It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, Thomas Roy McIlrath. Tom passed away at home at 81 years of age with his wife Karen and son David by his side after a five-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis early in the afternoon of Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Tom was born on April 1, 1942, in Evergreen Park, IL, to Stewart J. McIlrath, Sr. and Florence M. (Pauls) McIlrath. He graduated from Evergreen Park Community High School as Senior Class President in 1960 and Carroll College in Waukesha in 1964 with Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Philosophy.
On April 24, 1965, Tom married the love of his life, Karen L. Berger of Manitowoc at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Tom and Karen recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. He served a two-year term from 1968 – 1970 in the US Army Infantry Division in Vietnam, reaching the rank of Sargent E5 before returning home to settle in Manitowoc.
During his career in Sales, Tom worked for Proctor & Gamble, Hayssen Manufacturing, Lube Devices, Inc., Eggers Industries, and Architectural Forest Products in the Manitowoc area. He deeply loved kids, animals (especially dogs and kittens), the Chicago Bears, and golf. Tom volunteered his time in Big Brothers / Big Sisters and was a Boy Scout den leader. His love for sports and kids was evident during the many years he coached boys and girls softball, basketball, and his first love, baseball.
Beginning in 1994, he and Karen began breeding and showing pedigreed Birman cats, attending shows across the Midwest for many years. Tom’s loquaciousness allowed him to make dozens of friends in the cat breeding and showing community and he consulted and corresponded with those looking to purchase or adopt a cat or kitten anywhere in the United States. At the time of his passing, he had two beloved cats, Anthem and Poppet, and one Westie named Zoey.
Tom is survived by his wife, Karen (Berger) McIlrath, Manitowoc; son, David (Shamina) McIlrath, Houston, TX; and nephew Scott McIlrath, Kokomo, IN. Survivors also include cousins and many longtime family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stewart and Florence (Pauls) McIlrath; brother, Stewart J. McIlrath, Jr.; and daughter, Michelle Catherine McIlrath.
A Life Celebration Social for family and friends will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. At 6:30 p.m., there will be shared stories and memories by family which will be followed by military rites accorded by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center to conclude the Life Celebration Social. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Tom’s cremated remains to be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Tom’s family would prefer that donations be made in his name to the Lakeshore Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Tom’s family would like to thank the AseraCare hospice for providing him the outstanding care he required at home. Special thanks to Amanda Enright, RN, and Angie Schleis for their love and compassion while caring for Tom. Special thanks also to Scott and Susan Pribyl for their love and support when it was needed most.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
