- So hard does the death of his sister hit him
Michael Schanze (77) and Uschi Köhl had been an inseparable couple for nearly a decade, but they had known each other long before that. Before they became a couple, Uschi had been responsible for designing Michael's costumes for his TV appearances for three decades. The sudden loss of his partner, who passed away just days after her 70th birthday on July 29, 2024, from a brain hemorrhage, has left Michael devastated. "It's a heavy blow," he says in an interview with "Bunte" magazine, "I'm still not myself."
"Uschi was my anchor, my rock"
Michael can't comprehend why Uschi had to leave him. "I was the one with all the health issues, not Uschi," he says, recalling his own struggles with a knee replacement after a skiing accident in 2003 and surviving a bilateral pulmonary embolism in 2019. "Uschi was always by my side. She was the driving force behind my return to normal life. Uschi was my anchor, my rock."
A sudden and unexpected death
Michael recounts Uschi's tragic death in the interview. "Uschi died from a brain hemorrhage. There was nothing that could be done. I found her lifeless in our winter garden. The paramedic told me she had no chance. Even if I had been there, it wouldn't have made a difference." There were no warning signs before her death, which came as a shock to Michael. "It was like a bolt of lightning," he says.
In the aftermath, Michael's family has been incredibly supportive. His three sons and brother Christian have been by his side constantly. "It's touching to see how my family is functioning during this difficult time," Michael says. "My whole house is full. I'm not alone. That feels good."
"Her joy for life will remain with many, including me"
Last week, Michael had the chance to say his final goodbye to Uschi. "I was able to touch her one last time," he remembers. "All our wonderful memories flashed before my eyes. The fact that we celebrated her 70th birthday with many friends in April gives me a little comfort. Her joy for life will remain with many, and especially with me."
Michael's grief over Uschi's sudden passing is palpable, as he continually reminds himself of her role as his anchor and rock. "Uschi was my anchor, my rock," he shares, expressing his disbelief that she, who had always been the one to support him during his health struggles, was the one who was taken away so unexpectedly.
Despite his deep sorrow, Michael finds solace in the love and support of his family, particularly his brothers and sons who have been by his side throughout this tough time. "It's touching to see how my family is functioning during this difficult time," he acknowledges, appreciating the collective strength and presence that allows him to feel less alone in his grief.
