Obituaries, January 2021 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries, January 2021

 

Charlotte “Char” P. Adashek 

Charlotte “Char” P. Adashek (nee Parr), born Apr. 19, 1927, died on Dec. 6, 2020.  She was preceded in death by Floyd M. Adashek, her husband of 52 years; her loving partner, Ralph Franks; and her sister, Flora Ziegler Curley. Char graduated from Washington High School. She was co-owner of National Truck Stores and managed the store in Whitefish Bay. 

She was devoted to her family and made friends everywhere. Char is survived by her daughter and favorite son-in-law, Susan (Walter) Sheehy of Anthem, AZ; son, James (Vivian) Adashek of Fox Point, WI; Robert (Mary) Adashek of Cedarburg, WI; and John (Debbie) Adashek of San Diego, CA. Her granddaughters and grandsons, Beth and Ben Adashek; Sarah, Peter and David Adashek; Ryan (Melissa) Sheehy and Matthew Sheehy; Gary (Laurie) Adashek, Brian (Nicole) Adashek, Scott (Raquel) Adashek, Amy and Jacob Adashek; and her nine great-grandchildren, whom she adored. 

She is also survived by her best friend, Agie Laev, and her dear friends, Drs. Hope Erwin and Richard Franks. 

Private graveside services held with Rabbi Ron Shapiro officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the WCTC Foundation IREM Chapter 13B Floyd M. Adashek, CPM, Emeritus Endowment Fund, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072.  

Romaine Fisher Backer 

Romaine Backer (nee Fisher) died on Dec. 9, 2020, at the age of 90.  

Beloved wife of the late Melvin A. Backer. Loving mother of Braden (Dena Feingold) Backer and Alisa (Matthew) Jaskiewicz. Cherished grandmother of Jonathan (Lila Miller) and Abigail (Zak Wainer) Backer and Jared Jaskiewicz. Dear sister of Richard (Diane) Fisher. Also survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.   

Private graveside service at Spring Hill Cemetery with Rabbi Dena Feingold officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to the Jewish Community Pantry appreciated. 

Irving Benedon 

Irving Benedon died in Orlando, Florida on Dec. 10, 2020, at the age of 95.  

Beloved husband of Vicky Benedon (nee Stein). Loving father of Dana (Gary) Baumgarten; Randy (Jim Skicki) and Jeffrey Lauwasser; and William, Bruce, Charles (Judith), and Robert Benedon.  Proud grandfather of Joel and Adam (Sarah) Baumgarten; Brian (Emma), Melissa, Benjamin, Jacob, Pamela, Samuel and Tessa Benedon; Carrie (Matt) Sienkiewicz and Ariel (Luis) Hernandez and great-grandfather of Leon and Dorothy Sienkiewicz; Jamie, Juliet, Joseph and Mia Linda Hernandez; and Hayden McDonald.  Dear brother of Irene Waldman and brother-in-law of Ken (Dee) Stein. Further survived by other relatives and friends. World War II army service.   

Private services held at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, with military honors. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Temple Menorah, 9363 N. 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53223. 

Sandy Berman  

Sandra (Sandy) Berman of Bayside died on Oct. 31, 2020, at the age of 84. Beloved wife of the late Phillip Berman. Preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Faye (Kohler) Krueger. Loving mother of Jodi (Jeff) Warren and Staci (Mark) Maiman. Proud grandmother of Phillip Maiman. Special thank you to Aurora Grafton Hospital 3 West and Dr. Mark Skier. 

Sandy attended Fond Du Lac High School and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She was an elementary school teacher until her children were born. She served as PTO president of Hillel Academy while her children attended school there.  

In her free time, she enjoyed working with children, starting out as a babysitter then camp counselor, elementary school teacher, substitute teacher and, most importantly, a mom and bubbe. She is remembered by students as the substitute teacher who read The Boxcar Children aloud to them.  

Private graveside service held at Mound Zion Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Congregation Beth Jehudah appreciated. Goodman Bensman Funeral Home assisted the family.  

Linda Gail Buchsbaum  

Linda Gail Buchbaum died in Milwaukee on Nov. 21, 2020, at age 83. Linda was born on August 1, 1937, in New York City to Irving Lampack and Pauline Denker. She graduated from Skidmore College and the University of Pittsburgh with masters degrees in education and social work. Linda practiced as a marriage and family psychotherapist after moving to Milwaukee from Dallas in 1988. She loved her profession and embodied the philosophy that the client-therapist relationship is the primary factor in a successful therapeutic process. Linda served on the faculty at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She was a caring family member, friend to many and passionate about being a mother. Linda enjoyed Sunday chats with her son, family members and friends. She was a prolific reader 

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Joseph Buchsbaum MD, daughter Julie, and her parents, Irving Lampack and Pauline Denker. She is survived by her son Jonathan, daughter-in-law, Laura, granddaughter Melody Claire, brother Peter Lampack, and relatives Ralph and Marilyn Schapira and their children, Emily, Alexander and Aaron.  

A private memorial service was held in Florida. Donations in Lindas name may be made to The Buchsbaum Family Memorial Fund: Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226 Attn: Office of Development or PO Box 26509, Milwaukee, WI 53226. Memorial gifts may also be made online at Mcw.edu/Giving. 

Mildred Cohodes  

Mildred Cohodes (nee Blumenthal) died at the age of 95 on Nov. 22, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Cohodes. 

Mildred, or Mim, attended Marquette University and went on to become a teacher. She taught math at the high school and college level until she married Ben in 1957. She was an avid golfer, skier and bowler and was active in Drawing Room Club. She was also a founding member of the Menominee Range Historical Society. She moved to Minneapolis in 1999 following the death of her husband.  

She is survived by daughters Nancy Cohodes, married to Howard Sussman, of Wayzata, Minnesota, and Susan Cohodes, married to Tom Payant, of Newcastle, Washington; grandchildren Jack Sussman, Liza Sussman, Michael Cohodes Payant and Adele Cohodes Payant.  

Memorial contributions to Menominee Range Historical Museums. Minnesota Cremation Society assisted the family. 

Rene DaCosta 

Rene DaCosta (nee Siegel) died Dec. 9, 2020, at the age of 87. Beloved wife of the late Conrad DaCosta. Loving mother of Karen (Jeffrey) Perzan and the late Vida DaCosta. Proud grandmother of Cary Raquel Olson and Mireille Lilia Perzan. Dear sister of Louis (Karen) Siegel, the late Marian (the late Martin) Carlson and the late Sanford (the late Debbie) Siegel. Also survived by other loving relatives and friends. Private burial at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Rabbi Jessica Barolsky officiated. Memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association appreciated. Goodman Bensman Funeral Home assisted the family. 

Jeri-Ann Tuffy” David 

Jeri-Ann “Tuffy” David died peacefully surrounded by family in her home in Bluffton, South Carolina, on Oct. 12, 2020. 
 
Jeri was born on Sept. 30, 1936, in Milwaukee. She graduated from Washington High School and received her bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1958. After college, she took a position as a social worker. In 1961, she moved to Chicago, where she met her future husband, Ted David. 

They had four children between 1963 and 1968. Jeri became a successful real estate agent in the Chicago suburbs. In the early 1990s, Jeris daughter moved to France and gave her three more excuses to frequently travel to Paris three wonderful grandchildren. In 2004, Jeri and Ted moved to Bluffton, South Carolina. 

Jeri is survived by her husband, Ted David, her sister Judy Salinsky (Dr. Gerry) of Milwaukee; her sister-in-law Dorothy Berman of Tamarac, Florida; her daughter Debra (Laurent Sauvage) of Herndon, Virginia; her son Doug (Peggy) of Herndon, Virginia; her son Donald (Molly) of Farmington Hills, Michigan; her son Jonathan (Shelly) of South Salem, New York; 11 grandchildren ranging in age from 10 to 24; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 
 
Jeri was buried in a private ceremony next to her parents in Milwaukee on Oct. 16, 2020. Donations in Jeris memory may be made to Congregation Beth Yam in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina or Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. 

 
Paul R. Fine 

Paul R. Fine died on Nov. 25, 2020, at the age of 91. Beloved husband of the late Murium Fine (nee Corso). Cherished father of Lori R. Mueller and the late Brad H. Fine. Proud grandfather of Darren (Nicole) Fine, Kenneth Mueller and Daniel Mueller and great-grandfather of Zoey, Soren, Calen, Cruz and Pierce Fine. Dear brother of Charles (Penny) Fine and Zelma (Fred) Schloss.  Further survived by other dear relatives and friends.  

Private services held at Spring Hill Cemetery in Milwaukee with Rabbi David Cohen officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to Congregation Sinai appreciated. 

Elaine Friedman 

Elaine Friedman (nee Muchin) passed away Dec. 1, 2020, at the age of 79. Beloved wife of the late Arthur E. Friedman. Loving mother of Angie Katz, Connie (David Shutkin) Friedman, Karen (David Friedman) Friedman and Ari (Jennifer) Friedman. Proud grandmother of Mikayla Katz, Gila and Brian Reiser, Menasha and Samantha Katz, Noah Shutkin, Tal Shutkin, Avi Friedman and Sylvia Jacobson, Marissa and Bar Lehmann, Zachary Friedman, Brianna Friedman, Ilana Friedman, Seth Friedman, and Bennett Friedman and great-grandmother of Orli Lehmann.  Dear sister of Diane (the late Saul) Margolis, Sheila (Myril) Manhoff and Rachel (Patrick) Young. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.  

Private services held at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery with Rabbi David Cohen officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association or The Day of Discovery Fund at the Milwaukee Jewish Community Foundation appreciated. 

Boris Kleyman 

Boris Kleyman died on Dec. 3, 2020, at the age of 76. Beloved husband of Anna Kleyman (nee Shoykhet). Cherished father of Lisa (Alex) Holden and Edward Kleyman. Proud grandfather of Erik Kleyman. Dear brother of Tanya (Motl) Reznik. 

Private services at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield with Rabbi Sasha Milchtein officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial donations to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Ann Horowitz Babrove Knell  

Ann Horowitz Babrove Knell (nee Horowitz) died on Aug. 15, 2020, at the age of 93. 

Beloved wife of the late Leonard Babrove and the late Henry Knell. Cherished mother of Robi (Alan) Borsuk, Lynda (the late Sanford) Mitz and Yaffa (James) Meyers, and stepmother of Charles (Ilona) Knell, Judith (Michael) Lewis and Linda (John) Puzzo. Proud grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Flora (the late Earl) Abramson and the late Selma (the late Morris) Mechanic. Further survived by other dear relatives and friends. 

“Nana Ann” was a graduate of Marquette University, with a long career in accounting. But far more important to her were her family and friends. She maintained her warmth and smiles through the deaths of two husbands. She became the matriarch of extended families.  

Private graveside services were held at Second Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Sanford Mitz Technology Fund at Milwaukee Jewish Day School, the Jewish Community Pantry, the Rabbinical Seminary of America, or Yeshiva Elementary School. Goodman Bensman Funeral Home assisted the family.  

Phyllis A. Luff 

Phyllis A. Luff, age 92, died peacefully Dec. 3, 2020, due to complications of cancer and COVID-19. She was born in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated high school a semester early and was admitted to both Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Cornell didn’t have housing for her, so she packed her bags and got on a train to Madison, where she met her husband Laurence Luff.  

Phyllis obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and dedicated herself to teaching as a reading specialist and classroom teacher in the underserved inner city of Milwaukee.   

Phyllis was no stranger to tragedy. She lost her husband in her thirties and then her second son. She lost her sister to cancer at the age of 55. She outlived most of her friends. She developed macular degeneration in both eyes and was functionally blind for the last 15 years of her life. Despite that, she lived independently and carried on an active life almost to the very end.  

Phyllis Luff is survived by her son, David Luff (Eliza Dominguez) of Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo, Mexico; her daughter, Paula Luff (Constantine Radis) of New York City; her brother, Mort Agress (Ellin) of North Salem, New York, her sister-in-law Dorothy Meyers (Dr. Alfred Meyers) of Milwaukee; her four beautiful grandchildren (Andrew Luff, William Luff, Victoria Radis, Sophia Radis); and many cousins; nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Jane Agress; by her sister, Geraldine Agress; by her husband, Laurence Luff; and by her son, Steven Luff. 

Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a gift in her honor to:  The Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, COVID Assistance, Heritage Center. 

Joel Miller

Julie Peltin  

Julie Peltin (nee Stern) of Mequon died on Nov. 21, 2020. Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, she was the daughter of the late Louis and the late Frances (nee Eisnitz) Stern and the sister of the late Joanne (Robert) Skemer.  Julie spent her entire adult life in Milwaukee. She was an energetic and accomplished educator, specializing in remedial reading. Julie taught full time and earned a masters degree. Julie was devoted to Sherwin, her husband of 67 years, as well as her three children, the late Laurie Peltin Merar, Steve (Nena) Peltin of Seattle,  and Bill (Saree) Peltin of Long Grove, Illinois. She also lovingly doted on her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Julie regularly opened her home to many dear friends and relatives. She and Sherwin relished traveling the globe together and cheering on the University of Wisconsin Badgers. 

Private services were held with Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiating.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Donations in Julies memory may be made to the Alzheimers Association through the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/JuliePeltin. 

Joseph Pollack 

Joseph Pollack died on Nov. 25, 2020, at the age of 100.   

Beloved husband of the late Esther (nee Rivkin) Pollack. Loving father of Reesa (Irving) Gottschalk. Proud grandfather of Lauren (Andrew) Stefano and great-grandfather of Robyn and Julia Stefano. Preceded in death by his siblings, Jan (Harry) Goldman, Ann (Hy) Rivkin, and Harvey (Nettie) Pollack. 

Joes life was was born in Toronto to Russian immigrant parents. The family moved to Winnipeg, Canada, where Joe was raised. After the war, Joe was able to complete his education because of the Canadian GI Bill. He earned his masters in social work from McGill University. Joe worked for various agencies including Family Service of America, Jewish Family Service and San Diego County, as well as working on President Johnsons War on Poverty. He was proud of his work supervising social work students at San Diego State University and of programs he initiated to serve vulnerable youth and the elderly. 
 
The family is grateful to those who lovingly cared for Joe. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to the Esther and Joseph Pollack Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Southern Poverty Law Center, or National Jewish Health appreciated. 

Yvonne Prosen  

Yvonne Prosen died on Oct. 24, 2020, with her family at her side.  
 
Yvonne went to college and trained as a psychiatric nurse, both in Winnipeg and Brandon, Manitoba. It was there that she met her husband, Harry Prosen; he was training to become a psychiatrist. Harry and Yvonne made Winnipeg their first home, raising four children, and were heavily involved in the Jewish community, helping to build a new synagogue. Yvonne went back to the University of Manitoba to study Fine Arts in the late 1980s. It was there where she received a bachelor’s degree and would become a prolific painter. 
 
In 1987, with her husband Harry, she moved to Wisconsin. She was very involved in, and served as president, for the Glendale Women’s Club. She and Harry traveled with adventures in Canada, Europa, Alaska, and Australia.  

  
Yvonne is survived by her adoring husband, Harry, their four children, Patricia, Jory, Deidre and David as well as four grandchildren, Benjamin, Mathilde, Leo and Javen. Yvonne was one of six children and is survived by her sisters, Sigi Schroeder and Vera Austen, and brother, Ernie Shussler, all of whom reside throughout Canada. 
 
In Yvonne’s memory and name and in lieu of flowers, tribute donations can be made to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance (Alzwisc.org) and the Alzheimer Society of Canada. 
 
Dr. Gerald Rosen 

Dr. Gerald Rosen of Glendale died peacefully on Dec. 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry shared a love for the ages with Anne, his wife of 65 years, their bond inseparable.  They were one, known simply as Anne & Jerry. Their four children, Elizabeth (Andy) Tauber, David (Nancy), Tom (Susan Weir), and Susan Rosen Lindeman; seven grandchildren, Lindsey Tauber (Sam Leichtling), Jacob Tauber, Julie Rosen, Brian Rosen (Rebecca Robbins) Michelle (Trevor) Hill, Emily Lindeman, and Anna Rosen; and great-granddaughter, Harper Hill, were honored to have him so interested in their lives. Jerry always made himself available to listen and give sage advice. He made friends feel like family, and strangers feel like friends. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jerry received his veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine (57). He subsequently established Park Pet Hospital in Milwaukee and practiced until his retirement in 2002. He served as president of the Milwaukee Veterinary Medical Association, chairman of the Veterinary Examining Board, and board member and president of the Wisconsin Board of Health. Jerry often spent time at North Shore Country Club, where his golf swing was the envy of the members, or at home, his hands filled with a trowel or carving tools. Private services were held with Rabbi Joel Alter officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Donations in Jerrys memory may be made to the following: American Veterinary Medicine Foundation and the Wisconsin Humane Society. 

Gerald Jerry Schumacher 

Gerald “Jerry” Schumacher of Fox Point died on Oct. 11, 2020. He was age 87. Preceded in death by son Stephen Schumacher, sister Diane (Hugh) Biller, and parents Dr. Hyman and Goldie Schumacher. Loving husband of Judy Schumacher (nee Lifschultz). Dear father of Jodi (Robb) Marcus, Cari (Alan) Polan, and daughter-in-law Penny Schumacher. Adoring grandfather of Josh and Jori Marcus; Allie (Garrett) Brooks, Talia (Eran) Singer, and Samara Schumacher; Hannah and Jacob Polan. Treasured great-grandfather of Nadav Singer. Special uncle of Heather Biller Gerson and Jason Lifschultz. Caring brother-in-law of Don (Laurie) Lifschultz. Further survived by other relatives and friends. 
 
Private burial. Memorials to a charity of your choice. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Gary M. Stein 

Gary M. Stein died on Nov. 28, 2020, at the age of 73.   

Survived by wife, Judy Stein (Tarney); children, Jason (Abigail) Stein and Emily (Kurt) Plahna; grandchildren, Natalie and Paige; siblings, Marilyn (the late Aaron) Bodner, Karen (Steve) Rakita, and David (Colleen) Stein; nieces; nephews; and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Annette Stein.   

Private family service held at Mound Zion Cemetery with Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Donations can be made to Lower East Side Tenement Museum, 103 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002. 

Michael Vinnik  

Michael Vinnik died on Dec. 13, 2020, at the age of 70. Beloved husband of Irina Vinnik (nee Klebanova). Loving father of Anna Vinnik and Dmitry (Beverly Bootzin) Vinnik. Proud grandfather of Olivia Leah Vinnik. Dear brother of Inna Kosovskiy. Further survived by other friends and relatives. Private services at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery. Rabbi Yisroel Lein officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

 
Ila S. Weisfeldt 

Ila S. Weisfeldt died on Dec. 6, 2020.  

She was born in Milwaukee  and attended Washington High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her degree in social work but pursued the career of a sales associate at the Boston Store. She was a member of Congregation Emanu-el B’Ne Jeshurun. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and spoiling her pet shih tzu. 

Ila was preceded in death by her husband Maurice B. Weisfeldt. She is survived by her children: Evan (Cori) Weisfeldt; Terri (David) Finch; Jodi (Jay) Nolte, grandchildren: Scott Kelly, Patrick Weisfeldt, Hannah Finch and Dylan Nolte and great-grandchildren: Mckenna and Maksim Kelly. 

Memorial contributions can be sent to Shih Tzu Furbabies Small Breed Rescue at Stbr.org. Brevard Memorial Park assisted the family.