Obituaries | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries

Michael Blumenfeld 
Michael Blumenfeld, of Coconut Creek, Florida, the only son of Norman and Barbara Blumenfeld, died Feb. 2, 2026. Born Dec. 23, 1958. Survived by his son, Jason Blumenfeld (Kelsey) and his daughter, Rachel Blumenfeld. He is further survived by his sisters, Sharon Miller and Audrey Blumenfeld. He was the proud grandfather of Noah, Henry, Ava, and Olivia.  

Michael practiced estate law for over 26 years and sold insurance in his retirement. Michael was a loving and dedicated uncle to his two nieces. He spread kindness wherever he went and lent a hand to anyone in need. Graveside services were Feb. 5, 2026, at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Dovid Rapoport assisted the family, with Blane Goodman Funeral Service. 

Anna Goberman 
Anna Goberman (nee Kuntsman) died Jan. 30, 2026 at the age of 93. Beloved wife of the late Semen Goberman. Cherished mother of Alex (Yanina) and Leonid Goberman. Loving grandmother of Natalie (David) and proud great-grandmother of Zachary and Sarah. Further survived by other loving relatives and many dear friends.  

A graveside service was held on Feb. 2 at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Joan Keller 
Joan Keller (nee Ladish) died Feb. 4, 2026, at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late Clifford Keller. Cherished mother of Marla (Thomas) Czechowski, Daniel (Veronika), Richard (Yelena) and Michael Keller. Proud grandmother of Jacob Biliack, Naomi French, Abigail, Keller, Garrison Keller, and Elizabeth Keller. Preceded in death by her brother, Irven Ladish.  Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.  

Graveside funeral service held Feb. 8 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Abby Phelps officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Friends of IDF appreciated. 

Elliot Lubar 
Elliot Lubar of Milwaukee, 82, died Feb. 3, 2026. Loving father of Mindy (Matthew) Price and Steven (Jen) Lubar. Dear grandfather of Bradyn Price, Solomon Lubar, and Rachel Lubar. Adoring brother of Barbara (the late Donald) Abrams. Survived by numerous relatives, friends, and community members.  

As a young man growing up in Milwaukee, Elliot developed a love of family, Judaism and always an unwavering sense of empathy. Through his work at Jewish Family Services he relentlessly devoted himself to giving others a voice. He worked for everyone and with everyone — wealthy or poor, powerful or powerless. Most importantly, he did so with passion and respect. He is loved and will forever be treasured and cherished. Funeral services were Feb. 6 at Congregation Shalom, Fox Point. Interment at Mound Zion Cemetery. To honor Elliot’s legacy you may send contributions to Jewish Family Services, jfsmilw.org/donate. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.  

The Chronicle will have additional coverage on Elliott Lubar and his longtime contributions to the Jewish community in a subsequent edition.  

Barbara Maas

Barbara Maas 
Barbara Maas, age 97, died peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, laughter, and a spirit that remained beautifully independent throughout her life. 

She treasured her family and friends deeply, nurturing lifelong connections with warmth, humor, and unwavering loyalty. She was a dedicated animal lover and cherished her pets who kept her company and brought her joy through the years. She devoted herself to raising her family and helping with the family business, Miller’s Bakery, and later in life returned to school to become a medical transcriptionist. She worked at UCLA and through dedication, skill, and her strong work ethic, she ultimately became the assistant to the chief of staff, a role she held with pride and distinction. 

A lifelong fan of classic films, she rarely missed a moment on Turner Classic Movies.  

She was lovingly known to her grandchildren as “Grandy,” a name that soon became her most cherished title, and over time, it became the name by which many knew her best. She will be remembered most fondly for her unforgettable “Grandy-isms”—those perfectly timed, clever, and often hilarious sayings that could bring a room to laughter instantly. They became her trademark, a reflection of her wit, wisdom, and perspective on life. 

Competitive to the core, she brought that same spark to the game table. Whether it was Rummikub, Mahjong, or Dominoes, she played with skill, strategy, and just enough mischief to keep everyone on their toes. Many of her best moments with loved ones were shared across those games. 

Her memory will be forever cherished by those who survived her: Her son, Robert Maas (Jane) and her daughters, Deb Love, and Phyllis Carter (John). Her grandchildren, Robert Maas (Pidge), Kyle Maas (Nathan), and Alyssa Carter (Cory), and her great-granddaughter, Genevieve Eden Maas. A great-grandson is due in August to Alyssa and Cory, news that brought her even more joy! She is also survived by her truly beloved sister, Marcia Schuster, Jeffrey Schuster, Judy Schuster, Kelly Schuster, Linda Bloch, Dee and Kenny Stein, Nancy Levin, and many more too numerous to name. She counted herself so lucky to have such an incredible family – she used to say her sides hurt from laughing every time we all got together. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Samuel Maas, her daughter Ellen Sullivan, and her daughter-in-law, Sarah Hirschy, as well as her parents, Martha and Nathan Miller, her sister, Dorothy Fielkow, and her brother, Jerome Miller. 

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. 

Rita Marcuvitz 
Rita Marcuvitz (nee Luber) died Jan. 25, 2026, age 91, of River Hills. Loving wife of Alan Marcuvitz. Dear mother of the late Jeri Marcuvitz, Robert Marcuvitz, Sheldon (Carole Laity) Marcuvitz, and Michele (Joe) Ellner. Adoring grandmother of Sara Lerner, Mark Lerner, Zachary (fiancée Claire Davidson) Ellner, Molly (Gabe) Butterfield, and Alex Ellner. Treasured sister of Chuck (Donna) Luber and Sari Luber. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and caregivers.  

Rita was a lifetime volunteer devoting decades of service to the Jewish Community Pantry among other organizations. She was renowned within her family for her challah, pies, gefilte fish, and always keeping the cookie jar full. Funeral services were Jan. 28, at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Glendale. Interment at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Memorials to the Rita Marcuvitz Jewish Community Pantry Endowment Fund at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center or the Alan & Rita Marcuvitz Education Endowment Fund at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid. Rabbi Joel Alter and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Florence “Flo” Minkoff 
Florence “Flo” Minkoff, 99, of Grass Valley, California, formerly of Mequon, died Jan. 30, 2026. Dear wife of the late Gerald “Gerry” Minkoff. Caring mother of Don (Stephanie) Minkoff, Julie (Glen Wilmoth) Petersen, Dale (the late Greg) Murai. Loving grandmother of the late Chelsea Minkoff and grandmother of Cassidy Strackbien. Further survived by relatives and friends. Graveside services Feb. 4, at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society, Ozaukee. Rabbi Jessica Barolsky and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Robert Neubauer 
Robert Neubauer died Jan. 31, 2026, at the age of 92.  

Born in Milwaukee to Emil and Lottie Neubauer, Bob attended North Division High School. After his graduation, he worked at Gimbels downtown in the men’s department and then was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After the army, Bob worked for Holtzman’s Big and Tall Menswear for over 40 years and had many customers who would only have him fit them, including many basketball players who played for the Milwaukee Bucks. In his younger years, he was a semipro bowler in various secular and Jewish bowling leagues throughout the city. He accomplished a 300 perfect game and was featured in the Milwaukee Journal. After retirement, Bob looked forward to socializing at breakfast with his buddies at the Family Table, Chuck’s Place and Maxfield’s. Bob was the true definition of a mensch.  

He was a good soul who loved his family, friends and the Packers. He was a romantic at heart who devoured Danielle Steel novels and watched the “Bold and the Beautiful” soap opera religiously. His favorite TV channel was Hallmark – always a happy ending.  

He was the beloved husband of Donna E. Neubauer (nee Goldstein). Cherished father of Cheryl Neubauer (the late Thor Sundberg) and Jeffrey Neubauer. Loving grandfather of Rebecca Neubauer, Sarah (Alex) Canter, and Hannah Neubauer, all of Los Angeles, California; Brynn (Isaac) Sundberg of Bordeaux, France; and Noah (Alex Jackson) Sundberg of Minneapolis, Minn. Adoring great-grandfather of Stella Ruth Canter and Elizabeth Jaxberg. Dear brother of June Baker, Carrollton, Texas, and fond brother-in-law of Reesa Boyce of Franklin, North Carolina. Dear uncle of Michelle Brown, Carrollton, Texas; Jodi Taylor, Mobile, Alabama; Monica Gillman, Waukesha; Susan Gillman, West Allis; and the late Michael Baker. Funeral services were held on Feb. 3 at Congregation Sinai, Fox Point. Burial at Temple Menorah Ever-Rest Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or Congregation Sinai are appreciated.  

Harold Paley 
Harold Paley, 97, of Mequon, died Jan. 26, 2026. Loving husband of Miriam “Mimi” Paley (nee Rabinovitz). Dear brother of Phil (Dorene) Paley and Joe (Diane Dunn) Paley. Adoring uncle of Jimmy (Nancy Houdek), Bob (Sharyl) Paley, Andy (Marisa Dondlinger) Paley; Beth (the late David) Draper, David (Shira) Kniaz, and Danny (Lisa Brooks) Kniaz. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Harold graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Harold was always proud of his service to the country. In 1950, his cousin Bob Miller asked Harold and his brother Phil to join him at Miller Compressing Company. As the years went on, Harold was instrumental in the growth of the company. Harold was a loving devoted husband, brother and uncle. He will be truly missed. Funeral services were Jan. 29 at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Glendale. Interment at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorials to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation or the Jewish National Fund. Rabbi Joel Alter and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.  

Rosalyn Reuben 
Rosalyn Reuben (nee Fisher) died Dec. 20, 2025, at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Morton Reuben. Cherished mother of Gayle (the late Alan Lever) Reuben, Barbara (Barry) Stivers, Larry (Carmen Ploetz) Reuben, Carolyn (Bradley) Kimmel, and Stacy (Michael) Dahl. Loving grandmother of Michael (Sara) Reuben, Austin Reuben, Adam (Linsey), Sari (Mike Mattingly), and Ryan (Susie) Kimmel, Spencer and Ava Dahl. “Grammy” of Sami; Drew; Ruby and Zoe Kimmel; Tucker and Hudson Reuben. Dear sister-in-law of Leatrice (Lewis) Marshak and the late Donald “Buddy” (the late Susan) Reuben. Further survived by other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services were Dec. 23, 2025. Interment private. Memorial contributions made to the Jewish Community Pantry, Milwaukee Jewish Day School or the charity of your choice appreciated.  

Harold Solochek 
Harold Solochek, born July 14, 1934, in Milwaukee, died at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marsha Solochek (née Zurkoff); his parents, William and Mary Solochek; and his brother, Melvin Solochek. Harold is survived by his loving children: Mardi Meyers, Betsy Epton (Scott), and Cindy Weiss. He was a proud zayde to Wesley Conger (Jarran), Jeremy Wishne (Lauren), Jillian Meyers (Dror Gefen), Corey Kibort (Max), Casey Epton (Katy), Lauren McCann (Brendan), and Max Weiss (Molly), and a cherished great-grandfather to Morgan, Cece, Gal, Ruby, Tali, Remi, George, and Dylan. He is also survived by his brother, Albert Solochek (Joyce). 

In his later years, Harold resided in Florida and New York with his longtime companion, Betty Usdan. He will be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving zayde to all who knew him. 

Funeral services were held privately at Weinstein-Piser in Wilmette, Illinois, Jan. 29. Memorial contributions may be made to Advocate Children’s Hospital through the Advocate Charitable Foundation. 

Lila Stern 
Lila Stern died on Jan. 21, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Milwaukee, Dec.17, 1932 to Louis and Minnie Mitz. 

Lila was introduced to Joseph Stern by her father after he pulled into Louis’ gas station to fill up. They married on May 13, 1956. Together, they raised three children. After enduring too many brutal winters, Lila and Joe packed up and relocated to Houston in 1987 to be with their children. For the next 30 years, Lila’s working life was spent in the accounting department of her son’s law firm.  

Lila and Joe shared 41 years of marriage before his passing on Dec. 27, 1997. Lila is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Yvonne) Stern, Lori Klavan and Lisa (Jay) Goldstein. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Rachel Stern, Jacob Stern, Richard Nava, Madison Klavan, Ryan Klavan, Emily Klavan, Joseph Goldstein and Hannah Goldstein; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Minnie (nee Kellman) Mitz, and brothers, Milton (Sarah and Simi) and Morry Mitz (Lorraine). 

Graveside funeral service held Jan. 28 at Agudas Achim Cemetery. Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the Aishel House or The Shul of Bellaire appreciated. See goodmanbensman.com for charity information. 

Michael Zeiger 
Michael Zeiger died on Jan. 22, 2026 at the age of 81.   

Born in Milwaukee to Simon and Rose (nee Eckstein) Zeiger, Michael attended Shorewood High School and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He worked for Milwaukee County for 25 years. 

Dear brother of Joan Zeiger, the late Anne (Burton) Friedman, and the late Harry Zeiger. Fond uncle of Shari (Brad) Dorfman, Ellen (David) Siminoff, and Marci (Javier) Bleichmar. Michael was very fond of his great-nieces and nephews:  Sophie and Ben Siminoff, Jack and Caroline Bleichmar, and Olivia Dorfman. 

A memorial service was held on Jan. 26 at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Milwaukee. Rabbi Steve Adams officiated. Private burial took place at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Temple Sholom of Chicago or Temple Emanu-El of New York appreciated. Please visit goodmanbensman.com for charity information. 

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