Harry W. Makoutz

Harry W. Makoutz passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by his loving family. He was 94 years old.

Harry was born July 13, 1929, in Milwaukee, the son of John and Verna (Kowalosk) Makoutz.

On Feb. 7, 1948, he was united in marriage with Patricia Filz in Milwaukee, and they were “lovers always.” He loved Patricia dearly, and he was “her handsome Harry.”

Harry began working as a draftsman for Harley Davidson from 1944 to 1953. In 1953, he began his career in law enforcement with the Milwaukee Police Department. He worked up to the position of detective and retired after 31 years. He was hired by the Milwaukee County district attorney as the chief investigator for the D.A. from 1984 to 1990.

He was full of police stories and remembered names, dates and incidents remarkably. His home has a wall dedicated to the history of both the Milwaukee Police Department and District Attorney’s Office, as well as a box full of newspaper articles written regarding many of those stories. He was a very proud police officer and lived his life honoring the badge and what it stood for.

A lifetime member of the Catholic Church, Harry was involved with various church activities and memberships. He also was active with the St. Vincent de Paul Scoeity and the Milwaukee Police Association’s baseball team and served as a Boy Scout leader and Little League coach.

A long-standing annual family tradition, Harry and his family looked forward to hunting in Minnesota on his son Dennis and Julie’s land. He enjoyed spotting deer, fishing, coin collecting, bird watching, squirrel feeding, growing tomatoes, mushroom picking, watching parades, playing cards with family members (he shamelessly won all their quarters!) and playing sheepshead at the Port Washington Senior Center.

Armed with a strong financial instinct, Harry loved following and playing the stock market daily for many years. An avid sports fan, Harry looked forward to Brewer’s opening day and tailgate parties for Brewers and Packers.

Harry’s retirement years found him wintering in Florida, traveling to visit family in Minnesota and Nevada and spending his days on Pretty Lake, Wis., where he loved all lake life offered and leading the Fourth of July parades on his lawnmower down Pretty Lane.

A handyman who fixed most things himself, Harry always offered to help; everyone could count on him. He seldom complained and was always thankful and appreciated everything and everyone. He treasured his beloved family and was an outstanding role model. He was present and enjoyed family gatherings, holidays and life celebrations.

Some of his famous sayings were: “I’m wonderful.” “I received my six-month warranty.” “God has been so kind and merciful to me.” “God bless you.”

Harry is survived by his daughters Kathy (Ron) Hansen of Oostburg, Wis., and Karen Makoutz of Belgium Wis.; sons Glenn (Remy) Makoutz of Saukville, Wis., Dennis (Julie) of Millville, Minn., and Jeff (Terri) of Reno, Nev.; 33 grandchildren, Gemma, Bob (Leslie), Paul (Ania), Cher (Jake), Alicia (Brian), Mark, Jon (Kelsey), Michelle, Noreen, Joe (Jess), Chris (Alicia), Heidi (Nick), Gayle (David), Josh (Jill), Jason (Ali), Drew (Alex), Luke (Mandy), Anna (Jimmy) and Daniel; 36 great-grandchildren, Niya, Preston, Nolan, Elaina, Dyton, Kaylee, Ethan, Lilly, Amber, Enzo, Austin, Holden, Clark, Isabelle, Mya, Oliver, Edison, Anola, Lana, Hudson, Grace, Zoe, Ruby, Dylan, Sawyer, Prairie, Lily, Addie, Lucy, Max, Sam, Bodi, Hunter, Nolan, Hazel and Emory; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Patricia, his son-in-law Mike Rowe, one sister, Marion Makoutz, and two brothers, Robert (Marie) Makoutz and John (Caroline) Makoutz.

A memorial Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 Green Tree Rd. in Kohler. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service on Harry’s obituary page at www.wenigfh.com. The family will receive visitors at the church on Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

He and Patricia will be laid to rest together at Oostburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Wenig Funeral Home, Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for more information.