Milwaukee orthodontist and World War II veteran Jerry I. Zussman, DDS, died May 15. He was 95.
He was born in Appleton, and graduated from high school there. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (where he also played on the basketball team) in 1937, his dental degree from Marquette University in 1942, and his training in orthodontics at the University of Buffalo, completing it in 1952.
During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served in the Pacific theater, and entered the Japanese city of Nagasaki about two months after the atom bomb had been dropped on it. After the war, he served in the Navy Reserves for six years.
He practiced dentistry in Appleton for about three years before going for training in orthodontics. He and his wife moved to Milwaukee in 1952, where he practiced orthodontics until he retired in 1985.
He was a staff member at Mount Sinai Medical Center; a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Midwest Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Milwaukee County Dental Society; and a president of the Alpha Omega national dental fraternity.
In Appleton, he was president of the B’nai B’rith lodge. In Milwaukee, he was a member of Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue, served on its board of directors, and led morning minyan services there for many years.
He chaired the dental division of the Milwaukee Jewish Welfare Fund (now the Milwaukee Jewish Federation) in 1970. He also belonged to the men’s affiliate of Hadassah.
He enjoyed golf (hitting a hole-in-one at Brynwood Country Club), bowling, basketball, swimming, and bridge. He also was a world traveler, which included visits to Israel.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances (nee Mazer); daughters Barbara (Larry) Frackman and Shelley (Scott) Israel; son Dr. Richard (Debbie) Zussman; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
The Jewish Community Funeral Home handled arrangements. Rabbi Michel Twerski officiated at the funeral on May 16. Burial with full military honors took place at Second Home Cemetery.
The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Jewish National Fund, Hadassah, or the Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study.
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