Anita Joyce Barmash
Nita Barmash (nee Frank), formerly of Fox Point, died in Florida on March 13, 2024, at the age of 88.
Beloved wife of the late Ronald Barmash, loving mother of the late Linda (Ira) Abrams, Steven (Rochelle) Barmash, and Richard (Laura) Barmash; proud grandmother of Ben (Megan) Barmash, Drs. Elizabeth Barmash and Noah Worobetz, Julia and Sophia Barmash; and dear sister of Donna (Dr. Jeffrey) Serwin. Nita was further survived by other relatives and dear friends.
Nita started college at the University of Iowa in 1953. Her first weekend there, while rushing the Sigma Delta Tau sorority at the University of Iowa, she met the love of her life Ron Barmash. They went on to have a beautiful life together and share many wonderful experiences. One of her most memorable was when the two went on a trip to Israel along with other employees of the Seagram Distillers Company to see and explore Israel in 1976. She led a long, wonderful, and full life.
A graveside service was held on March 27 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Mathew Bernard Gruber was born on Jan. 7, 1924 to Fannie and Oscar Gruber in the Bronx, N.Y., and he died on Feb. 28, 2024. He lived 100 years, 95 of them in New York City and White Plains, N.Y. and the last five in Milwaukee.
Matt was a true creative who brought ingenuity, exacting skill, excitement, wonder and passion to whatever he touched. He was thrilled by and found great satisfaction in his ability to problem-solve and create.
Matt considered himself to have had six distinct careers. He created advertising graphics (the old-fashioned way) at Kent Studios in New York City, he taught Art at Washington Irving Adult & Continuing Education Center in New York, and he started his own business called Sound Display Enterprises, where he invented automatic talking puppets (automatons) that were rented and used in point-of-sale advertising. Most notably, at that time, he was involved with The Howdy Doody Show, where he created an exact replica of the Howdy Doody marionette – only his Howdy could talk by himself and didn’t need strings to move his arms, trunk, eyes, mouth and head. That Howdy Doody was used by the show’s sponsors throughout the country to promote their products, and Matt had to go where Howdy went, making for an exciting time of life. Later in life, Howdy entertained at all of our birthday parties, and was one of Matt’s most cherished creations. Matt continued to tinker with his “puppets” literally until the day of his death, and while still in White Plains, the basement was his favorite room in the house.
Matt married his beloved wife, Barbara, in 1953, and now needing to make a real living, joined his father at Gruber’s Decorating Shop in the Bronx, where he designed, built and refinished furniture. When his father retired, Matt became the sole owner. Following 20+ years in “the store,” Matt became the Executive Director of Congregation Kol Ami (The Jewish Community Center), in White Plains, N.Y., where he worked for 15+ years before retiring at the age of 65. And then finally, in retirement, he returned to his true calling as an artist. Matt created a series of reversible and rotatable wall constructions; he felt that this body of work showcased all the major skills he had mastered throughout his many different experiences: his keen sense of design, his expert carpentry skills, his meticulous finishing techniques, and his skillful use of oils to create texture and color. This culminated in a one man show at Gallery Juno in Soho in 1994.
Matt was blessed with good health physically and mentally up until the last months of his life. He died peacefully in his bed surrounded by family.
Matt lived beyond his parents, Fannie Berger Gruber and Oscar Lemuel Gruber; his in-laws, Anna Greenberg Bluth and Abraham Bluth; his beloved wife, Barbara Bluth Gruber; his twin sister, Ethel Gruber Kahn and brother-in-law Stanley Kahn; his sister-in-law, Doris Finklestein Bluth and brother-in-law, David Lee Bluth; his nephew, Robert Ira (Rik) Kahn; and his grandson, Noah David Arnold.
Matt leaves behind his daughter, Janet Gruber Arnold, and son-in-law, Randal N. Arnold; his son, Russell E. Gruber, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Wayer Gruber; and his son, Philip S. Gruber, and daughter-in-law, Marita Drayson Gruber. In addition, he leaves his grandchildren: Daniel Arnold, Leslie Arnold, Abraham Arnold (Erin Coogan), Hannah Arnold (Benjamin Wright), Devorah Arnold, Benjamin Arnold, Oscar Gruber, Kyle Gruber, Jacob Gruber, Declan Gruber (Jamie Fisher), Anna Gruber, and Sarah Gruber as well as great-grandchildren: Sadie, Amelia, Elliot, Malcolm and Blue.
He will also be remembered and missed by nieces: Holli Gersh (Ed Gersh OBM), Cynthia Kahn, Elyse Bluth (Drew Kling), Karen Bluth, and Arlene Bluth (Shari Unger), and multiple grand-nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the care at Harbor Chase of Shorewood, Center for Senior Health, and Horizon Hospice.
Donations to the charity of your choice are appreciated. Services held in New York. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Mathew Bernard Gruber
Mathew Bernard Gruber was born on Jan. 7, 1924 to Fannie and Oscar Gruber in the Bronx, New York, and he died on Feb. 28, 2024. He lived 100 years, 95 of them in NYC and White Plains, NY and the last five in Milwaukee.
Matt was a true creative who brought ingenuity, exacting skill, excitement, wonder, and passion to whatever he touched. He was thrilled, and found great satisfaction in his ability to problem solve and create.
Matt considered himself to have had 6 distinct careers. He created advertising graphics (the old-fashioned way), at Kent Studios in New York City, he taught Art at Washington Irving Adult High School in New York, and he started his own business called Sound Display Enterprises, where he invented automatic talking puppets, (automatons), that were rented and used in point-of-sale advertising. Most notably, at that time, he was involved with The Howdy Doody Show, where he created an exact replica of the Howdy Doody marionette – only his Howdy could talk by himself and didn’t need strings to move his arms, trunk, eyes, mouth and head. That Howdy Doody was used by the show’s sponsors throughout the country to promote their products, and Matt had to go were Howdy went, making for an exciting time of life. Later in life, Howdy entertained at all of our birthday parties, and was one of Matt’s most cherished creations. Matt continued to tinker with his “puppets” literally until the day of his death, and while still in White Plains, the basement was his favorite room in the house
Matt married his beloved wife, Barbara, in 1953, and now needing to make a real living, joined his father at Gruber’s Decorating Shop in the Bronx, where he designed, built and refinished furniture. When his father retired, Matt became the sole owner. Following 20+ years in “the store,” Matt became the Executive Director of Congregation Kol Ami (the Jewish community center), in White Plains, New York, where he worked for more than 15 years before retiring at the age of 65. And then finally, in retirement, he returned to his true calling as an artist. Matt created a series of reversible and rotatable wall constructions; he felt that this body of work showcased all of the major skills he had mastered throughout his many different experiences: his keen sense of design, his expert carpentry skills, his meticulous finishing techniques, and his skillful use of oils to create texture and color. This culminated in a one man show, at Juno Gallery in 1994.
Matt was blessed with good health physically and mentally up until the last months of his life. He died peacefully in his bed surrounded by family.
Matt lived beyond his parents, Fannie Berger Gruber and Oscar Lemuel Gruber; his in-laws, Anna Greenberg Bluth and Abraham Bluth; beloved wife, Barbara Bluth Gruber; his twin sister, Ethel Gruber Kahn and brother-in-law Stanley Kahn; his sister-in-law, Doris Finklestein Bluth and brother-in-law, David Lee Bluth; his nephew, Robert Ira (Rik) Kahn; and his grandson, Noah David Arnold.
Matt leaves behind his daughter, Janet Gruber Arnold, and son-in-law, Randal N. Arnold; his son, Russell E. Gruber, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Wayer Gruber; and his son, Philip S. Gruber, and daughter-in-law, Marita Drayson Gruber. In addition, he leaves his grandchildren: Daniel Arnold, Leslie Arnold, Abraham Arnold (Erin Coogan), Hannah Arnold (Benjamin Wright), Devorah Arnold, Benjamin Arnold, Oscar Gruber, Kyle Gruber, Jacob Gruber, Declan Gruber (Jamie Fisher), Anna Gruber, and Sarah Gruber as well as great-grandchildren: Sadie, Amelia, Elliot, Malcolm and Blue.
He will also be remembered and missed by nieces: Holli Gersh (Ed Gersh OBM), Cynthia Kahn, Elyse Bluth (Drew Kling), Karen Bluth, and Arlene Bluth (Shari Unger), and multiple grand-nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the care at Harbor Chase of Shorewood, The Center for Senior Health, and Horizon Hospice.
Donations to the charity of your choice are appreciated. Services held in New York. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Eileen Hersh
The family writes that they are heartbroken to share that on Dec. 23, 2023, “We lost our Hersh matriarch, our light and our love.” Eileen Hersh died peacefully, surrounded by family. Eileen is survived by her beloved husband Gerold Hersh, son Barry (Late Linda) Hersh, daughter Francine (Henry Schiff) Hersh, son Martin “Marty” (Carrie) Hersh, brother Sagle (Late Kathy) Gootel, and grandchildren Jordan, Talia and Arianna Schiff, and Benjamin and Joshua Hersh. Eileen will always be remembered for her kindness, her beautiful smile, and her ability to make everyone in her presence feel loved. She will be missed dearly. May her memory always be a blessing. Funeral services were Dec. 26, 2023 at Congregation Shalom. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Donations in her memory may be made to Congregation Shalom or Hadassah. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Harlene Levin
Harlene Levin (nee Cohn) died March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.
Beloved wife of the late Morton Levin. Loving mother of Russell (Joe), Marc (Heidi) and Neal (Jessie) Levin. Proud grandmother of Alexandra (Glen) Gaines, Emily Levin, Gavin Levin and Ethan Levin and great-grandmother of Jameson Aquino, Charlotte Gaines, Adelyn Gaines and Benjamin Gaines. Dear sister of Ronna (Issie) Casper and the late Judith Cohn. Further survived by other relatives and dear friends. A special thank you to all of her caregivers.
Graveside service held March 18th at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Joel Alter assisted the family. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid or charity of choice appreciated.
Maxine Orman
Maxine Orman (nee Schneider) died March 5, 2024 at the age of 92.
Beloved wife of the late Monroe Orman. Cherished mother of Carla (Thomas) Romesberg, Abby (Scott) Endejan and David (Debbie) Orman. Loving grandmother of Ephraim Romesberg, Benjamin and Daniel Orman. Dear sister of Judith Schneider. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
A graveside service was held on March 8 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to Alzheimer’s Association appreciated.
John Howard Papermaster
John Howard Papermaster, Jerusalem, died Jan. 7, 2024. He was 67.
Graduated from Nicolet High School and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. John loved bicycling and was an unassuming man whose kindness and sense of humor made a positive impact on anyone fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
Survived by wife Chaya Tolwin-Papermaster. Also survived by brother George Papermaster, Jerusalem; David Papermaster, Glendale; Yaakov Tolwin (Tamar); Shaina Tolwin Kopstein (Gabe); Sara Liba Tolwin. Also survived by loving grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his beloved son Refual Papermaster and parents Meyer and Maxine Papermaster.
Memorial contributions to Yad Ezra V’Shujamit are welcome.
Lillian Feingold Picard
Lillian Feingold Picard died peacefully at the age of 100 on March 1, 2024, in the presence of family at her home in Bayside where she resided and raised her family since 1958. Although she was very accomplished in many areas, she didn’t like attention so would surely prefer this not be read. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Wally, and is survived by her daughter Amy and husband Jim Tasse and their daughters Jenny and Isabelle; son Don Picard, his wife Meri, their daughter Katie Goldberg and her husband Judd, and their daughter Jamie Keesing and her husband Jeff, and 6 great grandchildren; and son Jim Picard and his wife Caeli.
Lillian was born July 25, 1923, in Janesville, where she grew up as one of five children of Max and Dinah Feingold. She was preceded in death by Leon (Sylvia Binstock) Feingold, Volty (Ben) Bock, Miriam (Art) Siker, Deborah (Jerry) Aronson, as well as her brother-in-law, Sy Pikofsky. She is survived by his wife, Suzie Pikofsky.
Growing up she developed her core beliefs in justice and equality, as well as her athleticism and sense of adventure, such as hitchhiking as a high school girl to dances at the Lake Geneva bandshell. Attending University of Wisconsin – Madison, Lillian was one of few females in her mechanical engineering major. There, she acquired her life-long love for the Memorial Union Terrace and Liz Waters dorm, from which she’d sneak out after curfew for beer with roommates. UW Marching Band songs became lullabies she would sing to her children. As a member of the Greatest Generation, she contributed to preserving democracy during World War II by working on tools handling radioactive materials for the Manhattan Project at The University of Chicago. After college, she lived and worked in Washington, D.C. and Boston along with her husband, before settling in Milwaukee.
Lillian loved gardening, tennis and yoga, as well as long walks in nature and along the Gulf of Mexico shore where the dolphins truly followed her up and down the beach. Her greatest joy came from excelling as a loving mother, wife, grandmother, aunt and trusted friend. The love which surrounded her in life from all those she loved will continue forever.
The family is grateful to be assisted by Rabbi Dena Feingold.
Donations in Lil’s honor can be made to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center or Jewish Family Services of Milwaukee. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Nickolay B. Polichuk
Nickolay B. Polichuk died on Feb. 17, 2024 at the age of 77.
Beloved husband of Mila (nee Mendyuk). Loving father of Eric (Maria) and Elana Polichuk. Proud grandfather of Daniel and Hannah. Dear brother of Luda (the late Leonid) Kravitz.
Funeral services held on Feb. 19, 2024 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment was at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Memorial contributions to Chabad of Glendale appreciated.
Richard Sack
Richard Sack died on February 23, 2024 at the age of 81.
Beloved husband of the late Susan Sack (nee Schiff). Loving father of Scott (Julie) Sack and Mark (Amy) Sack. Proud grandfather of Emma, Noah and Ethan; and Jesse, Samantha and Matthew Sack. Dear brother of Sandra Melam, Fran Goldman and Greg Sack. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Memorial service held Feb. 28 at Congregation Shalom, Fox Point. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Congregation Shalom or the charity of your choice appreciated.
Harvey Sherman
Harvey Sherman died March 19, 2024, at the age of 85.
Beloved husband of Gail Sherman (nee Lome). Cherished father of Deborah (Glenn) Bushee and Brian (Laura) Schaeffer. Loving grandfather of Shoshana (Shai) Cassuto, Chana, Eliezer (Menucha), Liora, Natan, and Gavriel Bushee; and Noah, Zoe, and Leon Schaeffer. Dear great-grandfather of Gidon Cassuto and Miriam Bushee. Fond brother of Pam (Larry) Rudny. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
A graveside service was held on March 20 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Joel Alter officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid or the charity of your choice appreciated.
Gennadiy L. Shpitalnik
Gennadiy L. Shpitalnik died March 4, 2024, at the age of 76.
Beloved husband of Inna Shpitalnik (nee Polyachenko). Cherished father of Yelena (Max) Chester and loving grandfather of Ben and Sam Chester. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
Funeral services were held March 7 at 12 p.m. at Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment was at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Ave., Brookfield. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Ely David Spiegel
Ely David Spiegel, formerly of Milwaukee, died at age 65 on Feb. 21, 2024.
Beloved husband of Rabbi Haviva Horvitz-Spiegel; cherished father of Ariel (Cody) Gamm and Elise “Elana” Spiegel; caring stepfather of Jason Horvitz, Eliezer Horvitz, and Shira Horvitz; and loving brother of Debby (the late Joseph) Rubinstein, Anita (Dick) Bensman, and Esther (Dean) Bland. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Services on Feb. 25 in Ohio. Interment took place at Temple Menorah Ever-Rest Cemetery, Milwaukee on February 27. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Temple Beth Sholom.
Martin “Marty” Stern
Martin “Marty” Stern, Hollywood, Florida, died Jan. 20, 2024. He was 91.
Born Jan. 11, 1933, in Milwaukee. Attended by North Division High School.
Real Estate developer with Marstern Realty in Milwaukee and Madison. Wonderful and caring with family. Enjoyed a good game of poker, investing, dog races and being generous.
Adoring Husband to Bette (Levin) Stern, OBM, predeceased in 2005. Loving daughters Lesli Stern and Stephanie Stern-Purull. Papa to three doting grandchildren, Joshua Tupler, Joseph and Jennifer Purull.
Preceded in death by sister Charlotte (Jack) Cohen, brothers Joe and Sam Stern, Loving parents Leo & Rose Stern. Survived by sister-in-law Lila and many relatives and friends.
Memorials may be shared to Martin & Bette Stern Camping Fund of the Harry & Rose Samson JCC. Or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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