Feiga Bandos
Feiga Bandos of Efrat, Israel, died at the age of 96 on March 14, 2021. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Felix Bandos. Survivors include son Marcus (Melanie) of Bayside, daughter Helen (Mark) Breslow of Toronto, daughter Marilyn (Yisrael) Broder of Efrat, Israel. Feiga came to Milwaukee from Falun, Sweden. She survived World War II, and married Felix in Bergen Belson after the camp was liberated. They were married for 71 years. She was a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren and had 25 great–grandchildren. Feiga was a friend to many people all over Milwaukee and Israel, where she made aliyah with her husband in 2015. Please send memorial contributions to Congregation Anshai Lebowitz or Congregation Beth Judah.
Evan M. Ben-Hur
Evan M. Ben-Hur died on April 4, 2021, at the age of 56. Beloved son of the late Judith Ben-Hur (nee Horwitz) and Shia (Candace) Ben-Hur. Loving father of Ryan Ben-Hur. Cherished brother of Gia (Spencer) Ben-Hur and Daniel Ben-Hur. Dear uncle of Jonah and Jenna Claire. Further survived by his loving relatives and many dear friends. Evan had a heart of gold. He had an amazing sense of humor, a love for guitar, cooking, animals, nature, his family and his friends. His kindness, care and concern for people will be deeply missed. Private burial services held on April 9, 2021, at Mound Zion Cemetery. Rabbi Cheski Edelman and Rabbi Avremi Schapiro officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin appreciated.
Judith Harriet (nee Baron) Cohen
Judith Harriet (nee Baron) Cohen died on March 11 at the age of 89. She is survived by daughter Eileen (Scott) Goldberg of Denver, Colorado, son Leon Cohen of Milwaukee, niece Molly Baron of Watertown and granddaughter Abigail (Matt) Goldberg Heller of Denver. Judith graduated from Shorewood High School and went on to earn a master’s degree in urban affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She was very active in her community, serving as president of a League of Women Voters Chapter. During her professional career, she worked as Social Services Agency Director at First Call for Help, nursing home administrator at Jewish Home and Care Center and a cashier at Ace Hardware in Glendale. Her interests included liberal politics, history and historical fiction, mysteries, antiques, and traveling (especially to Israel). Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home assisted the family. Please send memorial gifts to the Democratic Party, Southern Poverty Law Center, Jewish Home and Care Center or charity of your choice.
Marvin L. Conney
Marvin L. Conney, 94, of Madison died on March 25, 2021, in Palm Desert, California. He was born on March 17, 1927, in Milwaukee, the son of Nathan and Belle (Burstein) Conney. He is survived by his son, David Conney, MD, of Los Angeles; daughter, Lisa Conney Rosenstock, and son-in-law, Rick Rosenstock, of Madison; as well as four granddaughters: Jayme, Kylie, Lauren, and Mara Rosenstock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nat and Belle Conney; his wife, Mildred “Babe” Golper Conney; and his sister, Joyce Conney Flaherty. Marv grew up in Ripon and dropped out of high school to serve in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in economics in 1950. He was employed by Badger Products of Neenah, (1950-1952) and was the owner of Conney Safety Products Company of Madison (1952-1998). He believed that “in exchange for our blessings, we must give something back.” He served on boards of directors and visiting committees of the Biological Sciences Division of The University of Chicago Medical Center; Foundation for Neurologic Diseases at Harvard Medical Center; McPherson Eye Research at UW; Morgridge Institute for Research at UW; the Center for Jewish Studies at UW; Hillel at UW; Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg; Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation; Madison Opera; United Way of Dane County Foundation; Friends of Wisconsin Public Television; and Tolerance Education Center, Rancho Mirage, California. He was a longtime member of Temple Beth El, Madison. Marv’s greatest blessing was to have found Babe, the genuine love of his life and wife for over 65 years. Private burial held in Milwaukee with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Temple Beth El, Madison or a charity of your choice.
Irving Gaines
Irving Gaines of Glendale died on March 5, 2021, at the age of 97. Irving was born in Milwaukee and was a lifelong resident. Irving was the loving husband of the late Ruth Gaines. He was the dear father of Jeffrey (Dr. Carol) Gaines, Mindy Gaines Pearce and Howard Gaines. Irving was a lifelong legal scholar, earning his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1947. Irving was one of the lead trial lawyers in Milwaukee until his retirement at the age of 93, when he was recognized as the oldest practicing attorney in the state of Wisconsin. Irving served on numerous boards and organizations throughout his lengthy 73-year career. He considered himself a lawyer’s lawyer. He was a founding member of Temple Shalom and a member of long standing at Temple Emanu-El. Irving is further survived by his five grandchildren; Justin (Emily) Gaines, Michael Pearce, Andrew (Kerry) Pearce, Ryan Gaines, and Natalie (Ibrahimap) Kissinger. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Olivia Gaines, Jake Gaines, and Noa Amel and Mikkola Diop. Irving cherished his family and would do whatever anyone requested of him. Special thanks is given to Irving’s daughter-in-law Dr. Carol Gaines, who provided assistance and care to Irving during his life, especially the last 17 years, which enabled him to live long and independently until his passing. Private services were held graveside on March 5, 2021. A celebration of Irving’s life will be held at a later date when there will be an “unveiling” of his headstone. Donations in Irving’s name may be made to the Jewish Community Pantry or the Hunger Task Force.
Edith Cohen Lerner
Edith Cohen Lerner (nee Royter) passed away on April 1, 2021, at age 98. Preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Sidney Cohen and Joseph Lerner, and siblings, Helen Leshner, Doris Kosoris and Larry Royter. Loving mother of Ydelle Cohen Litwack, Lynda Cohen Priegel (Gregg), Terre Cohen Tripoli Maisel (Rich), and Michael J. Cohen (Liz). Cherished grandmother of Jacque (Tim), Jeffery (Cynthia), Brooke, Michelle (Bryan), Ari, Adrienne (Ryan), Aricka, Sarahna (Raul), Ali (Ryan) and Justin (Danielle). Proud great-grandmother to 13 and great-great-grandmother to one. Fond sister-in-law to Gene Leshner and Jacquelyn Royter. If you were lucky enough to know our vibrant, ferocious, sassy, fun loving mom and grandma, you knew you were in the presence of someone special. She brought energy to any room. Rest in peace. Private graveside service at Agudas Achim Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Breast Cancer Research Foundation appreciated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Audrey Miller Laufman
Audrey Miller Laufman of Mequon died on April 8, 2021, at the age of 86. Survived by her daughter, Lori (Lee) Patrick; sister, Patti Weigler; brother, Monte (Karen) Miller; and sister-in-law, Linda Miller. Adoring aunt to Debbie and Aaron Bernstein and 25 other nieces and nephews throughout the country. Preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice and Bernard Miller; her husband, Howard Laufman; her sons, Jeffrey Staiman and Gary Staiman; and her brother, Joel “Butch” Miller. Audrey graduated from Washington High School and the University of Wisconsin with a degree in education and later received a master’s degree. She taught kindergarten in Chicago at the Disney School, which coincidently was located next to her home on Marine Drive. Audrey moved back to Milwaukee in 2003 and, with the help of her best friend of 76 years, Barbara Peltin, developed a wide circle of friends with whom they did everything Milwaukee had to offer. You encountered them wherever you went — the symphony, the Rep, movies, restaurants, and Jewish Museum Milwaukee, where Audrey and Barbara served as docents. The dynamic duo traveled extensively, taking month–long cruises around the world. She loved spending time with all her wonderful friends and family and she was always up for a new adventure. Audrey’s mother established the Beatrice Miller Beauty Shop Fund at the Jewish Home and Care Center (Ovation) to help residents pay for hair care services at Bea’s Beauty Nook. Contributions to the Miller Beauty Shop Fund would be appreciated: 1414 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Thank you to all the people who love her and have sent their thoughts and prayers. Private funeral services were held at Second Home Cemetery. Rabbi Jessica Barolsky officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Harriet Steinberg
Harriet Steinberg (nee Scribner), survived by family in the United States and Israel, has died. She is survived by her daughter Janice, a novelist living in San Diego, and her husband, Jack Cassidy; her son David, a statistics professor at Tel Aviv University, his wife, Ruti, their daughters Shira, Ronit, and Gaia, and a great-grandson; her son Bob and his wife, Cindy Mealy, in Madison, their children Nicholas, Amanda, and Ben, and four great-grandchildren. Harriet was born in Milwaukee in 1922 to Dora (Anton) and Raymond Scribner, both of whom immigrated as children from Ukraine. She attended University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1943, and worked at Jewish Family Services in Milwaukee, resettling people who had been in displaced persons camps in Europe. Though some fortuitous matchmaking, she met Howard Steinberg, who was launching his career as a CPA. They married on June 6, 1948, and had three children. A devoted mother, Harriet’s life revolved around giving her children a nurturing and stimulating environment. She also sought out challenges for herself. She did freelance bookkeeping and got involved in the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood, Hadassah and the North Shore Democrats. When Howard developed Alzheimer’s in his early 60s, Harriet provided unwavering support and resourcefulness as his condition worsened over the next 20 years, until his death in 2002. In the last years of her life, Harriet lived at Willow Point and Noel Manor in Verona. We extend our thanks to the many caregivers at both facilities, as well as the caring staff of Agrace Hospice and volunteers from Jewish Social Services who regularly visited her. Private graveside services were held at Spring Hill Cemetery with Rabbi Jessica Barolsky officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.