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Dr. William Merkow

1920 - 2016

Dr. William Merkow obituary, 1920-2016, Whitefish Bay, WI

FUNERAL HOME

Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home

4750 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

William Merkow Obituary

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Merkow

Sponsored by Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Jack Ritter

October 6, 2016

Steve, I enjoyed your eulogy about your father. I didn't realize the close history between the Merkows and the Quadracci's.

I remember how I felt so taken care of when I broke my leg skiing. I was around 15. I had both Dr. Chambers and Dr. Merkow looking at my case. My leg would like to thank them both.

So you and your brothers were raised by Riva and Bill. That is an amazing heritage.

I enjoyed seeing you when you stopped by our house to offer condolences over our mother. She admired Bill GREATLY, and often talked about him. - Jack Ritter

Lena & Rosato Bruni

September 23, 2016

Dr. Steve Merkow and Family,
Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.
May the wonderful memories that you have of William comfort you and your family in this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Lena & Rosato Bruni

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Memorial Events
for William Merkow

Sep

25

Calling hours

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Chenequa Country Club

6250 N. Highway 83, Hartland, WI

Sep

25

Funeral service

12:30 p.m.

Cong. Emanu-El of Waukesha

830 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI

Sep

25

Burial

Mound Zion Cemetery

14510 W. North Ave, Brookfield, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home

4750 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay, WI 53211

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