Michael was born on September 4, 1959, in Elgin, Illinois to the late Henry and Evelyn (nee Fox) Milas. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University, where he was a member of the Army ROTC and ultimately commissioned into the Army Reserves/National Guard. Mike spent decades of his career in public service through law enforcement, and he was ultimately elected as sheriff in Ozaukee County, WI for six years. He devoted the latter part of his career to public safety technology consulting.
On August 6, 1983, Michael married Paula Joy Rathke at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington, WI. Together they had two sons, Nathan and Josh. Mike spent much of his life traveling – both for work and with family – most recently fulfilling a bucket list trip to Australia. He was always active in health and fitness – enjoying everything from competitive body building to daily family and dog walks. Michael was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and served many ministries in the church over the years.
Michael’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, with a fire in the fireplace. He was a car enthusiast, and he enjoyed weather watching, working in his yard, and annual trips to the Smoky Mountains with family. Mike was quick to lend a helping hand to friends, family, and those in need. One of his favorite roles was Grandpa – he loved reading to his grandchildren, taking them on tractor rides, and telling them silly stories.
Michael is survived by his wife, Paula, of almost 40 years, his sons, Nathan Milas (Calvin Goin) of Phoenix, AZ. and Joshua Milas (Emily) of Aldie, VA.; grandsons, Elliot, Blake, and Nolan of Aldie, VA.; brothers, Martin Milas (Jill) of CA. and Jim Milas (Bonnie) of IN.; sisters, Judy Davis (Bob) of AZ. and Kimberly Schoenhaar of WI. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 2 P.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Michael McCarron officiating. Visitation will be held, prior to the service, beginning at 1 PM.
Those wishing to make a donation may consider Big Brothers Big Sisters of America https://www.bbbs.org/ or Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program https://ozaukeejailliteracy.org/.
