Thomas G. Ratas "Tom"

Tom was born the youngest of three children to Bessie and Gust Ratas on February 19, 1933, in Milwaukee. Memories of childhood revolved around his family's home on 54th and Vliet. He enjoyed swimming with friends in the quarries and Pewaukee Lake, taking streetcars with his mother to the beach, and playing basketball on Thursday nights in the school gym. He attended Nee-Ska-Ra Elementary School and Steuben Junior High. At Washington High School, he acquired the nickname "Greek," and excelled in discus throwing and football. He was All-Conference in football his senior year in high school, and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, on a full-ride football scholarship. His football career was cut short with enlistment and service in Korea after his freshman year at Madison. Upon his return from the war, Tom married his sweetheart, Helen, and took over his father's retail liquor business on the corner of 5th and Wells in downtown Milwaukee. He expanded into wholesale liquor sales and moved the business to 60th Street and North Avenue in Wauwatosa. Hardworking, steadfast, generous, and kind, Tom developed life-long friendships with people everywhere he went. He had a g...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

arious nature, quick wit, and infectious laugh that rivaled that of Santa Claus and was an expression of true unfettered joy. Humble, honest, passionate, and wise, he inspired and mentored many, all the while being open to learning from interactions with others. Tom was completely dedicated to his family and friends, spending time with them as often as he could. Camping and golfing in Door County topped the list of recreational pastimes, along with playing Gin Rummy with friends all night into the wee hours of the morning. Spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends fulfilled him, and numerous photo albums filled with smiling faces reflect this infectious sense of enjoyment. Tom is survived by his sister Mary (Chris) Tsoris, son Dean (Susan) Ratas, son Greg (Anna) Ratas, former daughter-in-law Renee Nimmer, grandchildren Thomas, Beth, Lorice, Nicholas (Jasmine), Alexander, Michael, and Nick Maltezos, as well as his nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sister Irene and granddaughter Marissa. Visitation at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, Monday, November 23rd from 10AM to 12PM followed by Service at 12PM. Private Burial at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Helen's name to the Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, 620 South 76th Street, Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214.