Michael "Mike" Scharschmidt

Michael Kim Scharschmidt, age 78, passed away at his home on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Born on February 11, 1948, to Felix and Dolores (Ziebell) Scharschmidt, Mike grew up on the family farm just north of Markesan on Little Green Lake where he had his first model train setup in the dirt floor basement. He was confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1962 by Rev. George Kobs at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Markesan and was an active member throughout his life. Mike graduated from Markesan High School in 1966.

While Mike wasn’t active in farming, it was in his blood. He won numerous trophies while tractor pulling with his Minneapolis Moline and snowmobile racing his Ski-Doo. He worked for Ahrens Implement in Markesan as a mechanic, the Grand River Co-Op as a farm tire repairman, Chiquita (formally Friday Canning) as a boiler maintenance supervisor until they closed and Seneca Foods in Ripon as a fork lift operator until his retirement.

On Oct. 1, 1977, Mike married the love of his life, Rosie Strook. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and devotion. Mike was a devoted husband and a deeply proud father to his two cherished daughters, Cherie and April. Later in life Mike enjoyed time spent playing and making memories with his grandsons, Connor and Merrick Westfield.

Mike had a passion for craftsmanship and motorsports. After he retired, Mike was an avid woodworker with a true talent for creating. He enjoyed working on model trains, NASCAR racing, and most of all riding his Harley. Mike loved the freedom that came from biking around Wisconsin with Rosie and on attending the Harley rallies in Sturgis, South Dakota with family and friends.

Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rosie; his daughters, Cherie (Patrick) Rupprecht of Randolph, April (Jeffrey) Westfield of Fox Lake; his grandsons, Connor and Merrick Westfield; sisters, Linda Green of Mequon, Gayle (Wayne) Schultz of Markesan, niece, Sara Schultz of Clarkston, MI; nephews, James (Cindy) Iverson of Waupun, Joseph Iverson of Markesan and Douglas Schultz of Green Bay. He is further survived by other relatives, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James Peter in 1956, sister, Diane and her husband Gary Iverson and brother-in-law, Richard Green.Mike’s craftsmanship, enthusiasm, devotion to his faith and commitment to his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Markesan Community Funeral Home 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan, WI.

A memorial service for Mike will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4th at Markesan Community Funeral Home with Rev. Jason Jobs officiating.