Viktor Azomiv
Viktor Azomiv died on Aug. 22, 2025, at the age of 71. Beloved husband of Frida Azimov (nee Dratva). Loving father of Diana (Oleg) and Stan (Kristina) Azimov. Proud grandfather of Daniel, Leah, and Ari. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Funeral services held Aug. 24 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment followed at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Memorial contributions to Chabad of Glendale or Agudas Achim Chabad of Mequon appreciated.
Jeffrey A. Cohen
Jeffrey A. Cohen died on Sept. 13, 2025.
Preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Rose (nee Edelstein) Cohen, and his brothers, Lawrence and Martin (Annette) Cohen. Survived by his nephew, David (Rosa) Cohen, and niece, Lindsay Cohen. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Private burial took place at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to American Kidney Fund appreciated.
Abraham Fenster
Abraham Fenster died Aug. 29, 2025, at the age of 98.
Beloved husband of 51 years of the late Lillian Fenster (nee Burstein) and dear companion of 14 years of Ethel Lieberthal. Cherished father of Robbyn Fenster and Gail (Joel) Rosenfeld. Loving grandfather of Ayelet (Adi) Hershkovitz, Yaniv (Racheli) Rosenfeld and Maayan (Cairem) Sherabi. Adoring great-grandfather of Shani, Amit and Tomer Hershkovitz; Ofri and Noam Rosenfeld; Sol, Yahli, and Shaya Sherabi. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
A graveside service was held on Aug. 31 at Shalom Memorial Park, Arlington Heights, IL. Rabbi Cheski Edelman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to The Shul Bayside appreciated.
Dr. Mel Forman
Dr. Mel Forman, a Milwaukee native and trailblazer in the field of obesity and bariatric medicine, passed away on Aug. 8, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 86.
Born on April 11, 1939, Dr. Forman was raised in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School in 1957. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1960 and completed his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1964. Following an internship in Los Angeles, he practiced medicine in New York and Connecticut until his retirement in 2004.
Dr. Forman was known for his pioneering work in bariatric medicine, helping to shape the field and improve countless lives through his dedication and innovation. After retiring, he moved to Florida, where he embraced the lifestyle and remained an avid tennis player throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Forman (née England), sons Todd Forman and Craig Forman, brother Dr. Sheldon Forman (Narda), sister Sharon Mann (Harvey, deceased), and nieces and nephews, Brenda Mann, Bradley Mann, Fonna Forman, Adam Forman and Benji Forman-Barzilai.
Funeral services were held at The Gardens of Boca Raton, officiated by Rabbi Robert Silvers. He was laid to rest in Boca Raton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Menorah, Milwaukee.
Harriet Gordon
Harriet Gordon (nee Fox) died on Sept. 11, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Robert Gordon. Dear mother of Julie, Lori, and Dr. Michael Gordon. Adored sister of Dr. Joanne (Adam) Fox-Przeworksi and Dr. Leonard (Nancy) Fox. Proud aunt to her nieces and nephews and further survived by treasured relatives and friends.
For Mom, the world revolved around family. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than time with the people she loved. Our parents’ marriage was one to be admired. The love, friendship, respect, care, and laughter between them was always present. She was a proud observer and often times active participant in her children’s activities. She relished in hearing the stories of her nieces and nephews and their growing families and maintained a special relationship with her cousins across the country. She was a wonderful cook and especially loved to bake — anyone who visited the house was sure to have been spoiled with homemade treats.
Next to her family, the kids in the community were her priority. Having graduated from UWM, she was an adored elementary school teacher throughout her career. She shared her special gift with children initially in North Carolina and Germany while our father was completing his training and military career. After settling back into Milwaukee in 1965, our mom began a nearly 50-year career in classrooms throughout the North Shore, becoming a beloved substitute teacher at our local schools. Later in life, she continued her commitment to help, volunteering to work with young students at Indian Hill Elementary School who needed additional assistance.
Mom was small in stature and never wanted to be the center of attention, but she was the rock of our family and much stronger than her appearance might suggest. She not only taught us the values of kindness and generosity, but she lived her life leading by example, setting a nearly impossible standard to meet. The last few years of Mom’s life had their challenges, and she showed unbelievable strength and dignity, accepting the changes as they came. We are very grateful for the compassionate care provided by Hearts to Home, Angel Love and Care, and Ikor, allowing our mom to remain in the home in which she raised her family.
She will be greatly missed by her adoring family and all of the lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing to those who knew and loved her.
Funeral service held Sept. 17 at Congregation Shalom, Fox Point. Interment followed at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home assisted the family.
In keeping with her belief in the importance of education, contributions appreciated to the Harriet and Robert Gordon Scholarship Fund at the UWM school of education or the Gordon Endowed Scholarship Fund in Dentistry at the Marquette University School of Dentistry. Please see funeral home website for further information: GoodmanBensman.com.
Gerold “Jerry” Hersh
Gerold “Jerry” Hersh died on Sept. 15, 2025, at age 93.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Eileen (nee Gootel); his mother, Frances Hersh; his father Harry Hersh; brother-in-law, Sagle Gootel; and daughter-in-law, Linda Hersh.
Jerry is survived by his children, Barry (Linda), Fran (Henry) and Marty (Carrie); grandchildren, Jordan, Talia and Arianna Schiff and Ben and Josh Hersh; brother, Howard (Joyce) Hersh; nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Jerry led a life of service through his leadership in synagogues, his deployment in the Korean War, and through the Masons of Wisconsin and The Tripoli Shrine. He left his legacy as a Worshipful Master of Milwaukee Harmony Masonic Lodge #261 in 1961, having served 70 plus years in the Masons. At age 78 Jerry joined the Tripoli Shrine to continue his legacy of giving. He also decided to enact a lifelong passion of joining the Shrine Clown Unit as “Candy.” Jerry spent many days bringing smiles to children’s faces through parades, the Annual Shrine Circus, and other events. His involvement and dedication raised money for the Shiner’s Children’s Charities. Jerry was joined by his son Barry (‘Divot”) with a brief career by his grandson Josh (“Jr. Mint”).
There is no doubt that Jerry’s legacy will live on in those he has touched throughout Milwaukee, the Jewish Community and in his own family. He was a loving husband, father and zayde.
Funeral services held Sept. 16 at Congregation Shalom, Fox Point. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Memorial contributions to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago or Congregation Shalom appreciated.
“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on this world that can’t be erased.”- Maya Angelou
Seymour “Cy” Michael Koltin
Seymour “Cy” Michael Koltin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug.22, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born on July 23, 1929, in Milwaukee, Cy was the cherished son of Sarah and Emil Koltin. A first-generation American, he grew up with his siblings Fred, Rita, and Eileen. He graduated from Washington High School and the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Cy built a beautiful life with his devoted wife, LaVerne, and together they raised three children. His joy multiplied with the arrival of six grandchildren, who were his greatest pride.
A lifelong sports fan, Cy followed the Badgers, bled green and gold for the Packers, cheered faithfully for the Brewers, and celebrated every Bucks victory. A passionate racquetball player, he also found great joy in dancing. As top performer for Career Academy he once won a fire-engine-red 1971 Mustang, receiving the keys directly from Packer’s legend Bart Starr — a story he loved to share.
Cy’s quiet generosity touched many lives. As the longtime owner of Jack’s Uptown, he was a neighborhood fixture. His kindness reached far beyond his store— most memorably when he extended credit to a struggling family so they would never go hungry. That family included a young Chris Gardner, who later shared Cy’s compassion in the pursuit of happiness.
Known as “the comeback kid,” Cy endured and overcame countless challenges: surviving double pneumonia at birth, colon cancer, and even being struck by a bus, surviving after being pulled from his car by the jaws of life. Through it all, he remained resilient, optimistic, and deeply grateful for the life he lived.
Cy will be remembered for his warmth, humility, perseverance, and love of family. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, strength, and devotion that will live on through all who knew him.
Cy is survived by his wife, LaVerne (née Gerstein), and their children, Howard, Allan (Sharon), and Kathy Blumenfeld (Michael); and by his grandchildren: Zachary (Carly), Joshua (Zoe Sellman), Rebekah, Jack (fiancée Avery), Brian, and Julia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Sarah (née Schunder), his brother Fred, and his sisters Rita Cohen (Melvin) and Eileen.
May his memory always be for a blessing.
A graveside funeral service was held at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield.
A meal of condolence immediately followed at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, River Hills.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Cy’s memory to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, Hunger Task Force, American Cancer Society, or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.
To send a memorial gift to the family of Seymour Koltin please visit our Sympathy Store.
Michael Kordun
Michael Kordun died Aug. 18, 2025, at the age of 73.
Father of Vitalia Melman. Fond grandfather of Jordan and Ilana Melman. Loving brother of Lana Kordun and dear uncle of Alex and Nathan. Fond nephew of Miriam (Binyomin) Shulman of Rehovot, Israel. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
A graveside service was held on Aug. 29 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Lena Ruth Rader
Lena Ruth Rader (née Seligman), formerly of Granite City, Illinois, died on Aug. 30, 2025, at the age of 89 in Milwaukee.
Lena shared 59 years of marriage in St. Louis with her beloved husband, the late Irving Lee Rader. Loving mother of Janet S. (Charles W. Markman) Rader and Norman Paul (Karen) Rader. Cherished grandmother of Nathaniel (Mia Kleven) Markman, Eliot Markman, Greg Markman, Sarah (fiancé Jason Leon) Rader and Courtney (Tim) Lahm. Lena was also a dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. She had a lifelong passion for dancing, travel, and watercolor painting.
Graveside service held Sept. 5, at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, St. Louis. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 11433 Olde Cabin Road, St. Louis, MO 63141; the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146; or a charity of your choice. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Melvin S. Schlesinger
Melvin S. Schlesinger, 98, died peacefully in his home on Sept. 1, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida.
Mel was born on Nov. 2, 1926, in Chicago, the only son of Walter Schlesinger and Molly Lobelson. His close relationship with his paternal grandparents, Isadore and Lily Schlesinger, restaurant owners in Chicago’s North Side, fostered the values that would shape his life: love; hard work; and accountability. As a child, Mel was an avid baseball player and became a star first baseman for the Senn High School Bulldogs. In 1945, his hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, offered him a contract to play in their minor league system, but he elected instead to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the final months of World War II. He served on a ship in the Pacific Ocean that was preparing for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Mel worked in Los Angeles before returning to Chicago and starting his family. It was then that Mel went to work at “Z” Frank Chevrolet as a car salesman, which would be the start of a lifelong career in the automobile business. Several years after losing his first wife, Carole, to cancer, Mel married Iris Gold and moved his young family to Milwaukee to accept a management position with University Dodge.
In 1972, Mel realized his dream of owning his own dealership when he started Schlesinger Chevrolet. Mel became a “local celebrity” for his television commercials featuring catchy jingle and an aminated likeness of himself in construction attire under the tag line “Mel Schlesinger is Building a Big Name for Himself.” He acquired a Toyota dealership in Glendale and successfully ran both dealerships for over 20 years. His son, Andy, purchased the dealerships after Mel’s retirement in 1993. Retirement brought great adventures for Mel and Iris. They enjoyed a second home in Acapulco and ultimately moved to Boca Raton, Florida.
Mel spent his years in Florida perfecting his golf game, traveling the world with friends, telling jokes and stories, and hosting his children and grandchildren on regular visits to their home at St. Andrew’s Country Club. In his early 90s, Mel was shooting rounds of golf below his age. He avidly followed the Milwaukee Brewers, rarely missing a game on television. In July 2025, Mel and Iris celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Theirs was a love that everyone aspires to have.
Mel is survived by his loving wife, Iris, his children Linda, Roberta, Donald (Aeisha), Andrew (Jill), and Richard (Kate), his grandchildren Cari (Brian), Bradley, Sam, Caitlin, Ethan, Avery, Molly, Mathieu, Sarah, and Elijah, his great-grandchildren Mason, Lauren, and Benjamin and his sister Helene (Geoff) Seaman. His first wife Carole Baer, sisters Gloria Levy and Sally Schlesinger, and his grandchildren Israel and Daniel preceded him in death. Private services were held at Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Jewish Family Services in his memory. Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Moisey Shur
Moisey Shur died Aug. 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Rachel Frumina. Cherished father of Benyomen (Ella Kovalzon) Shur and Rita (Mikhail Frenkel) Shur. Loving grandfather of Igor (Oriyan) Shur, Stas Shur, Peter (Rebecca) Kacherginsky, Mogen Frenkel, and dear great-grandfather of Ari Shur, and Lev and Rae Kacherginsky. Fond brother of Luba Reidman. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. A graveside service was held on Aug. 24 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Mendel Shmoktin officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Chabad of Glendale.
Eleanor K. Stern
Eleanor K. Stern (nee Ferstadt) died Sept. 5, 2025, at the age of 86.
Beloved wife of James Stern. Cherished mother of David (Amy) Stern, Teri Stern, the late Michael Lynk and the late Curtiss Stern. Loving grandmother of six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Further survived by her dear sister Rebecca (Gregg) Ferstadt, other loving relatives and dear friends.
A graveside service was held on Sept. 8 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Moishe Rapoport officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to American Diabetes Association appreciated.
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