Charles M. Kerkel

Charles Michael “Mike” Kerkel, of Willoughby, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the age of 75, at his home.

He was born on December 25, 1947 in Cleveland. As a military family, his parents, Rose and Peter Kerkel, moved frequently, finally settling with Mike, his two brothers and sister in Willoughby, OH. He received his undergraduate and Masters degrees at Kent State University.

Mr. Kerkel worked as an insulator in the Cleveland area for more than 50 years. He enjoyed being a part of the construction of many Cleveland landmarks, including Jacobs Field, the BP Building and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Mike was a member of the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 3. He enjoyed coaching his sons and their teammates in the Willoughby Baseball League during their youth.

Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maria (Sofranac) Kerkel; children, Michael (Shari), Joseph and David Kerkel; granddaughters, Rhiannon and Rosie; brothers, Phillip (Barb) and Robert Kerkel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rose (Dunnam) Kerkel and his sister, Lynn Kerkel.

Private family services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at donors@stjude.org