Obituaries, July 2020 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries, July 2020

 

Blanche S. Berenzweig 

Blanche S. Berenzweig (nee Kahn) died peacefully on May 27, 2020, at the Nathan Adelson Hospice facility in Las Vegas.  

Her husband of 50 years, Bruce, was by her side, along with their son, Kevin Berenzweig (Angela Shin). She was preceded in death by her parents, Albion and Onalee Kahn. She is also survived by her son, Scott Berenzweig; her sister, Shellie Blumenfield; her brother, Jeffrey (Carol) Kahn and many other relatives and friends.  

Blanche was a smart and wonderful person who spent a long and successful career in the financial planning industry in the Milwaukee area. She was an active member of many professional, community and charitable organizations such as the CFP (Certified Financial Planners) organization, Rotary and others. Blanche will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her.  

A private burial service was held at Mound Zion Cemetery with Cantor Karen Berman officiating.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.   A memorial service honoring Blanche will be held at a later time.  Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. 

Eric Butlein 

Eric Butlein died June 15, 2020, at the age of 78.   

Beloved husband of Jayne Butlein (nee Greenspan). Loving father of Alexandra (John) DeToro, David (Julia) Butlein and Adam (Katrina) Butlein-Greenspan.  Proud grandfather of Annie, Jonah, Ella, Eve, Jake, Presley, Paloma, and Evie.  Dear brother of Elaine (Walter) Kleinmann, Robin (David) Yanes and Marc (Michaele) Butlein.  Further survived by Drew Weber and Jay and Louise Greenspan, other relatives and friends. 

A private burial was held at Prairie Green Cemetery in Milwaukee.  Rabbi David Cohen officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Congregation Sinai or the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Mel Cohen 

Mel Cohen of Arizona passed away on April 10, 2020. He was 72.  

He was preceded in death by wife, Deenie Cohen. Dear husband of Linda Cohen (nee Schlesinger). Loving father of Jennifer Cohen and Jeremy (Erika) Cohen. Cherished grandfather of Harper Cohen, and Mason and Lauren Mattick. Caring brother of Mark (Susan) Cohen and Jeff (Judy) Cohen. Further survived by other relatives and good friends. 

Private services were held. Blane Goodman Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorials to MD Anderson Cancer Center or American Parkinson Disease Association appreciated. 

Suzanne B. Dorf 

Suzanne B. Dorf (nee Bernhardt) of Bayside died in Phoenix on March 29, 2020. She was 77. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Stan. Dear mother of Robert (Stefanie) Dorf, Jon (Melissa) Dorf, and Andy (Katie Lazenby) Dorf. She was the cherished grandmother of Steven, Scott, Evan, Allison and Justin Dorf. She was preceded in death by her parents, Malvin and Iola Bernhardt, in-laws, Sol and Eva Dorf, and brother-in-law Dr. Sheldon Dorf. Further survived by her brother-in-law Jerry (Harriet) Dorf, Phyllis Dorf, nieces and nephews. 

Sue graduated from Custer High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin as a history major. She then returned to Custer High School and was a committed teacher. Sue had a passion for reading, travel, tennis, golf, and enjoyed the game of bridge. She was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren. 

Private family graveside services will be led by Rabbi Marc Berkson. Memorials to the MDS Foundation, 4573 S. Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620. Mds-Foundation.org. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.  

Joyce Gimbel 

Joyce Gimbel of Bayside died on March 17, 2020. She was 89. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Gimbel, parents Charles and Helen Swidler, and sister Muriel Swidler. Cherished mother of Jeffrey (Kathryn) Gimbel, Barry (Lesley) Gimbel and Dana Gimbel. Dear grandmother of Jared, Hannah, Leah, and Jonah (Nechie); Justin Evan, Brandon (Devon), and Harrison (Priya); and great-grandmother of Avi and Zahava. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.  

Private services were held. Memorials can be made to Congregation Anshai Lebowitz Cantor Fund, 2415 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Sylvia Gindlin 

Sylvia Gindlin (nee Tovian) born May 14th, 1930, in Chicago, died April 3, 2020.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Gindlin, parents, Abe and Dora Tovian, sister Alice (Jack) Tuler, brother Morris (Sylvia) Tovian and sister Esther Tovian. Sylvia is survived by sons Mark Gindlin and Robert (Mary Jo) Gindlin, both of Milwaukee, grandson Harrison (Hayley) Gindlin, of Minneapolis and great-granddaughter, Ruthie. She is also survived by nephew Dr. Floyd (Marcia) Tuler MA, Gail (Dr. Eugene) Friedman, Chicago and nephew Dr. Steven (Merle) Tovian, Chicago. Sylvia was a beautiful, loving wife, mother and grandmother. 

Private services were held. Special thanks to the Jewish Home and staff for caring for Sylvia over the past years. Contributions would be appreciated to Congregation Shalom or Ovation Jewish Home and Care Center. Blane Goodman Funeral Services assisted the family. 

Gerald Grossman 

Gerald Grossman died on March 24, 2020. He was 88.  

He is preceded in death by parents, Morris and Libbie, and son-in-law, Jim Katz. Loving husband of Myrna Grossman. Dear father of Mari S. (Bill Kravit) Katz, Lisa A. (Jeff) Anderson and David M. (Elizabeth Bradburn) Grossman. Treasured grandfather of Sarah (Josh), Rebecca (Will), Aimee, Jenna, Adam, Lydia, Joseph and Audrey. Further survived by other relatives and friends.  

Jerry graduated from Washington High School in 1949, went on to UWMadison, and graduated from University of Wisconsin School of Law in 1955. He married Myrna, his wife and companion for 65 years, in 1955 and moved to Europe to serve in the U.S. Army as a legal specialist. Upon his return, Jerry began his career as an attorney, but pivoted to the financial services industry. He held various positions until he retired as a regional head of financial planning at E.F. Hutton. In the later stages of his career and into retirement, Jerry served as a professional arbitrator for the brokerage industry. Jerry is fondly remembered for his sense of humor, as an avid cyclist, an energetic dancer and, of course, his jump roping.  

The family would like to thank Tobey Belmont for all the time and love she devoted in making Jerrys last years as comfortable and rewarding as possible, along with the staff at the Jewish Home, whose tireless efforts kept the family secure in knowing his care was handled.  

With respect to the unusual time we live in, private services were held. The family would appreciate memorials to the Jewish Home, 1414 N. Prospect, Milwaukee, WI 53202, or the Jewish Community Pantry, 2930 W. Center St., Milwaukee, WI 53210. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Eli G. Hayes 

Eli G. Hayes died May 23, 2020. He was 26.   

Beloved son of Leslie Hayes (nee Fishman) and the late Jeffrey Hayes. Dear brother of Zachary Hayes. He is further survived by loving aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.  

Eli received his undergraduate degree from Ithaca College in New York, majoring in creative writing and psychology. He then earned a master’s degree in film from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.  

Eli was well known for his love of film and the art of making them. He was responsible for online film festivals and film reviews and was truly an inspiration to film makers across the globe. He will be missed by the film community, film festivals and film creators. Private arrangements have been made. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Milwaukee Film appreciated. 

Howard Katz 

Howard Katz of Milwaukee died March 1, 2020, at the age of 84.  

Howard was preceded in death by son Michael Katz. Loving father Debbie (Bruce) Selke, Sherri (Bruce) Teller and Lori (Steve) Zeitlin. Cherished grandfather of Joe (Jenny), Adam, Andrew, Sarah, Jordan, Maxwell, and Mackenzie and great-grandfather of five. Special companion of Gail Kahn. Dedicated brother of Allen (Ann) Katz and the late Arlene (Art) Arnstein. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services were held on March 5 at Congregation Shalom. Interment was held at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Ave., Brookfield. Memorials to Milwaukee Jewish Museum. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Ada Kraft  

Ada Kraft (nee Shapiro) died May 26, 2020. She was 98.  

Loving wife of the late Louis Kraft.  Cherished mother of Harry, Debra (Jeff Fleming) and the late Dennis (the late Mary Ellen) Kraft.  Proud grandmother of David (Vicki) Kraft, Jennifer (Colin) Whittier and Jamie (Jim Croswell) Rose and great-grandmother of Connor Kraft, Sydney Kraft and Lily Whittier.  

Private burial at Racine Jewish Memorial Cemetery with Rabbi Jenn Mangold officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice are appreciated. 

Elaine B. Liberman 

Elaine B. Liberman (Nee Gartler) died June 13, 2020 of COVID-19, at the age of 93.  

The beloved wife of the late Morris Liberman. Loving mother of Martin (Lisa) Liberman, Richard Liberman and Jacqueline Shuster. Proud grandmother of Nicole Liberman, Andrew Liberman, Danielle Shuster and Gabrielle Shuster.  Dear sister of Miriam Gartler and David (Beatriz) Gartler. Further survived by loving nieces and nephews.  

A private burial was held at Temple Menorah Ever-Rest Cemetery, Milwaukee. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Dr. Michael S. Luber 

Born on March 11, 1963, and died on May 9, 2020. 

Cherished son of Donna and Charles Luber. Loving husband of Lisa Coffman. Dedicated father of Addison, 10, Marly, 7, and Eli, 3. Dear brother of Dr. Howard (Lisa) Luber and Scott Luber. Further survived by his in-laws, William and Faye Coffman, Bill (Kelly) Coffman, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by sister Marti Sue Luber. Michael worked as a psychologist at Jewish Family Services. 

Private services were held. Memorials can be made to Jewish Family Services or charity of your choice. Or just take it to the casino. Celebration of life to follow at later date. Do not feel sorry for the cards that Mike was dealt in life; he had pocket aces. Only be sorry that he is no longer here to play them. Blane Goodman Funeral Services assisted the family. 

Gerald Rappaport 

Gerald Rappaport died in Oklahoma on March 17. He was 58.  

Loving husband of Nancy (nee Cerovski) beloved father of Kayleigh (Alex) Tick and Emily (partner Jack Rabenn) Rappaport. Devoted son of Edward and Evelyn Rappaport. Cherished brother of Trudy (Stephen) Sirkis, Fern (Manny) Katz, and Sol (Bella) Rappaport. Treasured cousin to Steven (Craig Sigele) Marton, Mindy (Chris) Grall and Gary (Kim) Marton. Caring uncle of numerous nieces and nephews and great friend to many.  

Gerald at one time managed some of downtown Milwaukees biggest hotels, including the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee.  

A private graveside service was held at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

Eleanor Robinson 

Eleanor Robinson of Milwaukee died on April 25, 2020. She was 77. 

Loving wife of the late Wolfie Robinson. Dear mother of Gavin (Karen) Robinson and Marc Robinson. Beloved grandmother of Ari and Eytan Robinson. Private services were held. Memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society. Blane Goodman Funerals Services assisted the family. 

Roseclaire Schwartz  

Roseclaire Schwartz (nee Weinstein) died May 29, 2020, at 89.  

Beloved wife of the late Allan Schwartz. Dear mother of Carla Schwartz Newell. Loving grandmother of Robert, Daniel and Andrew Newell. Preceded in death by siblings, Myrtle Frankfurt and Sherwood Weinstein.  Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.  

Private services were held.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin. 

Bernard Stein 

Bud or Buddy Stein to all who knew him, Bernard Stein died on May 18, 2020. He was 83.  

Cherished father of Andrew Stein (Eileen Kavin), Jill Stein (Joel Bootzin), Tracy Stein (Marco Masotti), and Steve (Jamie) Stein . Proud, loving grandfather of Aaron, Daniel and Benjamin Stein, Joshua and Sarah Bootzin, Michela, Alexander and Sophia Masotti, and Zoe and Sydney Stein. Dear brother to the late Linda Stein. Survived by his ex-wife and friend, Judy Edelstein, and many other dear relatives and friends.  

Bud was born in NYC and raised in Newport News, Virginia. He attended the University of Virginia and obtained a B.A. in History and a law degree. He was accepted for practice in the Army Judge Advocate General School, then promoted to captain and mastered military justice. He was admitted to practice to the Washington, D.C., Court of Military Appeals (the highest military court), then worked as the Chief Lawyer in the Sixth U.S. Army, Presidio, San Francisco. Post military service, he relocated to Milwaukee to raise his family. There, he practiced law for close to five decades. 

Bud was immensely proud of his service to our country. Bud was humble and generous, with an amazing sense of humor. He loved animals, especially his dogs and grand-dogs, and devoted countless volunteer hours to local animal shelters and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Bud traveled the world many times and went skydiving in his senior years. As recently as two years ago, he undertook the physical challenge of a rustic camping and hiking trip through the Grand Canyon. 

He was most proud of his four children and ten grandchildren and was a constant source of love and support to all of them.  

A private graveside service was held at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery, Milwaukee. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Donations in his memory can be made to Milwaukee Jewish Federation (MilwaukeeJewish.org) or US Veterans Initiative (UsVetsinc.org). 

Duisya Tsesarskaya  

Duisya Tsesarskaya (nee Natanzon) died May 29, 2020. She was 89.   

Beloved wife of the late Lazar Tsesarski.  Cherished mother of Igor (Irene) Tsesarski and Yelena (Alex) Zakaryants.  Loving grandmother of Vadim (Polina) Tsesarski and Elina (Ron) Eliahu and dear great-grandmother of Daniel and Ari Eliahu.   Fond sister of Eugeniya (Anatoliy) Abel.  Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.  

Private services were held at Mound Zion Cemetery with Rabbi Yakov Elman officiating.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Edward R. Zieve 

Edward Zieve of Elkhart Lake died on May 30, 2020, at the age of 96, of natural causes.  

Edward was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on January 20, 1924. He grew up in Massachusetts, got his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, then served as an officer in the Navy in World War II. Post war, he got his master’s in engineering from the University of Illinois. Edward and Charlotte met at the University of Illinois and married a few months later. They were married for 65 years until her death. They moved to Milwaukee in 1949. Edward founded E-Z Engineering, an HVAC sales engineering business. Ed also held a variety of public service positions. In 1978, Ed started KEES, an HVAC sheet metal fabrication manufacturing business. When he wasn’t working, he was in some sort of boat on Elkhart, or traveling the world with Charlotte. Ed shared that his greatest achievement was putting his six children through more than 40 years of higher education, and getting the whole Zieve clan together, 24 in all, for annual Christmas and summer vacations. Preceding Ed in death were his wife, Charlotte; three sons, Clifford in 1976, Andrew in 2000, and Gary in 2019; and his special companion, Judy Shovan this year. He is survived by three children, Peter (Maria) of Mukilteo, Washington, Wendy (David) of Edmonds, Washington, and Kathie Norman (Bob) of Sheboygan. He is also survived by daughters-in-law Chris (Telluride), Sandie (Seattle), June (Northport) and Orna (Tel Aviv). He leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Josh, Sarah, Alex, Olivia, Michael, Nate, Nina, Vivian, Samantha, Matthew, David, Daniel, Max, and Naomi. 

Family and friends will have a private memorial and celebration. Donations in may be made to the Bookworm Gardens Charlotte Zieve Education Endowment Fund. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ed’s arrangements. 

Erwin Zimmerman 

Erwin Zimmerman of Mequon, the gentlest of giants, was a mensch to all. He died April 2, 2020, at the age of 71.  

Erwin is survived by his greatest treasures, his wife of 26 years, Marina (together 32), who he adored and made sure everyone knew it; their boys who brought him endless happiness, Julius, Zachary, and Solomon; and his older brother, Josef (Karen) with whom he could spend endless hours. A “brother” to his sisters-in-law, Karen and Lena Beresten, and an extraordinary uncle to Anna (Allan), Nathan, Mari, and Kate (Michael), he helped whomever needed it, which often meant a long drive to a favorite restaurant. Erwin was devoted to his parents Rose and Salomon, who preceded him in death, and to his in-laws, Irina and Leo Beresten, who survive him.  His family was everything to him. Steve and Masha Wagner, Lola Rosenblatt, Ani Magid, and Fred Berkowitz were more like brothers and sisters than cousins. Erwin was adored by his three great-nieces (Lexi, Becca, and Maggie). 

Born in Linz, Austria, to Holocaust survivors, Erwin immigrated at age 8. He attended Washington High School and graduated from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. Erwin became an accountant and financial advisor, which allowed him to pursue other passions ranging from racquetball, art, gardening, and pastries.  

In 1998, Erwin opened Le Parve, a kosher bakery in Glendale. Erwin’s donuts and brownies are unmatched to this day. His humor, sincerity and adoration of Marina was legendary, and the feeling was mutual. To know Erwin was to know a caring that knew no bounds, a stubbornness that could be infuriating yet always admirable. It was to know wit and a sense of humor that left you laughing until your cheeks hurt. The pride Erwin had for his family radiated from him. 

Blane Goodman Funeral Services assisted the family.