James "Jim" Kratowicz

James (Jim) Patrick Kratowicz, Age 55, of Allouez was Born to Eternal Life November 21, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born August 24, 1964, in Kenosha WI, the son of Ernie and Sally (Knapp) Kratowicz. He attended grade school at St. Casimir Catholic grade school and graduated from Saint Joseph High School in Kenosha. Jim graduated from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with degrees in Marketing and History. Jim married the love of his life Tammy Tyrrell on September 30th, 1989. They settled in Allouez, Wisconsin and were blessed with three beautiful daughters, McKayla, Laurel and Victoria. While they grew their family at home, Jim enjoyed a career growing local businesses. He joined Shopko in 1988 as Vice Senior President of Marketing. After leaving the retailer, Jim took a role as Division Director at US Venture in 2010. In October of 2013, Jim turned his attention to Titletown Brewing Company. There he served as Chief Operating Officer. With passion and determination, he set about reviving a stalled-out effort to gentrify the Larson Canning Company Building. With Jim’s propositions, the brewery expanded production and distribution of their product that funded the completion of a new tap room, and later renovation of the entire property with a roof top tap room. Jim’s efforts served as a force that stimulated interest and growth in the district that was beneficial to the city as a whole.

All of Jim’s world revolved around Tammy and his girls. Above all, he existed first for them. He was involved with and participated in all of their academic, social and religious rites. He proudly attended sporting events and coached all of the girls’ basketball teams. He chaperoned trips and looked forward to various father/daughter events at camp U-Nah-Li-Ya and took the girls to father/child ski weekends in the U.P.

Jim’s dedication extended beyond his own progeny to mentor other children. He coached basketball for the sons of his friend Larry Gille, and assisted coaching for the Future Tritons of Notre Dame Academy. His generosity and support of community efforts are too numerous to list.

Jim was fascinated by and enjoyed every day of his life. The youngest of a proud Polish family, he loved his childhood. From athletics to serving at Mass, he gave all of his efforts 100%. Some of his fondest memories were attending Packer games with his brother Bob and later good friends. Jim and Larry Gille were a permanent act in Lambeau Section 130. Jim made every gathering of friends a celebration. He organized golf outings, gourmet dinners, tailgate parties, Mothers’ Day Tributes, Old Man Breakfasts, ice fishing trips and poker. Jim had astounding wit and always inserted a joke when needed. He enjoyed bringing people together, resulting in a network of friends with Jim always being the common link. His absence leaves a crater in the heart of our community. But Jim said, “Please don’t be sad”. So in his honor, we will support each other and find a way to laugh every day.

Jim is loved and will forever be missed by his wife Tammy, daughters McKayla, Laurel, and Victoria. Mother Sally Kratowicz and aunt Marianne Kratowicz of Kenosha, WI. His siblings, Timothy (Luann) Kratowicz, Kathleen (Fred) Saldona, Robert (Sue) Kratowicz, Karen Kratowicz, and Janice (Jim) Pierangeli. Sisters and brothers in law MaryBeth (Jim) Cahill, Patty (John) Debonville, Bill (Leanne) Tyrrell. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and a large extended family. Jim leaves behind a host of friends too numerous to mention and forever changed by the mark he has left on their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father Ernie Kratowicz, his uncles Chester and Frank Kratowicz, and Tammy’s parents, Bill and Millie Tyrrell.

The family will greet visitors on Monday, November 25, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, from 10:00am until 12:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm with the Rev. James Neilson, O.Praem officiating. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the team at Green Bay Oncology, and specifically Dr. Shaukat for his knowledge and endless compassion. They thank Unity Hospice, specifically Cathy and Lisa for lending comfort to Jim and his whole family.