Michael Harris Scherbel
On Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 70, Michael Harris Scherbel passed away, leaving a lasting impact on the world through his unwavering love, generosity and commitment to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we are joyful he is free of pain and rejoicing in heaven.
Michael was born June 26th, 1952 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, WI to Harris and Sylvia Scherbel.
He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1970, where he met the love of his life, Karan. He also achieved 3rd place in the city golf tournament. In 1976 Michael earned a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He joined Plunkett Raysich Architects and became a Partner in 1996, taking charge of healthcare projects at the firm. With licenses to practice architecture in 13 states, he traveled to supervise these assignments and meet with hospital staff. Michael retired in 2020 and continued to contribute as a consultant to the firm. He volunteered his time throughout his career and retirement as President of the Redcat Academy Foundation and at St Benedict the Moor Community Kitchen. Michael loved spending time with his family and going on family vacations. Through these vacations he found a second home in Arizona, where he would split his time in later years. In his leisure hours he was an avid golfer, a doting grandfather, gardener and chef. Michael was always positive, never complaining, without worry and ever loving.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Karan (nee Janiszewski), children Kristin (Rob) Burgess and Steven Scherbel (Hayley) and grandchildren, Robert and Liliana Burgess. He leaves behind his mother-in-law Shirley (Arthur) Janiszewski, his sister Kathy (Jim) Levandoski and sister-in-law Sharon Scherbel, brothers-in-law Robert and David (Linda) Janiszewski, nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends, neighbors and cat Thunder. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Sylvia Scherbel, father-in-law Arthur Janiszewski, brother Raymond Scherbel, brother-in-law Jim Levandoski, and nephews Jimmy Scherbel and Cody Baer.
The family extends special gratitude to Dr. Stuart Wong and Dr. Selim Firat, his nurse, Gina Sanfilippo, as well as the countless doctors; Dr. Jacquelyn Dinusson, Dr. Becky Massey and Dr. Lyle Joyce, to name a few, and all the healthcare professionals from Froedtert Hospital who provided guidance and care throughout his battle with cancer.
Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM and a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to:
Department of BioChemistry
Medical College of Wisconsin
Office of Institutional Advancement
In memory of Michael Scherbel
PO Box 26509
Milwaukee WI 53226
or
www.mcw.edu/giving
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