attic Angel Haven and Agrace HospiceCare staff for their love and compassion".
Tributes
"I grew up with Steve Varsos, going to grade school at Lapham. I got to know Milt growing up. I was fortunate enouph to connect with Milt again when we both worked for the State. He was always so kind and compassionate especially when sharing stories about the Sparta children. My sympathy and thoughts go to you Steve, and your entire family. I lost my Mom a few months ago at age 91. It's so hard but just know time does help. Take care."
" I remember my uncle Milt as a compassionate and loving man. He was very soft spoken, a voice you just couldn't help but listen to. He was funny, very intelligent and always had time to pass on his words of wisdom. Family was always first. I remember to as a child he would always put money in my hand before leaving. I will miss him very much. Rest in Peace uncle Milt you are and always will be missed and loved."
"By some devine whim I was blessed by being a nephew of Milton Varsos.He was a key influence throughout my life.He never missed an opportunity to give me encouragement or tell me a joke. His sense of humor was amazing. He was so funny. I remember being entertained on many occassions by the banter between Uncle Milt and Aunt Mary. It usually started in the car or around the fireplace where a word game would start and eventually lead to a debate between them. Once Uncle Milt misspelled the word "interpretative". Before the dictionary was brought out the interaction between them was hilarious. Aunt Mary showed him no mercy and I suspect he enjoyed the whole thing. To this day every time I encounter this word I cannot help but think of that great debate. A very caring, thoughtful and generous person, Uncle Milt will be missed by the many people who knew him."
"My favorite "Uncle Milt" story is when my friends would ask, "When is your Uncle Milt coming over?" The reason they wanted to know was because when Uncle Milt came over he would throw a big handful of change in the air and we would grab what we could and then off to the candy store! "