Michael David Milas

Michael David Milas, 63, of Forest, Va., passed away on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

Michael was born on Sept. 4, 1959, in Elgin, Ill., to the late Henry and Evelyn (nee Fox) Milas.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Marquette University, where he was a member of 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 of Ozaukee County, Wis., for six years. He devoted the latter part of his career to public safety technology consulting.

On Aug. 6, 1983, Michael married Paula Joy Rathke at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington, Wis. 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 of almost 40 years, Paula; his sons Nathan Milas (Calvin Goin) of Phoenix, Ariz., and Joshua Milas (Emily) of Aldie, Va.; grandsons Elliot, Blake and Nolan of Aldie, Va.; brothers Martin Milas (Jill) of California and Jim Milas (Bonnie) of Indiana; and sisters Judy Davis (Bob) of Arizona and Kimberly Schoenhaar of Wisconsin.

He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Virginia. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation may consider Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, https://www.bbbs.org/, or the Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program, https://ozaukeejailliteracy.org/.

To send online condolences to the family, please go to www.whittentimberlake.com.