Read Michael William Neuzerling's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Michael William Neuzerling

Brookfield, WI, USA

December 5, 1947 - September 13, 2020

Dec 5, 1947 - Sep 13, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Michael W. Neuzerling Memorial Fund.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Michael William Neuzerling, 72, of Brookfield went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday,
September 13, 2020. Born on December 5, 1947, he was the first born child of his delighted
parents, Lois Marie McKenna and James Louis Sanders in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Beginning
school in the basement of St. Theresa’s Catholic School in Eagle, WI, Mike graduated from
Francis Jordan High School. He had a talent for painting and art and continued his education at MATC in Commercial Art.

In 1967 he enlisted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Vietnam War. He
returned to the U.S. in 1970 with an honorable discharge, a mustache, long hair and a smoking habit.

Mike crafted his salesmanship and business skills through car sales before opening his own
advertising agency, writing many scripts and did voice overs for many commercials with campaigns including – “That Great Taste is Back” for Suburbia and “You Just Can’t Lose When You Choose Warehouse Shoes”. His high standards for excellence combined with these talents heralded success when he opened his jewelry store with the love of his life, Shiela in 1996 – Shiela’s Fine Jewelry.

Customers easily transformed into friends with his easy laugh, coupled with a lively wit that
would disarm the stoic. Many came just to hear his stories that would leave you laughing for
days as you recalled his latest yarn. He built enduring relationships with customers that
spanned many generations, celebrating their high moments, weddings and sharing in their
heartaches.

The best part of his life began in 1986 when Mike met Shiela. Within a short two and a half
weeks of dating, he proposed, claiming when you know, YOU KNOW! They married three
months later and have worked together as successful business partners, best friends and with a love that will never die. They celebrated their 34th anniversary in June.

Mike will be greatly missed by his three girls, Christianna, Carrie and Shelly – also known as
Bananarama, Bear and Belle. He was family first and reveled in teasing all his grandchildren, he dearly enjoyed. Inheriting his mother’s Irish wit, he was a master story-teller, delighting all with his endless supply of stories and jokes. There didn’t seem to be any topic or occasion he didn’t have one up his sleeve. Cherished times were spent around their pool and holidays were seasoned with an abundance of his delicious cooking and sage advice. He was a peacemaker. No one went unnoticed, including his faithful pups Bentley and Pinch, whom he loved and spoiled.

Mike was that faithful spot in life that sheltered many family members going through a rough
patch. He was like a second dad to Shiela’s brothers, Robin and David who lived many years
with them. He opened his home to care for his Mom and Vince during their last years; carrying
their burdens and never counting his own. His faith was a visible thread in how he lived. He
and Shiela created a place where we could all return that signaled home. While things change in life, Mike didn’t. He stayed close to his sister Mary and her husband Jim, bridging the distance with love that left a lasting mark on his niece, Apryl.

Mike was known for his impeccable sense of style he paired with his love for a bargain, yet
never too proud to share where to get a great deal on fine Italian wool suits or some leather
shoes. He was a connoisseur of things of beauty from art, to sports memorabilia, cars and in
creating his backyard oasis. His musical avocation began as a lead singer in his band during high school and led to playing drums locally on the R & B circuit during his early years, once opening for James Brown and the Rolling Stones.

Mike called his granddaughter Brittany his “one and only” when they were together, “his
princess”, but it didn’t exempt her from his merciless teasing. He told everyone how much he
loved being her grandpa. He relished her chicken wings and his special request, catfish. He
treasured his time with Brittany and her family, enjoying their spirited conversations, music and
their mutual passion for cooking memorable meals. Brittany carries a special place in all our
hearts for the many selfless days and night she gave making her precious grandfather feel loved and cared for, never leaving his side through his final moments.

He loved all the precious moments he had with each of his grandchildren – cherished memories of them growing up. One of his favorite photos of his grandsons was an early photo of all of them sitting on the edge of the pool eating popsicles and a later photo of the same popsicle scene, wondering where the time went. Every Christmas he’d ask Grace, “Did you get a Mercedes for Christmas?” and she’d patiently tell him, “Grandpa, I’m too little.” Alex still
sleeps on and treasures the 9 ft. teddy bear he gave her 5 years ago. There was never enough time but he loved every moment he had with Gracie, Alex, Ian, Jarrod and Jordan. Each one of them knew how much he loved them.

Mike was overcome with emotion when he discovered Carrie was on her way to stay with him
and would be joining Shelly and Brittany at the house to welcome him home from the hospital
after his diagnosis. The outpouring of love by his daughters gave him such comfort and joy to
have them close. They all celebrated as much life with him as each day could possibly hold in
the short time of mere weeks he had battling cancer.

We thank Mike’s ex-son in law Bob, for coming from out of state to build a wheel chair ramp
and Shelly’s husband Tom for lending a hand, and his brother in law Robin for returning to help at the store as well as David who came to keep the yard the way Mike liked it. He was deeply grateful for all his family and his lifelong friend Tom Scardino and countless friends, too many to name, who were by his side with love, prayers and compassion every step of the way. A special thank you goes to Leah and Jamie from Grace Hospice for their genuine love, care and kindness that they gave to Mike.

Visitation will be at Harder Funeral Home on Monday, September 21 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Brookfield on Tuesday, September 22 at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park. Please wear a mask.

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a donation to Michael W. Neuzerling Memorial Fund.

$1,455.30

of $1,400 goal

103 %

Learn more & give