Dr. Renato C. Felizmena

Found peace on November 7, 2017, and was reunited with his late, beloved wife, Corazon. He was the  devoted father of Roxanne (John) Suson and Tony (Heather) Felizmena. Proud Lolo of Serena, Ana, Aidan, and Nadia. He is further survived by his sister, Rizalina Hawes, and by other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

One of eight children, Renato was born in Iloilo City in the Philippines. He grew up in Quezon City and earned a medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas, graduating in 1954. He emigrated to the United States, landing first in Buffalo, New York.  His arrival in the U.S. marked the beginning of his professional pursuit towards anesthesia.  He worked in many cities across the United States and in Canada, including St. Louis, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Appleton, before finally moving to the Milwaukee area. Rumor has it that he was quite the ladies’ man in Toronto, enjoying many a dance party, bowling night, and potluck.  At one of these parties, he met the love of his life, Corazon, and his bachelor days were over. Renato and Cora made their permanent home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where they raised their two children, Roxanne and Tony, and made lifelong friends in the Filipino community.

Renato spent his professional career as an anesthesiologist, working at St. Anthony’s Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, where he was affectionately known as “Dr. Felix” among his co-workers. After retiring at the age of 70, he spent his time babysitting his grandchildren, walking in the mall, watching movies, and going out to eat.

Renato had a well-deserved reputation as a dynamic ballroom dancer, known for his Latin moves, especially the tango, the dance of love! His sense of humor was legendary amongst patients and friends. He may have been short in stature, but he more than made up for it with his giant personality.

He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, at the Becker Ritter Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until the 7:00 pm Vigil Service. Relatives and friends may join the family on Saturday, November 18, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 12130 W. Center St, Wauwatosa, WI 53222 for a short visitation beginning at 10:00 am until the time for the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Private family committal services at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

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