Dr. E Mike Raphtis

Mike was born to Sam and Voula Raphtis on July 27th, 1966, in Sioux City, Iowa. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Betty Raphtis, and his three children, Sotirios (Daniella), Vanessa, and Natasia. He is also survived by his two brothers, Constantine (Aspa) and Chris (Christine) Raphtis, and his mother, Voula Raphtis. He is preceded in death by his father, Sam Raphtis.

Mike was an exemplary man, the ultimate leader. His presence was felt in every room he walked in. He was an incredible husband to his wife, father to his children, and ophthalmologist to many. Everything Mike did, he did with a combination of love, passion, work ethic, and dedication that only he could do.

Mike was a double Hawkeye, attending the University of Iowa for undergrad and medical school, where he earned his MD in 1990. In 1996, at 30 years old, he purchased the Balian Eye Center, where he practiced ophthalmology for 30 years. He was well respected in the community by both his patients and his peers. He was an elected member of the prestigious Detroit Ophthalmological Club, founded in 1902, a professional-social club for area ophthalmologists of varied backgrounds and interests with top tier academic credentials.

Most important was Mike’s care for his patients. The fact he was a gifted surgeon and clinician was a given, but it was his compassion that made him special. Mike had the gift that separates a talented doctor from a trusted physician. That gift was his humanity. He defined what it meant to be a good human being, and that was obvious to anyone lucky enough to have been touched by him and his presence.

Outside of his professional life, Mike’s world revolved around three things: his faith, golf, and, most importantly, his family. Mike was a long-standing parishioner at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, where he spent time as parish counsel president and founded the annual church golf outing with his brother-in-law, Jim Holevas. Mike belonged to two golf clubs that he cherished, Great Oaks Country Club and Innisbrook Golf Resort.

The thing that he cherished most in the world was his family. His beloved pets, Duke, Daisy, and Britney, never went without a vanilla ice cream cone from McDonalds or blueberries from the fridge. Mike’s support for his children went above and beyond, from countless drives to Detroit Country Day School, endless cheering at soccer games, and perfect attendance at all dance competitions and recitals. He was the best father, and an even better husband. Whether bringing a pot of coffee upstairs every morning or traveling the vineyards of California, Mike whole-heartedly loved Betty through every walk of life. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mike's family will hold a Visitation from 8:30am - 10:30am on Saturday, November 7th, 2026 at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 11455 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. The Funeral Service begins at 10:30am at St. John Green Orthodox Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan.