Mike Karnel of Milwaukee passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Village Pointe Commons in Grafton. He was 84 years old.

Mike was born on February 16, 1939 to Arthur and Wanda Karnel in Milwaukee. He graduated from Rufus King High School, while working in the family businesses Karnel's Meat Market and Lenrak's Restaurant, a downtown Milwaukee institution. He spent nearly 30 years serving local business people, politicians, journalists, musicians, local celebrities and everyday people, working long hours flipping countless eggs and spinning tall tales. He was particularly grateful to have former Mayor Frank Ziedler as an office tenant and to have served scrambled eggs to Hank Aaron.

After selling the building he continued working as a butcher at Sendiks and The University Club. As a young man, he also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1962-68.

His favorite pastimes were golf and playing pool. He was also an avid local sports fan and music aficionado. With a sharp mind, he kept up with politics and current events right until the end. He never turned down an opportunity to debate issues and proved himself a worthy counter-stool philosopher.

Mike was a character and lived life on his terms. He always did his best to keep people laughing. He was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. He firmly believed in progress, saying "the world keeps getting better, even though it doesn't always seem that way."

Mike is survived by his daughter Julie Grudzinski, son-in-law Sean, grandchildren Max, Oliver and Bailey, as well as his siblings Katherine Danley, Linda (Skip) Yetter and David Karnel.

He is preceded in death by his sons Joseph and Arthur, his first wife Dolly, second wife Cathie, and his parents.

A special thank you to Village Pointe Commons, especially Sheena, and Legacy Hospice for their compassionate care of Mike.

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave. Cedarburg, WI 53012. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 4:00-6:00pm.