Obituaries, July 2022 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries, July 2022

 

Jeffrey Alan Dinkin 

Jeffrey Alan Dinkin, Santa Monica, California, died May 30, 2022. He was 62. 

Born Aug. 25, 1959 in Milwaukee. Attended Nicolet High School, Washington University in St. Louis and UCLA. 

Jeff passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones at his home. In 1989, he founded Regent Properties. He served as chairman of the Advisory Board to the Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology; a member of the Advisory Board of the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the Wisconsin School of Business; a member of the Executive Advisory Board of JGSI; a member of the Board of Directors of Camp Kesem; the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Affordable Living for the Aging; and as Board Chairman Emeritus at PS1. 

Jeff’s greatest legacy is his acts of kindness and generosity he passed down to his children. He enjoyed raising and mentoring his four children of whom he was exceedingly proud. Despite a 13-year battle with cancer, Jeff always maintained an optimistic attitude. In 2019, Jeff wrote in a letter to himself: “My cancer always reminds me of what is most important in my life.” 

Survived by spouse Marci Dinkin, his children Andie (Ari Bressman), Robin, Leslie, and Aaron, his mother Bobbi, his sister Debbie Feldman (Gene), and his brother Steve (Tara Fuad). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology or the Sarcoma Foundation of America. 

 
Marvin Edelstein  

Marvin Edelstein, Mequon, died June 1, 2022, at the age of 93.   

Marvin was the proud owner of Crown Hardware and Plumbing Supply for over 60 years and always had a smile and a joke to share. He was an avid current events fan and looked forward to his classes and winters in Scottsdale, Arizona. He loved watching any and all sports. He also looked forward to his bi-monthly poker games and lunch meetings with friends. 

Special thanks to Edward Tyson and Charles Henry for their devoted, sensitive and caring help and support.  

Cherished husband of Judy Stein Edelstein (nee Vielie). Preceded in death by his loving first wife, Irene Edelstein, and daughter, Karen Edelstein. Dear father of Gary (Lori) and Jack (Sharon Lewin) Edelstein, and stepfather of Andrew (Eileen Kavin) Stein, Tracy (Marco Masotti) Stein, Jill (Joel) Bootzin, and Steven (Jamie) Stein. Dear zaide of Kara, Rene, Anna (Dan Marlin) and Emily Edelstein, and great-grandfather of Simon Louis Marlin. Dear Grandpa Marvin to Aaron, Daniel and Ben Stein, Michela, Alexander, Sophia Masotti, Josh and Sarah Bootzin, Zoe and Sydney Stein.   

A service in honor of Marvin’s memory was held on June 5, 2022, at Congregation Shalom.  Interment took place at Second Home Cemetery. Rabbi Ron Shapiro officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Karen Edelstein Cultural Arts Memorial Fund at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center or Hunger Task Force would be appreciated.    

 
Leila J. Goldin 

Leila J. Goldin (nee Friedfeld) died June 9, 2022, at the age of 92.   

Leila loved to exercise (tennis for many years), world events (never interrupt her during the evening news), walking with family and friends, coupons and good deals, reading, gardening and her bridge ladies. Her greatest passion though was her love for her family, community and the Goldin Center. Leila passed still wishing for our world to be at peace and for a country free of gun violence. Her family hopes that her final wish may come true. 

Beloved wife of the late Melvin Goldin. Loving mother of Martin (Debbie), Terry (Holly) and Rick (Bonny) Goldin. Proud grandmother of Lexi (Tyler), Mark (Maddy), Ross (Diana), Malory (Justin), Danny (Whitney) and Alec (Elana); and great-grandmother of Tenley, Lincoln and Maya. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. 

A private family celebration of Leila’s life will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions made to COA Youth and Family Centers (Goldin Center) or the charity of your choice appreciated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

 
Michael R. Greenfield 

Michael R. Greenfield died on March 21, 2022, at the age of 71.  

Preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Marv Greenfield. Dear brother to Lisa Gorelick (Jeff) and Bob Greenfield (Jatziry), and loving father to Max Greenfield (Anjelica). 

Mike was a fantastic musician who was skilled at playing several different instruments. Music and collecting old cars were Mike’s passions. In his younger years he also was a very good artist and created beautiful pieces of art, both drawn and painted. He was retired from Golden Gate Transit where he served as both a bus driver and instructor for over 20 years. His family notes that with his engaging personality and witty sense of humor, Michael will be dearly missed. 

Irwin Sam Hillman
 

Marlene Kagen 

Marlene Kagen (nee Schneider) died on June 16, 2022, at the age of 90.  

Beloved wife of the late Dr. Allan Kagen. Cherished mother of Cheryl Kagen, Rick (Rene) Kagen, Judi Kagen Austin and the late Steven Kagen. Loving grandmother of Brittnie (Nate) Harris, Jenna (Kasey) Noble and Sage Kagen. Dear great-grandmother of Cohen and Evan Harris, Karbon and Kannon Noble. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. 

Rabbis Ron Shapiro and Noah Chertkoff officiated at a private graveside service. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to Tourette Association of America appreciated.   

Brian Kazan 

Brian Kazan, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2022, in Mesa, Arizona.  

Brian’s passion in life was baseball. A highly recruited pitcher at Evanston Township High School, he played for the University of Southern Alabama where Coach Eddie Stanky called Brian the best right-handed pitcher he ever coached. He went on to play in the minor league for the Cleveland Indians. Brian later started Next Level Baseball Coaching so he could help players of all skill levels reach their full potential while developing their self-confidence and love of the game. 

Brian was the loving father of Kate (Scott) Grodsky and Lindsay Kazan (Sulli Kohnke). He was the brother of Faye McManus and Nona Lipsit, and son of the late Barbara and Marty Kazan. Brian is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. 

The family asks that donations in Brian’s memory be sent to Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (Pifbs.org). 

 

Dr. Nathan Kittleson 

Dr. Nathan Kittleson died May 19, 2022. 

Born in Princeton, Wisconsin to parents Clarence Theodore Kittleson and Ruth Kittleson (nee Rellis), Nathan was the eldest child of two. 

He initially studied at nearby Ripon College, eventually earning his doctorate at Marquette University Dental School before serving in the Army Dental Core as a dentist. After achieving the rank of captain, he continued his education in the specialty of orthodontics. This led to Nathan and his brother, Russell, establishing two successful orthodontic practices serving the greater Milwaukee area.  

Affectionately remembered by many of his patients as “Dr. Nate,” he was renowned for his kind, gentle and caring demeanor. Outside of his practice, Nathan enjoyed traveling to faraway destinations, spending time with loved ones and friends, and staying busy with outdoor activities at home and at his lake house. 

Private services with Rabbi Levi Brook officiating. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to American Cancer Society or JDRF Wisconsin Chapter appreciated. 

Ruth Leff

Joseph George Miller 

Joseph George Miller died May 26, 2022. He was 95.   

In the last weeks he was helped by his daughter Karen Hamm and son-in-law Del Hamm as well as his daughters, Linda and Judy, Judy’s husband, Dave and their daughter and his granddaughter Cecilia, and grandchildren Aaron and Saree Hamm. He also enjoyed his early 96th birthday celebration and dancing a few squares at Ocean Hills with his square-dancing friends a week earlier on Wednesday.  

Joe joined the Army in his youth and spent his time in Germany. He later graduated from the University of Madison with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He married Ruth Troy, daughter of Benjamin Troy and Celia Gross in Milwaukee. Joe worked as an engineer. He worked with General Dynamics in San Diego on the Atlas missile. After retiring he moved from Madison to the west coast about 20 years ago. 

He is survived by his daughters, Linda Falkner in Tampa, Florida, Karen (Del) Hamm in San Diego, California, and Judy (David) Miller-Wang in Everett, Washington, his grandchildren, Naomi (Vaughn) Kolb in Missoula, Montana, Brennan Falkner in Tampa, Florida, Aaron Hamm in San Diego, Saree Hamm in Monterey, California, Cecilia and Dayne Miller-Wang in Everett, Washington and great-grandson, Colton Kolb in Missoula, Montana.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth, his brother, David Miller and his wife Annette Mautner, and son-in-law, Gerald Richard Falkner. 

Joe was a veteran of World War II and burial with his beloved wife, Ruth, was planned at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego County, California with a small ceremony with local family. 

Daniel Perelman 

Daniel Perelman died May 28, 2022, at the age of 18.   

Cherished son of Ana and Benjamin Perelman. Loving brother of Lola Perelman.  Boyfriend of Lindsay Martin. Dear grandson of Yuri and Ala Perelman and Natalia and the late Leonid Stelmakh. Fond nephew of Alex (Tamar) Perelman. Cousin of Yonatan, Uri and Shachar. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. 

A graveside service was held on June 2 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield.  Rabbi Levi Brook officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made in Daniel’s memory to Chabad of Waukesha-Brookfield, 1275 N. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 or Brookfield Academy, 3462 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, WI 53045 appreciated. 

Judith Sharon Salinsky 

The world is a bit less beautiful and a tad less joyful today with the passing of Judith Sharon Salinsky (nee Pollak) of Milwaukee, on June 15, 2022. 

Judy was born in Milwaukee on July 2, 1935, to Willard and Dorothy Pollak.  

Gracious, generous, curious, creative, kind and loving. She embodied all these traits, yet it was her outlook on life that one remembers best. You simply couldn’t bring Judy down, and she uplifted so many.  

Whether it was skiing, rollerblading, golfing, gardening, running, needlepoint, rosemaling, wood refinishing, conversational Hebrew and tax preparation, she never sat still.  

Yet it was in two areas in which she found the most satisfaction – the kitchen and the classroom. Growing up above the Chicago Bakery on 48th and Center streets, owned and operated by her father, Bud Pollak, she learned from an early age the art of baking, though thankfully she didn’t adopt his colorful language.   

And to her core, she was a teacher. From Sunday School to Hebrew School, tax preparation to GED skills, microwave cooking to substitute teaching, she found great satisfaction in guiding the success of others.  

Judy met her future husband, Jerry, as he was working his way through Marquette Dental School at the Chandler Shoe store in downtown Milwaukee. They were married on Aug. 25, 1956. They made a home and raised a family first in Whitefish Bay, then Fox Point, then for many years in Shorewood.  

Judy is preceded in death by her parents and her dear, younger sister Jeri-Ann (Tuffy). She is survived by her husband, Gerald Salinsky; four children, Jill (Bruce) Schaefer, David (Rhonda) Salinsky, Jim (Lori) Salinsky and Jody (Ricky) Reff; as well as 11 grandchildren: Alexander (Anoush), Taylor (Carolyn) and Colby (Emily) Schaefer, Danielle and Leah Salinsky, Jordan and Ali Salinsky, and Ethan Reff, Laura Berman, Michael Reff and Erika Vogel. She was also overjoyed to welcome two great-grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth Schaefer and Emma Judith Schaefer, the latter named after Judy.  

Graveside services were held on June 17 at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi David Cohen officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Donations in her memory can be sent to Mequon Jewish Preschool, Congregation Sinai, Milwaukee Jewish Day School or MSOE. 

Bess Schwartz 

Bess Schwartz was born Bess Luffman in Drohyczin, Poland (now Belarus) in 1926.  She died on May 20, 2022 at the age of 95.  

In recent years, she resided at Chai Point Senior Residence with her husband, the late Milton Schwartz, who passed away in 2019. She was the daughter of Isaac and Sylvia Luffman. The family left Poland in 1928 initially for Saskatchewan, Canada and then moved to Winnipeg, Canada. She married Milton in 1947 and spent the next 67 years in Manitowoc. She was an active member of the Jewish community in Manitowoc organizing events and holding offices in her synagogue Anshe Poale Zedek and its Sisterhood organization, in the National Council of Jewish Women, and in the Jewish Federation of Manitowoc.  She was also committed to volunteer work including Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Wheels volunteer transportation program and worked as a reading volunteer at Jackson Elementary School well into her eighties. She was a member of the YMCA for over 45 years where she never missed a water workout class; she played duplicate bridge becoming a Lifetime Master in 2008 at age 82; and was known to all as an excellent cook and outstanding baker. 

She is survived by her brother, Sam Luffman (the late Claire); four daughters, Sandra (David) Abraham, Barbara (Berel) Lutsky, Deborah Praeger, and Cynthia (the late Edward) Malkin; and son, David (Cheryl); as well as five grandchildren, Marta (Sean Carr), Karen, Abigail, Nathan (Emily) and Zachary, and three great-grandchildren, Ezra, Max and Olivia. The funeral service was held on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorials can be made to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation or the charity of your choice. 

Armin “A.J.” Sher 

Armin “A.J.” Sher, age 77, of Glendale, died May 21, 2022.  

Dear father of Rebecca (Seth Cutright) Sher. Caring brother of Robin (James) Kasch. Cherished uncle of Molly (Christopher Mur) Kasch and Jason (Stacey) Kasch. Adoring great-uncle of Brayden and Brooke Mur; Madison and Alex Kasch. Further survived by other relatives and friends. 
 
Graveside services 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Spring Hill Cemetery, 166 S. Hawley Ct., Milwaukee. Rabbi Steve Adams and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. Memorials to Michael Luber Tribute Endowment, 1300 N. Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202. 

Rose Waldman 

Rose Waldman (nee Driss) died May 26, 2022, at the age of 97.   

Beloved wife of the late David Waldman. Cherished mother of Larry (Nan) Waldman, Judith (Steve) Bartell, Wendy (Marc) Yanow and Laura (Zwi) Tokayer.  Loving grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. 

A graveside service was held on June 1 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee.  Rabbi Steve Adams officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Dr. Leonard Weistrop 

Dr. Leonard Weistrop of Shorewood died June 3, 2022, at the age of 78 at the Elizabeth Residence in Bayside, from the ravages of Parkinson’s disease.  

Len grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. After attending West Virginia University Medical School, he trained in Internal Medicine at Pittsburgh’s Montefiore Hospital and The Medical College of Wisconsin. He, Susan and little Netanya arrived in Milwaukee, sight unseen, and fell in love with the city immediately.   

He and three other internists created Columbia Internal Medicine Associates, which towards the end of his career merged with Aurora Good Hope. To Len, his role was to be listener, diagnostician and facilitator. He and each patient were partners in their health care, together defining their health issues and identifying paths to realistic recovery. Medicine was his career, but he was devoted to his family, friends and community. He particularly enjoyed serving on the Shorewood Health Department, Golda Meir and Friends of the Shorewood Library boards. He taught at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Social Work and was a founder of the Milwaukee History of Medicine Society.   

He loved words and read extensively; constantly incorporating newfound words or expressions into his vocabulary. After retirement he started a witty, insightful blog about his career in medicine. 

Thank you to all his friends and colleagues, who helped him through his final months, and especially to the wonderful, caring staff at Elizabeth Residence and the Badger Hospice caregivers.   

Len would most appreciate donations in his name to the local group or institution you hold most dear.   

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Susan (nee Kurnow); daughter, Netanya Even (German Pena); son, Aaron Weistrop; and three amazing granddaughters: Liat Even, Tal Even and Adriana Weistrop. He will be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law, Harriet Weistrop (nee Felshman) and Ruth Jarrett (nee Kurnow); brother-in-law, Jeff Jarrett; and their children and grandchildren as well as many friends and colleagues. 

Funeral services held June 7 at Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home.  Interment was at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. 

Donald J. Witt 

Donald J. Witt died June 13, 2022, at the age of 84.  

Beloved husband of Toby Witt (nee Strauss). Cherished father of Holly Witt, Marcy (Jeff) Conen, Lee (Deanna) Witt and Nancy (Mark) Sassower. Loving grandfather of Whitney (Aaron) Hersh, Jordan Conen, Matthew Conen, Jacob (Libby) Witt, Max Witt, Ilana (Mesud) Dedic, Alexis Sassower, and Andrew Sassower and dear great-grandfather of Liora Hersh. Fond brother of Marvin (Kay) Witt. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. A private graveside service was held on June 15. Hazzan Jeremy Stein officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice appreciated.