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Thomas P. Milkey
1950 - 2017
Thomas P. Milkey
1950 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1950
DIED
2017
Thomas Milkey Obituary
Thomas P. Milkey, age 66, of Fond du Lac, WI, died Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Rudolph, WI (at his sister, Gina Thomas' home).
Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Saturday, July 29, 2017 at St. Philip's Catholic Church, Rudolph, WI. Father Bill Menzel will officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Philip's Church on Saturday from 9:30-11:00 AM. Burial in All Souls Cemetery, Rudolph, WI with military rites provided by American Legion Post #485 of Rudolph.
Tom was born August 8, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI to Robert and Beverly (Beck) Milkey. He was a mechanic for the Canadian National Railroad for many years. Tom served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and also in Panama from October 1968 until April 1977. He then served in the reserves from October 1986 until October 1991.
Tom was a member of the American Legion Post #485 of Rudolph, WI. He enjoyed the EAA, was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan and also was a motorcycle enthusiast.
Tom is survived by his son, Charles Milkey; daughter, Kathrine (Frank) Diaz; grandson, Jacob Diaz; parents, Robert and Beverly Milkey; three brothers, Robert (Dan) Milkey, Joseph Milkey and Christopher (Karen) Milkey; three sisters, Kathleen (Phil) Frame, Gina (Gary) Thomas and Mary Clark; five nieces, Allison Frame, Kirsten (Tyler) Haasch, Nicole (Tyler) Lawrence, Christa Milkey and Kara Milkey; and five nephews, Josh (Savana) Frame, Jake Milkey, Seth (Lacy) Milkey, Matthew Thomas and Nathaniel Clark.
Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is assisting the family. Online condolences can be sent to ritchayfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
D. Smith
August 8, 2020
Happy Birthday Milkey. Remembering you today.
D Smith
August 8, 2019
Remembering Tom, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend on his birth date. I'm sure he is in the thoughts and hearts of many today. Happy Birthday Milkey.
D Smith
July 9, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the Milkey family. Finding that Tom had passed was heartbreaking and not what I expected when I was determined to reach out and catch up on life after 47 years.
When I met Milkey (we never called him Tom) he was 22 years old. I can still picture him in his uniform. Thin, lanky with a stride in his walk that was all his own. Milkey was humble, kind, caring, fun and funny, friendly, a little shy, happy go lucky, always had a big smile and he liked to dance. Two of his favorite songs at that time, Good Times Charlie's Got the Blues and Help Me Make It Through The Night.
He taught me to drive a stick shift in his Blue 60's VW Bug. He was proud of that car. We would laugh when I would roll backwards down this little hill that you couldn't avoid if you wanted to go anywhere. They were fun times.
Milkey loved his family and frequently talked about his mother, father and all his brothers and sisters. Holly smokes there were a lot of them. ☺ I still recall most of the names mentioned in the obituary. He really loved kids and I'm so happy to see he fathered a son and a daughter. I'm sure those were two of the best days in his life.
If we all can learn one important lesson in life, do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. I will always regret not putting life on hold to try and find my friend Milkey even if it may have been the last conversation I had with him.
I will forever be thankful to God for allowing him to be a small part of my life in a huge way.
Milkey, I believe you are here in spirit so I say to you..until we meet again, rest in peace my friend.
You have always had a place in my heart and always will.
Gunkie (he nicknamed me too)
Don Hoffman
January 23, 2018
I only came across Tom's obit today, Jan. 23, 2018, and I'm sorry to read of his passing. I knew Tom in Panama. We were located at Far Fan, the Navy's communications site on Howard Air Force Base in the Canal Zone. I was there 1970-71.
Tom was very good natured. I can still picture Tom as he told me about a western movie he'd seen and really liked called "Support Your Local Sheriff". Tom loved the fact that the character played by James Garner always said he would not be in town for long because he was actually on his way to Australia.
While Tom and I did not keep in touch after I left Panama in 1971, I would always think of Tom when ever I'd come across that movie being shown on TV.
I know Tom was a blessing to those who knew and loved him.
Sincerely,
Don Hoffman
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mike steinmetz
July 30, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
George Kleser
July 29, 2017
George & Karolyn send you prayers to help you stay strong. Remember the all the good times & hold them tight
Diane Kuenzi
July 28, 2017
So sad to hear of Tom passing! I always enjoyed listening to his motorcycle adventures and other stories over a cold beer at Marghaels! Such a friendly & kind soul! He will be greatly missed!
Sharin Morgano
July 27, 2017
May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. My heart goes out to you, Milkey family, in your time of sorrow.
Phil Fechhelm
July 26, 2017
I only met Tom about two years ago.We talked about our Vietnam days,and the Veterans administration.we only talked about three times, but i felt like I knew him forever.I was saddened to hear of his passing Tom was a good and kind man .Fair Winds and following winds Shipmate.
Kristie Hepp
July 26, 2017
Dear Gina, Mary and family, What can I say? My friends/coworkers and I truly loved and enjoyed Tom. He was a happy, talkatiive gentleman. I will remember his trademark smile and wink. I will miss him and I am truly sorry for your loss. God bless you all and may Tom enjoy whatever his heart desires in heaven! -Kristie Hepp, social worker
BONNIE NEBL
July 26, 2017
What a great person Tom was. A caring neighbor and friend. I miss him already. May you find comfort in our Savior's word.
Lorraine Poplaski
July 26, 2017
Tom was married to my cousin, Carole. They both did readings at my wedding. I always enjoyed seeing Tom when I visited them in Wisconsin Rapids. I am very sorry for Katie and Charlie's loss.
Rebecca Milkey
July 26, 2017
I have so many memories of my cousin Tom. I especially remember when he came home from navy boot camp all in uniform. He was a joker and named one of the newborn cows after me. He inspired me to start taking photography classes and he sold me his old Minolta 35mm during college for my classes! I'll never forget Tom, as I still love to take pictures everyday! When Tom was in the National Guard, he came to CA several times to train and we always got together for a laugh and a beer! RIP
Mark Potratz
July 26, 2017
Good friend and great to have been able to work with him. Rest in peace
Steve and Deb Schumacher
July 26, 2017
My husband Steve worked with Tom on the railroad,I sat near Tom during mass almost every Saturday at Presentation Church. Our thoughts are prayers are with your family.
Mary Jo Pfeiffer
July 26, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I didn't know him well, but I enjoyed chatting before or after Mass at Presentation Church in North Fond du Lac on Saturday evenings. He had a good sense of humor and an upbeat personality. May he rest in peace and may God comfort you all during this difficult time.
Gene Bukowski
July 25, 2017
It seems too short of time that Tom was in our lives. My best memories are of the earliest days in 1980 and summers at Rainbow Falls. Tom will be missed.
Dede Milkey
July 25, 2017
I am thinking about all of you and sending love. Sharing in your sorrow. With love and friendship.
Lynda Violetta
July 25, 2017
My heart is heavy today to hear about the passing of my good friend Tom (Blatz). I will never forget your handsome smile and all the laughs we have shared. I miss you already! I love you. Blondie
MAC
July 25, 2017
My condolences to Tom's family and friends .I knew Tom from Marghaels .
You couldn't ask for a better guy . he will be greatly missed . RIP Tom
John Morgano
July 25, 2017
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I knew Tom from his days on the Wisconsin Central. He was one of our first hires at Stevens Point when we started up the Wisconsin Central in 1987. He was not only a very good mechanic but an overall nice person. He was very helpful with the start up of the railroad and it's continued operation.
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1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
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