Peter Ratkovich Obituary

Peter Ratkovich Peter Ratkovich, age 94, of Brookfield, passed away peacefully March 8, 2014, at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 17, 1919, in Rockvale, Colorado. A graduate of Farragut High School, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp and worked in forestry in Oregon and Washington State. At age 21, Peter was drafted into the army and served under Patton 's 5 th Infantry from 1941-1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war he became a barber, a career that lasted 50 years. He married Violet Novacek in 1946, had one daughter, Pamela and was married for 67 years. Peter enjoyed bowling, ballroom dancing, ping pong,carpentry, horseshoes and spending time with his family and friends. He was an active member of the Brookfield Moose and the VFW of Berwyn. Peter is survived by his wife, Violet; his daughter, Pamela (Robert) Cherry of Wheaton; two grandchildren, Allison Cherry of Wheaton and Brent (Lisa) Cherry of Lake Mills, WI; great-grandson, Dawson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mary Ratkovich; and 5 brothers and sisters. Visitation Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31 st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Wednesday 11:00 A.M. interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to VFW Berwyn Post 2378, 1529 South Harlem Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402 Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com