Michael Irving Kerbel, 57, of Skokie passed away on January 26 of natural causes. He grew up in Lincolnwood and graduated from Niles West High School. After a few years at Louisiana State University, he pursued an outdoor life in Idaho and Colorado. Michael was a natural athlete and loved the thrill of outdoor adventure. He spent many years water skiing, alpine freestyle skiing, white-water kayaking and snowmobiling. Upon returning to Chicago, he participated with family members in competitive sailboat racing including several Chicago to Mackinac races. He spent years working in construction, specializing in welding, iron work and structural steel fabrication. He was a dog lover and could always be found with one by his side. Michael is survived by his parents Irving & Violet Kerbel of Lincolnwood, his brother Darrell (Kathy Zipperer) Kerbel of Skokie, sister Kimberly (Michael) Rowe of Evanston, his nieces and nephews Elliott & Sydney Kerbel and Emma (Johnny Skwirut), Jeremy & Annalise Rowe, his faithful dog Norton and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his brother Cary Kerbel. Donations in memoriam can be made to: The Anti-Cruelty Society (anticruelty.org)
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Those were the days my friend.
Gordon Nelson
Friend
January 26, 2024
Adios Mike, Hazelden 1998, it was good to know you, good meals at The Wildberry, lost track of you around 2013, no email replies, just now I googled your name and now I know where you are. I'm doing well - it was good to know you, see you later.
Gordon Nelson
Other
September 25, 2023
I had the privilege of living next door to Mike during the years of 2014-2016. Mike was one of the kindest humans that I had ever met. I considered him not only a neighbor but also a friend.
I'll never forget when my car was in the shop and Mike not only offered but persisted that I take his SUV to run a quick errand. Or the countless times when Norton would run off and make us look for him all over the neighborhood.
He was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. I only found this posting because I was thinking of him after all these years. I will forever cherish those memories and his legacy.
Christopher Johnson
January 8, 2022
Doesn't take much to think of you Michael.
Patrick
Friend
January 25, 2019
P.S. I am in such shock I got names mixed up. I am so sorry. You lost Cary, too. Another unspeakable tragedy. I meant my heart and prayers go out to Kim, too.
David Schaffer
Classmate
June 14, 2017
I remember Michael always smiling and chuckling. Not taking life too seriously. WTH. I am still in shock finding this out. Not the way things should be. My heart and prayers go out to his mom and dad, and Darrell and Cary. Truly the nicest people you will ever meet.
David Schaffer
Classmate
June 14, 2017
To the Kerbel Family. So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I truly am aware of the heartache and pain of losing siblings. Lost my older brother when I was 25 and my little sister last May. It isn't easy. All we can do is remember the good times that we all had with them. Mike was always a fun guy to be with. Both my daughters remember him also. The time when Darrell, Mike and Richie Klark came over and sent the babysitter home. They put the girls on their back and give them a horseback rides. We will all meet again. My prayers go out to all of you!!
Eddy Haage
April 8, 2017
Darrell, Kim, Mr. And Mrs. Kerbel,
I just found out today about Mike's passing and am without speech having several long sighs right now. Whenever the occasion rises to speak of your family, and the times I shared with you all, I would always bring up how special Mike was. To this day some of the exploits I both witnessed and partook in with Mike, never cease to make meor the others I would regalelaugh. Mike was a gifted soulfunny, smart, talented, extremely athletic, and had a zest for life's sharper edges of adventure that I'm assuming he practiced through all his decades. I have been out of touch for quite a while now, but please know my thoughts are with you , and If one's life sits on a book shelf like a volume/or volumes, in my life, Mike's chapters are several and revisited repetitively in my memories.
With deepest sympathies,
Robert Strassman
March 28, 2017
Our thoughts are with the Kerbel family at this time. Mike and Darrell were dorm mates at LSU back in '78 and left an indelible impression still vivid today. Mike had a passion for life and amazed me with his ability to wheelie a Kawasaki 750 all the way down Highland across campus! I'm glad to hear he led an active fulfilling life and am sorry his time came so soon...
Mark Hachtel
Friend
March 25, 2017
My deepest sympathies on Michael's passing. It's sad and hard. So sorry
Maurisa Sommerfield
March 25, 2017
If there is anything you need please don't hesitate to call.
Rich Havansek
March 25, 2017
I knew Mike & his brother Darrell @ LSU when we lived in West Hall dormitory. Although I haven't seen them since graduating from LSU, I remember some great times. I'm not surprised to see Mike was an animal lover his entire life because he was always such a generous, kind, & thoughtful person. Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire Kernel family. Gary & Jill Bergeron.
Gary Bergeron
Friend
March 25, 2017
Dear Darrell and Kathy, we are so sorry for your loss. Sending you all lots of love during this difficult time.
Jeanette Havansek
Friend
March 25, 2017
Darrell, my thoughts are with you and your family. I remember Mike as being very funny, accepting, and kind to me. Wishing you all peace.
Carol Freeman
Friend
March 25, 2017
Laurette and I send our deepest sympathies for the loss of Mike. May God's peace and grace surround all of you.
Ralph Hart
March 25, 2017
Our deepest condolences for your loss. I really enjoyed talking to Mike (and Norton) on their daily walks through the neighborhood. Felicia, Scott and Max
Felicia Holtz
Neighbor
March 25, 2017
Dear Darrell and family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Michael's passing. I will remember with great fondness the years at Rutledge Hall and Lincoln Hall, when I always counted you and Mike as good friends. Although relocation and the passage of many years have transpired, those days of my childhood in Lincolnwood remain vivid, in no small measure because of the Kerbel brothers. Rest easy, Mike. You made a difference in my life, all those years ago. Rest easy.
Mark Alper
Friend
March 2, 2017
Kim and family, we are so sad to hear this heart breaking news. Holding you all in our thoughts as you go through this challenging time. So sorry for your loss. Mark, Anne, Zoë and Eli.
Anne Cousineau
February 4, 2017
Dear Darrell, our deepest sympathy to you and your family for this terrible loss. We always enjoyed having pleasant neighborly conversations with Mike, and we will dearly miss him.
Elvira and Reiner
February 4, 2017
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family love and strength.
Laura Rubenstein-Meadows
February 3, 2017
Gary Booras
February 3, 2017
Darrell condolences to you and your family.
Wendy Lowell
February 2, 2017
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother.
Don Sheldon
February 2, 2017
Darrell. Please accept our deepest sympathy for you and your families loss.
Don and Helga
February 2, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss Darrell and can appreciate your pain. I lost my brother Chris on Jan. 25.
bobby lovelady
February 2, 2017
Deepest sympathies to the entire Kerbel family and especially Darrell on the passing of Michael.
Dawn Silverman - Waarich
February 2, 2017
Darrell,
I am so sorry, deepest sympothy
Eddie Litke
February 2, 2017
I loved being with Mike and always's looked foreword to the next time our paths crossed.
My heart is out to you all, the last time I spent with him his dog was Peru and we had so much fun, it was as though no time had passed.
We both went into construction and felt an affinity through that, the last time we spoke Mike needed a large pipe lift that I didn't have and I wanted to rent one just to see him.
I will miss Michael so much knowing he won't be calling.
Patrick McCarthy
Patrick McCarthy
February 2, 2017
Darrell, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Condolences to the entire Kerbel family. May all of your memories bring you comfort at this time.
Fern Spielman McNamara
February 1, 2017
Deepest sympathy to Michael Kerbel family,
May fond memories and the peace of God bring you comfort in the days ahead.
January 31, 2017
Thinking of all the Kerbels and wishing you peace and comfort
Rob Reifsnyder
January 31, 2017
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow.
Bernadette, Bob & Liam
January 31, 2017
Sincere condolences to Michael's family, Jeremiah 29:11 tells us God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope.
January 31, 2017
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