Peter Ratkovich, 94, of Brookfield, died March 8, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Ratkovich was born July 17, 1919 in Rockvale, Colo. After graduating from Farragut High School, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working in the forests of Oregon and Washington.
When he was 21, Mr. Ratkovich was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1941 to 1945 in the 5th Infantry Division, which was part of Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army. He was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
After the war, Mr. Ratkovich became a barber, a career that lasted 50 years.
In 1946, he married Violet Novacek, to whom he would be married for 67 years. Mr. Ratkovich enjoyed bowling, ballroom dancing, pin pong, carpentry, horseshoes and spending time with his family and friends. He was an active member of the Brookfield Moose and Berwyn VFW.
Mr. Ratkovich is survived by his wife Violet Ratkovich (nee Novacek); his daughter, Pamela (Robert) Cherry of Wheaton; his grandchildren, Allison Cherry of Wheaton and Brent (Lisa) Cherry of Lake Mills, Wis.; his great-grandson Dawson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mary Ratkovich, and five brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 12 from 10:30 a.m. until an 11 a.m. funeral service at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Berwyn VFW Post 2378, 1529 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn, Ill. 60402.
