Dr. William Merkow

1920 - 2016

Merkow, Dr. William "Dr. Bill" , born March 28, 1920, passed away peacefully in hospice on Sept. 20, 2016 at the age of 96. Beloved elder son of the late Hyman and Lida (nee Knell) Merkow and husband of 72 years to the late Rosalind "Riva" (nee Daitch) Merkow. Cherished father of Dr. Alan Merkow (Dr. Leslie Jameson), the late Dr. Robert (Maggie) Merkow, and Dr. Steve (Dr. Ann Bartos) Merkow. Loving and proud grandfather to Matthew (Kelly) Merkow, Dr. Ryan (Jen) Merkow, Dr. Justin (Robin) Merkow, Jameson (fiance of Gisele) Merkow, Syrah (Tim) McGivern, Carla (Neal) Hines, Dr. Maxwell (Dr. Emily) Merkow, David (Jordan) Merkow, Alana Merkow, and Gabriel Merkow. Adoring great-grandfather to Eva, Zohar, Eshai, Tessa, Gabriella, Robbie, Evan, and Owen. Dear brother of Dr. Leonard Merkow. Further survived by numerous extended family members and friends. He was born and raised in Milw., WI, attended West Division High School and graduated from Univ. of WI-Madison with both a Bachelor of Science (1939) and Medical Degree (1943). He started general surgery training at Mount Sinai Hospital in Milw. before an interruption to serve as a surgeon in the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of Captain at Fort Eustis in Newport News, VA. After WWII, he completed his residency and became the first Board Certified General Surgeon at Waukesha Memorial Hospital in 1950 where he delivered compassionate care in both general surgery and medicine for 40 years. Following his work at WMH, he helped his close friend, Harry V. Quadracci, president and owner of Quad/Graphics, develop QuadMed where he continued his practice for another 20 years. He was most passionate about two things: his family of whom he was most proud and his career as a caring and skilled physician and surgeon. Dr. Bill was kind and always willing to lend a hand. He was a wonderful husband, father, surgeon, role model, and friend to many and leaves a noteworthy legacy. Funeral services Sun., Sept. 25, 2016 at 12:30 PM at Cong. Emanu-El of Waukesha, 830 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. Burial to follow at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Ave., Brookfield. There will be two gatherings at Chenequa Country Club, 6250 N. Highway 83, Hartland, WI 53029. The first will be prior to the ceremony from 9:30AM to 11:30AM where the family will accept calls of condolence. The second will be a reception following the burial until 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cong. Emanu-El of Waukesha or the Dr. William and Riva Merkow Great People Scholarship Fund at UW School of Medicine and Public Health, c/o Univ. of WI Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milw., WI 53278. The family wishes to express a very special and heartfelt thank you to caretakers Anne Huston and Clare Zimmerman, neighbors Grace and Peter Friend, advisor Jane Stromwall, Cantor and Spiritual Leader Deborah Martin and the many medical and nursing personnel and friends who helped him through his last 8 months of life. GOODMAN-BENSMAN Whitefish Bay Funeral Home 4750 N. Santa Monica 414-964-3111 www.goodmanbensman.com