Ronald James "Rona" Thate

February 1, 1951 - November 25, 2023
Born and raised in Burlington, WI, he was the son of Harry and Isabelle (nee Giannini) Thate. After graduating from UW-Whitewater with a BSE in Art Education, he resided in Milwaukee, WI until his death. Ronald, more notably known as Rona, was the Bar Manager/Bartender at M & M Glass Menagerie for 30 years and was named Miss Gay Wisconsin in 1981-82. When the M&M club closed, he worked for Sazs Catering, Inc. as a part-time food and beverage assistant and few other part-time jobs, including floral arranger and event coordinator with Bay Floral and Signature Designs, receptionist with Shorewest Realty-Downtown, and bartender at Boom/The Room. For many years, he has been employed with Potawatomi Bingo and Casino where he worked as a catering bartender in the food and beverage department and more recently a seamstress in the wardrobe department.
Founding member of the Wisconsin Cream City Chorus.Fundraising for multiple charitable organizations.He loved the theater, performing arts, art history, and his annual Acapulco trip with his closest friends who became more like family to him.
Ronald is survived by his beloved sister-in-law Karen Thate, nieces and nephew, Kendra Thate Manning, Robert Thate, and Karlie Thate. He is further survived by other relatives and a large extended family of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Richard, and nephew, Rustin "Rusty" Thate.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 6th from 4-7:00 PM with a eulogy service at 6:00 PM at Northshore Funeral Services Chapel at 3601 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 7th at 10:00 AM at The Basilica of St. Josaphat, 2333 S. 6th Street Milwaukee, WI 53215 (Meet at Basilica). Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Burlington, WI.
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