Lifecycle, February 2022 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Lifecycle, February 2022

 

Sarah Lee Feiss  

Sarah Lee Feiss (nee Kast) died Feb. 15, 2022, from natural causes at age 94.   

Born Oct. 4, 1927, to Pauline and Harry Kast of Kenosha, Sarah overcame the obstacles posed by the depression and her family to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her childhood dream of becoming a movie star in Hollywood, which required excellent elocution, perhaps led her to choose a major in speech pathology. Through a friend, Sarah met her future husband of 71 years, the late Ferdinand H. Feiss. After graduation and marriage in the summer of 1949, they started out in Kenosha where their son Leonard was born on Sarah’s 24th birthday. After moving to Milwaukee, Sarah went to work as a speech pathologist for the Milwaukee Public School System, retiring in 1990. She was highly respected by her colleagues for her expertise and her dedication to her students.  

With the addition of Shelah and David, the expanded family moved to Glendale in 1962, where Sarah and Ferd would raise their children and spend the rest of their lives. Sarah was proud of her children for their humanity as well as their accomplishments.  

Appreciated for her commentary and humor by a number of good friends, Sarah would often animate their mahjong sessions well into her retirement. Born into the greatest generation, Sarah saw her path run from the roaring twenties to the twenties of the 21st century. In spite of certain expectations of women of her generation, Sarah adapted to the changes she witnessed and always maintained a commitment to social justice.   

Sarah is survived by her sister Rita Malkin of Reno; her three children and their respective spouses, Dr. Leonard, Shelah (Mark Likoff), and David (Patricia Hanz) Feiss; her grandchildren, Dr. Robyn Recker (Alex), Molly Feiss, and Daniel Likoff; and her loving nieces and nephew, Julie Ebert, Jamie Hanson, and Josh Malkin. She will be lovingly remembered.  

Funeral services held Feb. 17 via Zoom from Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated. Contributions to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun or Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity appreciated.  

Joan A. Feldman   

Joan A. Feldman (nee Dizon) of Mequon, died on Feb. 3, 2022, at the age of 93.   

She was born on Jan. 23, 1929, to the late Stanley and Edith Dizon, in Madison.  

Loving wife of the late Marvin Feldman. Dear mother of Julie Feldman and Marianne Canter. Sister of Mona Schudson, the late Suzanne Gilbert, and the late Jeffrey Dizon. Grandmother of Tammy Hoffman and Sarah (Freddy) Francious. Great-grandmother of Dexter Hoffman. Loving companion to the late Robert Fey. Joan is further survived by beloved nieces, nephews and friends.   

Joan was one-of-a-kind, with a lively spirit, and good humor. She taught for three decades in the Madison Public School System. Adults would often approach Joan with stories of how she made learning fun, when they were her first or second grade students. After retirement Joan was a volunteer docent at the Elviyam Art Museum, with a specialty in youth tours.      

Joan’s family extends thanks to her life-long friends in Madison, who brought her joy and took great care of her in later years. Also, to the dedicated staff at Terova Senior Living, who provided Joan with compassion, dignity and quality of life.  

Graveside funeral service held Feb. 7 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison. Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun Bernice Gratch Children’s Library Fund are appreciated.  

Irving B. Kahn  

Irving B. Kahn died on Feb. 5, 2022, at the age of 82.   

Beloved husband of Barbara Lee (nee Kramer) Kahn. Loving father of Elissa Beth (Dr. Jonathan) Berkoff and the late Craig Robert Kahn. Cherished grandfather of Craig Kravetz, Dylan Kravetz, Eliana (Mark) Meyer and Kira Berkoff. Dear brother of Belle (the late Sol) Weinstein and the late Frederick (the late Gail) Kahn. Dear brother-in-law of Dr. Donald (Judith) Kramer and the late Dr. Richard (Carolyn) Kramer. Further survived by other loving relatives and treasured friends.  

Irving received his undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1961 and law degree from UW-Madison in 1964. He practiced law in Milwaukee for 45 years and was a well-respected attorney.   

Irving was a very loving husband, dad and grandpa who looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with family. He was always generous with his time for the causes that were meaningful to him. He courageously approached the challenges he faced in his life, most recently with cancer. Irv enjoyed traveling abroad and to national parks with Barbara. The trips they took with their grandsons for their bar mitzvahs were some of his highlights. He especially loved time on the golf course with Barbara and their friends. He and Barbara recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Irv will be missed dearly by his family and friends.   

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Ranveer Nand, Dr. Erika Swanson and the entire staff of the Van Dyke Cancer Clinic and Horizon Lawless Family Hospice.  

Funeral service held Feb. 8 at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid. Interment took place at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Joel Alter officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial donations to the Craig Kahn Scholarship Memorial Fund, c/o Nicolet High School, 6701 N. Jean Nicolet Rd., Glendale, WI 53217 or Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid appreciated.

Rita L. Karan  

Rita L. Karan (nee Kann) died on Jan. 12, 2022, at the age of 106.    

Beloved wife of the late Max Karan and the late Gardner Friedlander. Loving mother of Lynne (John) White and the late Julie (Phil) Marks. Proud grandmother of Frederick (Jennifer Senick) Kaimann, Randall Marks, David (Sandra) White, and Marcy (Sue Sullivan) White. Adoring great-grandmother of Julian, Rebecca, Melissa, and Brittany and great-great-grandmother of Sophie.  

Graveside funeral held at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi David Cohen officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Milwaukee Art Museum or Canine Companions Northeast Training Center appreciated.  

Fanchon Lessing 

Fanchon Lessing (nee Meisel) died Dec. 30, 2021, in Ann Arbor Michigan. She was 99.  

Fanchon was born in Janesville, but grew up in Milwaukee. She graduated from Washington High School and Marquette University. She graduated with a degree in English and worked as a substitute teacher in the Milwaukee schools. Later in life she much preferred working in the business world as an executive secretary. After living most of her life in Milwaukee she moved to California in 1967 and then moved to be near her family in Michigan in 2011, while maintaining close ties to her Milwaukee friends. Fanchon enjoyed ballroom dancing, bridge, traveling, theater and reading.    

She was the sister of the late Gilbert Meisel and Sanford Meisel. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Louise (Lessing) and Alan Fligiel of Ann Arbor, daughter-in-law JoAnne Lessing (and the late Jay Lessing), her grandson, Matthew Fligiel of Chicago and several nieces, a nephew and their families.      

Harriet Levin  

Harriet Levin (nee Bosko) of Neenah, formerly of Milwaukee.  

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Levin and siblings: Jack Bosko, Mollie Lookatch, Rosiland Burris and Jan Smith. Harriet is survived by her children: Harlan Levin and Jamie (Michael) Breuer, grandsons: Ryan, Nicholas and Daniel Breuer. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.  

Funeral Services were held Feb. 1 at Heritage Funeral Home, New Berlin. Private interment was at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice in Harriet’s memory are greatly appreciated.  

Burton Levine 

Burton Levine of Glendale died Jan. 24, 2022, at age 94.  

Preceded in death by son David Levine. Loving husband of Frieda Levine. Dear father of Judy Lewis and Amy (Rabbi Jonathan) Kraus. Cherished grandfather of Yitzhak Lewis (Aura Lewis), Aviva Lewis (Matt Wantman), Moishie Lewis (Nicole Gleghorn), Nonnie Lewis, Jacob Kraus (Casey Wright) and Abby Kraus and great-grandfather of Nevae, Sebastian, Kayla, Romie, and Peleg. Further survived by other relatives and friends.  
 
Memorial services were held Jan. 26 at Congregation ShalomFox Point. Donations in his memory can be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum or the Southern Poverty Law Center.  

Mildred ‘Millie’ Nemovitz  

Mildred “Millie” Nemovitz (nee Fielkow) died Feb. 4, 2022, at age 95 surrounded by her loving family.   

Millie was born in Milwaukee to Julius and Esther Fielkow on April 1, 1926. She met her beloved husband, Edward, when she was 11 years old, and they were married 63 years before he died in 2006.  

Millie was soft spoken, very gracious and always concerned about how others felt. She loved playing the piano, Rummikub and listening to her favorite big band music and Frank Sinatra. She was an avid reader and loved the old movies from the 40s and 50s. She never missed a hair appointment, loved her dark chocolate and always ordered “the eggs.”  

Millie was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and is survived by her children: Paul (Connie) Nemovitz, Howard (Corrine) Nemovitz, Bruce (Jeanne) Nemovitz and Sharon (James) Thurow. She was blessed with eight grandchildren: David (Amanda), Andrea (Chris), Ben, Alan (Emily), Rachel, Jessica, Jason (Laura), Dara (Nick), Karra, Michael (Callie) and Adam (Faina). Millie loved her great-grandchildren: Alex, Jacob, Josh, Zach, Avery, Devyn, Jack, Stella, Ari, Eli, Talia, Avia, Aidan, Caleb, Noah, Lizzy, Ally, Gideon, Frankie and Zuzu.  

Funeral services held Feb. 7. Interment took place at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery. Cantor David Barash officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society appreciated.

Shirley E. Ollman  

Shirley E. Ollman (nee Cohen) died Jan. 26, 2022 at the age of 102.    

Beloved wife of the late Benn Ollman. Loving mother of Richard (Salomea), Arthur (Lee) and Barry (Judy) Ollman. Proud grandmother of Angie (Paul), Dara, Ariel and Jonah (Leslie). Dear sister of Ruth (the late William) Peterman, the late Gerald (the late Alice) Colburn and the late Sylvia (the late Albert) Kramer. Further survived by nieces, nephews and friends.  

Funeral service held Jan. 28 at Congregation Shalom. Interment was at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbis Ron Shapiro and Noah Chertkoff officiated. Memorial contributions to Hunger Task Force appreciated.   

Helen Padway 

Helen Padway of Glendale died Jan. 13, 2022, at the age of 95. 

Dear mother of Nick (Janet) Padway, Deborah Dekosky, Foster Padway, and Vicky (David) Hested and daughter-in-law, Vicky Padway. Cherished grandmother of Sarah, Ethan, Jonathan, Milton, Aaron, Brandon, Bryn, Emmett, Maxwell, Justin, Jared, Callie, Mitchell, Anna, and great-grandmother of Willa. Also survived by her sister, Marcia Sielaff and other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Milton and her son, William Padway. 

Family burial service due to covid. The family directs memorials to Congregation Sinai or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were handled by Blane Goodman Funeral Service. Interment at Spring Hill Cemetery.  

Ronald Jamie Pelman  

Ronald Jamie Pelman died Feb. 5, 2022, at the age of 62.    

Beloved brother of Larry (Tasha) Pelman, Wendy Pelman, Jonathan Overby and Martin Karp. Loving uncle of Clintel, Toriana and Tashawn. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.  

Graveside service held Feb. 9 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Taylor Poslosky officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated.  

Ruth “Ruthie” Silberman  

Ruth Silberman (nee Libman) of Milwaukee died on Dec. 31, 2021, at the age of 97.   

Preceded in death by beloved husband Morry Silberman and brother Max Libman. Loving mother of Victor (Meredith Kanner) Mechanic, Lawrence Mechanic, Howard (Cheryl) Silberman, and Robert (Patricia) Silberman. Further survived by her grandchildren Rachel (Adam), Adam (Erica), Erin, Gabriel, great-grandchildren Skyler and Roan, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  

Ruth was born July 8, 1924, in Milwaukee and graduated from North Division High School where she met and married her first husband Harry Mechanic. She developed close friendships during high school lasting a lifetime.  

In 1967 she met and married her beloved Morry Silberman. Her greatest love was family. She was all about family and friends, kindness and caring, Jewish music, baking and cooking, doll collecting, costume jewelry and shopping.   

At Temple Beth El she was a member of Sisterhood and participated in plays and musicals.   

She spoke Yiddish often and participated in the Yiddish Club at Congregation Shalom.  

Ruth fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Her memory will be cherished.   

Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated burial Jan. 3, at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery.  

The family directs memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

Sema B. Sigalov  

Sema B. Sigalov died Feb. 8, 2022, at the age of 86.    

Beloved husband of the late Nadia Sigalov (nee Isakova) and the late Pavla Gordeyeva. Loving father of Vitaliy (Irina) Nevzorov, Val (Anna) Sigal and Irena Zhigaleva. Proud grandfather of Natalia (Robert) Schwartz, Margarita Zhigaleva, Valerie Nevzorov and Oleg Nevzorov and seven great-grandchildren.  

Graveside service held Feb. 15 at Graceland Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Shlomo Kittner officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.  

Patricia Goodsitt Spira 

Patricia Goodsitt Spira, 1924-2022, who her family called Grandma, Mumsy and Pretty Patsy, passed away on Feb. 12, 2022, surrounded at home in San Diego, by loved ones.  

She joins her prince charming, Marvin (z’l) and eldest son David (z’l) in eternal peace. Patricia was raised in Milwaukee by loving parents and graduated from Shorewood High School before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two years. It was not until she was 42, while working two jobs and raising four children, that she decided to finish her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with her entire family proudly attending her graduation.  

Patricia married Marvin, the love of her life in 1952, and together they raised their children and three dogs in Whitefish Bay. An applauded expert in the international ticketing industry, she was the first box office manager of Milwaukee’s Performing Arts Center (now Marcus Center). It was in this role, managing and centralizing three theaters, that managers from around the country started inquiring “how she did it.” Within months, she formed Box Office Management International (now INTIX), the first professional association for box office managers of theaters, stadiums and auditoriums worldwide. Patricia served as BOMI’s president for over 22 years, growing its global membership to over 1000, including the Shubert Theater, Sydney Opera House, Royal National Theater, Milwaukee Brewers and Ravinia Festival. In 2002, the annual Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed the Patricia G. Spira Lifetime Achievement Award and was presented to her after her retirement. Today, INTIX has over 1,400 members. In addition to a glowing career, Patricia was a volunteer leader at Milwaukee’s Chamber Music Society and San Diego’s Sledgehammer Theater.  

She was a staunch advocate for inclusion of the hearing impaired and physically-challenged on stage and at all venues. She loved supporting and attending the opera, symphony and ballet wherever she lived and raised her children and grandchildren to be passionate art lovers. After moving INTIX to New York City, where she coordinated annual conferences in the U.S., Europe and Asia, Patricia moved to San Diego to be near family. She is survived by her three children, Dr. Jim Spira (Azita), Ann Spira (Ted), Ellen Spira Hattenbach (Jon), nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who will continue to be inspired by her genuine love, laughter and determination to live a purposeful life.  

Services were private. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Donations may be made to Jewish National Fund-USA at jnf.org/donate or mailed to: Jewish National Fund- USA, 60 Revere Drive, Suite 725, Northbrook, IL 60062. 

Stuart Jeffrey Sussman 

Stuart Jeffrey Sussman, 79, of Clermont, Florida died on Aug. 16, 2021. He was born on March 11, 1942 in Milwaukee to the late Henry and Ruth Sussman. 

Stuart was a probation and parole investigator and had a career in sales for Sears. His hobbies included fishing, lover of baseball and he was a huge Green Bay Packers fan. Stuart enjoyed traveling with his family, especially on cruises. Stuart had a great love for nature, water and animals. He was passionate about muscle and antique cars.  

He served in the U.S. Armed Forces for six years and was a proud American patriot.  

Stuart will be remembered for being loyal, kind, generous and greatly cherished his time spent together with his family.  

He is survived by his wife, Gale Sussman; daughters, Heather Sussman-Escobar and Stacy Hunt; son-in-laws, Carlos Escobar and Jeremy Hunt; granddaughter, Emily Escobar and grandson, Dylan Escobar.  

A graveside service was Aug. 18 at Glen Haven Memorial Park, , Florida, and officiated by Rabbi Rick Sherwin. Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin-Fairchild Funereal Home West Altamonte Chapel. Memorials to Advent Health for Leukemia Research.  

Lyubov Vinokur  

Lyubov Vinokur (nee Kogan) died Feb. 2, 2022 at the age of 84.    

Beloved wife of Yakov Vinokur. Cherished mother of Anzhelika (Yevgeniy) and Genadi (Olga) Vinokur. Further survived by other relatives and friends.  

Private burial service was held Feb. 4, at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.  

Beatrice Wagan 

Beatrice Wagan died Jan. 12, 2022. She was 102. 

She was the widow of Harry Wagan. Beatrice is survived by her three children, Diane (Joel) Been, Clarice (Howard) Feldman, and Steven Wagan; two grandchildren, David (Judy Iriye) Feldman, Jodi (Dan) Isaacson and was predeceased by a beloved third grandchild Jason Been. She leaves, as well, two great-grandchildren Asher Isaacson and Saya Feldman. She is also survived by her many Wagan, Tishberg, Hiken and Drapkin nephews and nieces. A longtime resident of Milwaukee, Beatrice spent her later years in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Rockville, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Beatrice was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Bessie Hiken, her sisters, Janet Drapkin and Doris Tishberg, and her brother, Harold Hiken.  
 
Private services were held at Agudas Achim Cemetery. Memorials to the Jason Been Memorial at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Place of burial was Agudas Achim. Arrangements by Blane Goodman Funeral Service.  

Charles N. Wallens 

Charles N. Wallens of Mequon died Jan. 4, 2022, at age 95. 

Dear husband of Betty Wallens (nee Jacobson). Loving father of Ellen (Fred) Sarran and Jody (Jeffrey) Cole. Adoring grandfather of Brian (Jen) Sarran, Heather (Jordan Goffin) Cole, Allison Baer, Shawn (Beth) Cole, and four great-grandchildren. Further survived by other relatives and friends.  
 
Private services were held. Arrangements by Blane Goodman Funeral Service. Memorials to USMA Jewish Fund, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, American Legion Post 23, or Milwaukee Chapter 27 National Sojourner’s.  

LeRoy “Lee” Wurm 

LeRoy “Lee” Wurm died Jan. 27, 2022, at the age of 88.  

He was married to the late Lorene Carol Wurm (nee Marley) for 48 years. Cherished father of Scott Wurm and Susan (Scott) Engel. Beloved grandfather of James, Sebastian, Morgan, Aster, Grace and Megan. Preceded in death by his brother, Sheldon. Further survived by other family members and friends.   

Lee worked for Gimbels Department Store and BILTRITE Furniture Store in sales for a total of about 50 years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and especially enjoyed ballroom dancing.   

Graveside funeral service was held Jan. 31 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Jessica Barolsky officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. If desired, memorials to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, P.O. Box 867, Menomonee Falls, WI  53052, appreciated.