Ione P. Ratatori, 96 formerly of W. Lincoln Avenue in Port Washington died peacefully Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Gables on the Pond in Random Lake, Wisconsin.
She was born October 26, 1917 in Bismarck, North Dakota. When she was 2 ½ the family moved to Port Washington, Wisconsin. She graduated from Port Washington High School in 1935 and began working at the former Smith Bros. Restaurant and worked there until 1944 in the office and as a Hostess and waitress. On October 12, 1939 (the real Columbus day) she married Columbus “Columbo” Ratatori of Lake Church at St. Mary’s Church in Port Washington. They lived on S. Garfield Avenue for many years raising a family. Her husband Columbus “Columbo” preceded her in death May 22, 1970.
Ione worked as a bookkeeper and cook for the former Ratatori Vending from 1970 to 1987. She was an active volunteer at the Pebble House Tourism Center in Port Washington, member and active volunteer at the Port Washington Senior Center and volunteered for the blood bank at local blood drives.
She enjoyed playing dominoes and cards, especially canasta with her lady friends. Ione’s pride and joy was her flower walls and she liked to tend to her flower gardens. Ione moved to the Lincoln Village Apartments in 2003 and more recently to Gables on the Pond in Random Lake.
She is survived by her children Rozanne (Jerome) Zeiger of West Bend, Wisconsin, David (MaryAnn) Ratatori of Fredonia, Wisconsin Maria Theresa “Teri” (Brian) Bradley of Stoughton, Wisconsin and Sarah (Earl, Jr. “Skip”) Reiss of Las Vegas, New Mexico, grandchildren Matthew (the late Polly Schwandt) Zeiger, Nathan (Heather) Zeiger, Christina “Tina” Ratatori, Angela (Sean) Kellar, Bethlee (Christopher) Tiglas, Brett (Melissa) Bradley, Benjamin (Kristina Sabo) Bradley, Timothy (Amy) Reiss & Rachel Reiss and 14 Great Grandchildren. Further survived by special family friend Gene “Geno” Graff, other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her sister Mae Lauscher and brother Harold (Julia) Muehlberg, other relatives and friends.
The Reverend Patrick Wendt will celebrate a Memorial Mass 6 pm Thursday, April 24, 2014 at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, 1800 N Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm Thursday AT CHURCH. Memorials to the Interfaith Caregivers (166 W Dekora Street, Saukville, WI 53080) or Hospice Advantage (10265 Taylor Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081) are appreciated.
Dear Ratatori Family, Ione was my “backyard” neighbor for many years and our backyard chats were always interesting. I am sorry to hear of her passing, knowing what a hole will be left in all your hearts. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Dear Ratatori Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Grandma Onie was a wonderful lady. I will always remember all her stories she told, especially at our Thanksgiving dinners at the Bradley home. She was a special lady, and a true lady she was.
Be happy Grandma Onie
You deserve it.
Bob & Colleen Carter
My condolences to the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful long life she had, may she rest in peace.
Condolences and best wishes for entire family from your old neighbor. I’ll never forget the day Ione handed me a huge pink and black stuffed cat and pink and black alarm clock for my 11th birthday——-it was fabulous. Ratatori famiy part of lots o good memories. PS: Ione, I really am sorry I kept smushing all of the crab apples and kept jumping off of the fieldstone garden ledge (big smile). You made the best baked beans!
Ione was a dear friend to my mother, Bernie Stern, for many years. Your family is in our prayers.
Ione was a dear friend thru her work at our blood drawings for The Blood Center. She was always willing to help in any way she could. May she rest in peace.
Donna Lubner