Obituaries | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries

Phillip Askotzky 

Phillip Askotzky died on March 9, 2023, at the age of 96. 

Beloved husband of the late Sally Askotzky (nee Levinsky). Loving father of Nadine (Dr. Daniel) Hellman, Michael (Tracy) Askotzky and Pam (Phil) Goldner. Proud grandfather of Elissa (Ouri) Marciano, Adam (Talia) Hellman, Abbey Askotzky, Sara (Zachary) Galicki, Shaina Askotzky, Shlomo (Rochel Ada) Goldner, Becky (Yissi) Sternberg, Devorah Goldner, and 16 great-grandchildren. Beloved brother of Laila Rosen, the late Bernice Cohen and the late Melvin Askotzky. Further survived by other loving relatives and many dear friends. 

Graveside services were held March 12 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbis Michel Twerski and Benzion Twerski officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Jewish Home and Care Center are appreciated. 

Alvin Cohen 

Alvin Cohen, 95, of Wauwatosa, died March 14, 2023.  

Preceded in death by loving wife Florence Cohen (nee Margolis) for 67 years and parents Sam and Rena Cohen. Dear father of Susan Cohen, Steven (Cathy) Cohen, and Sally (Mark) Pass. Adoring grandfather of Sasha Cohen; Shoshannah and Joshua Pass. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Alvin was a proud veteran of the 1st Cavalry Division during World War II, photographer, and 45-year employee of Cutler-Hammer/Eaton Corporation. Graveside services were March 15 at Second Home Cemetery. Memorials to Chabad or a charity of your choice. 

Richard Dorfman 

Richard (Reuven Yitzchak) Dorfman died Feb. 21, 2023 in Oconomowoc. He is survived by his wife, Therese; his children, John, Simon, Rina and Meir; and his grandchildren, Chana, Hadassah, Yosaif, Thea, Harper, Charlie, David Roee, Nachala Devorah, Naama Tair, and Moshe Chaim. Richard was an American Bridge Association Sapphire Life Master duplicate bridge player and taught duplicate bridge to adults. He was rated in the top 250 players of all time on Bridge Base Online and created and oversaw the Greater Milwaukee Bridge Association website. He started his own company, WebFeats, a computer programming and consulting service in 1995. He provided expert analysis in patent infringement lawsuits for numerous lawyers. Richard enjoyed sailing, Skyping with his family in Israel and Seattle, and was an avid reader. Graveside service was held Feb. 24 at B’nai Zedek Cemetery, Kenosha. Rabbi Baruch Comrov officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Blessed is Hashem, the true judge. 

Lawrence (Larry) Michael Fleider 

Lawrence (Larry) Michael Fleider, 82, Glendale, died peacefully Feb. 10, 2023. 

Larry was born in Kansas City, the son of Pearl and David Fleider and lived most of his life as a Kansas City area resident. Larry graduated from Southwest High School in 1958, then attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and received a postgraduate degree from University of Iowa. Post university attendance he worked as a city planner, eventually becoming a small business owner of a window and storm door company. 

Larry was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Overland Park, KS. 

Larry is survived by his daughters: Susan (Nochum) Efroymson, Carrie Fleider, and Dawn (Max) Bachman; grandchildren: Eli (Raychel), Dovid (Shira), Reva, Shaya (Chani), Yosef (Sorah), Benyomin, Devorah, Anabel, Mayah, and Livia; 11 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law: Debra and Ben Rubin and their children: Sheila (Kenny) Sonnenschein, Tanya Rubin, and Rachel Rubin. 

Larry was a loving and caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his beloved family. Larry will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. 

Services held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Raytown, MO.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Heritage Senior Center at the Kansas City Jewish Community Center or Kansas City Jewish Family Services. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

Ruth G. Fromstein 

Ruth Fromstein, a lifelong lover of arts and culture, learning, languages and Judaism, died at her Bethesda home on February 28, 2023. She was 87. 

Ruth was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend – and, especially, wife to her husband of 66 years, James Fromstein. 

Ruth and James met in 1952, when they were both undergraduate students at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. They got married the day after graduation and immediately moved to North Carolina, where James was stationed as an Army private first class. 

They later moved to James’ hometown, Milwaukee, where Ruth began a career as a writer, advertising copywriter and public relations consultant. She also wrote a book, “Milwaukee: The Best of All Worlds” and later produced a history for the 150th anniversary of her synagogue, Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. 

Ruth was also dedicated to community involvement as well as to the arts, often finding ways to join the two. She served as a docent at the Milwaukee Art Museum, volunteered for the Milwaukee Public Museum and was a board member of the Volunteer Center for Greater Milwaukee. She was a frequent visitor to all manner of arts institutions, including dance performances, jazz and classical music concerts, and art museums. 

She traveled widely. She loved languages, especially French, taking immersion classes and studying in France in mid-life. She was passionate about the importance of learning, which prompted her to pursue educational opportunities throughout her life. 

Ruth was also deeply involved with Jewish life. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, she moved with her parents at an early age to Birmingham, Alabama, where her father, Milton Grafman, was the rabbi at Temple Emanu-El from 1941 until 1975. Both Ruth and her brother, Stephen Grafman, were greatly influenced by their parents. Milton Grafman was a descendant of a long line of rabbis and cantors. His wife of 64 years, Ida Weinstein Grafman, graduated from the University of Cincinnati when women students were very much in the minority. 

Ruth grew up during a time when women generally did not read from the Torah or celebrate a Bat Mitzvah. True to her devotion to learning and Judaism, she learned a Torah portion and read it as part of her grandson’s Bar Mitzvah in 2009. 

Survivors include her husband, James Fromstein of Bethesda, Maryland; daughter Mollie Fromstein (Jeffrey) Katz of Bethesda, Maryland; son Richard (Raleigh Shapiro) Fromstein of Golden Valley, Minnesota; granddaughters Mari Fromstein of Orono, Maine, Emily Katz of Washington, D.C., Elisha Fromstein of Boston, Massachusetts, and Julia Fromstein of Golden Valley, Minnesota; grandson Benjamin Katz of Bethesda, Maryland; and brother Stephen (Marilyn) Grafman of Potomac, Maryland. 

The family requests that contributions in Ruth’s name be made to one of the three similarly-named congregations that occupied such an important part of her life – Temple Emanu-El of Birmingham, Alabama; Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun of River Hills, Wisconsin, or Temple Emanuel of Kensington, Maryland. 

Michael Jerry Green   

Michael Jerry Green, 81, died Oct. 22, 2022. He worked at Master Lock Company for 43 years. His interests included photography, reading, model trains and his beloved chihuahuas.   

He is survived by spouse Lorry (nee Wiza). Father of Suzanne (Darryl) Smith. Grandfather of 10, with two great-grandchildren. Brother of Arleen (Joel) Teplinsky. Uncle of David (Kimberly) and Aimee. Son of Fay and Joseph Green, z”l.   

Memorial contributions may be sent to donor’s choice.   

Miriam “Mimi” Habush 

Miriam “Mimi” Habush died on Feb. 27, 2023, at home in the company of her loving family, and is survived by her devoted husband of over 65 years, Robert, her children Jodi Habush Sinykin (Daniel Sinykin) and Sherri Habush, sister Sheila Lucks, and grandchildren, Sam, Elliana, Zachary and Justin Sinykin and Elizabeth Habush. She was the beloved daughter of Esther and Hyman Friedman, and a cherished friend to many. 

Mimi will be remembered, forever and always, for her kind and loving ways. She truly radiated beauty inside and out. She viewed the world through compassionate eyes, with heartfelt empathy for the hardships of others and a lifelong soft spot for all animals, particularly dogs. After her first-born daughter Sherri suffered brain damage as an infant, Mimi never relented in her determination to give her a life filled with as many opportunities for joy and independence as possible. Through her persistence and advocacy, Mimi paved the way for other parents with special needs children, helping them to go to school, attend summer camp, and experience Special Olympics. 

Mimi loved being around people and staying active. She especially enjoyed taking long walks with her daughter and their beloved dogs, special times with her husband, and “date days” with her grandchildren. While active in philanthropy throughout her life, Mimi was, above all, an extraordinarily loving wife, mother and nana. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Maria Olmos for her many years of devoted care and kindness. 

Funeral services were March 1 at Congregation Shalom. Interment at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be directed to the Milwaukee Jewish Day School or Jewish Family Services. 

Dr. Hermes J Hoffman 

Dr. Hermes J. Hoffman, Glendale, died March 4, 2023, age 97.  

Loving husband for 74 years of Thelma Hoffman (nee Letven). Dear father of Gail (Rick Meyer) Hoffman, Cary Hoffman, and Julie Feller. Cherished grandfather of Samantha Feller; Mara (David) Mintz, Jamie (Jordan Steinhart) Simon-Meyer, Zachary Meyer. Further survived by his great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. Proud World War II veteran having served on the USS Recruit (AM-285). Funeral services were March 8 at Congregation Sinai, Fox Point. Interment at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Memorials in memory of Dr. Hermes J. Hoffman to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, P.O. Box 636, Port Washington, WI 53074 or Marquette University School of Dentistry, Marquette University, PO Box 7013, Carol Stream, IL 60197. Cantor Richard Newman assisted the family, with Blane Goodman Funeral Service. 

Linda Leshin 

Linda Leshin (nee Schnoll) died March 5, 2023, at the age of 81. 

Beloved wife of the late Marvin Leshin. Loving mother of Rachael (David) Marks and Ellen (Eugene) Mauermann. Proud grandmother of Teah, Eve and Solomon Marks and Ezabella and Tovah Mauermann. Dear sister of Howard (Barbara) Schnoll. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends. 

A graveside service was held on March 6 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield.  Rabbi Dovid Rapoport officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

Memorial contributions made to the Mequon Jewish Preschool, BBYO- Wisconsin Region or Friendship Circle are appreciated. 

Faina Litvak 

Faina Litvak (nee Langerman) died March 13, 2023 at the age of 89.   

Beloved wife of Dmitriy Litvak. Loving mother of Mikhail (Galina Guzikova). Proud grandmother of Maria (Igor Soren) Litvak.Further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Graveside service held March 16 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice are appreciated. 

Louise Lynne Martay 

Louise Lynne Martay died suddenly on Feb. 15, 2023. 

Lynne was born on September 13, 1946, in Milwaukee to Harry and Eva Stein. 

Lynne married Alan Martay in 1971 and they soon moved from Wisconsin to the Houston, Texas area. She worked as managing director of information systems for Ranger Insurance and was a member of their Board of Directors. Lynne retired from Sungard-SBPA just a few years ago. 

Along with her vocation Lynne loved to travel to England, Canada and other interesting places and spending time with her family. 

Lynne is survived by her husband of 52 years, Alan Martay; brother-in-law David and Patsy Martay; sister-In-law Linda and Brian Shapiro; and nephews Justin and Adam Shapiro and Cory Martay. 

A private service was held honoring her life and legacy. 

Donations made in her loving memory may be made to American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or to the Emergency Aid Coalition of Houston (eachouston.org). 

Lois Stoler 

Lois Stoler, 86, a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2022, at University Hospital surrounded by her two loving sons, David Stoler of Madison and Bob (Glynn) Stoler of Tampa, Florida. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Norton Stoler. In addition to her sons, Lois is survived by two grandchildren, Leo Stoler of Tampa, Florida and Grace Stoler of Gainesville, Florida; her sister, Estelle Felber of Mequon, Wisconsin; cousins, nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends. 

Lois loved local history and historic preservation. She and her late husband Nort Stoler led a community-wide fundraising effort to save Madison’s Gates of Heaven old synagogue building (constructed in 1863) from the wrecking ball. 

A private service was heldCress Funeral & Cremation Service assisted the family. 

A celebration of Lois’ life is planned for Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Gates of Heaven. 

Sanford Wagan 

Sanford Wagan, Scottsdale, Arizona, died Dec. 28, 2022.  

Sanford was 79, born Sept. 16, 1943. Sanford graduated from Washington High School and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Survivors include spouse Pearl Wagan, daughter Tracey Buckner, granddaughter Natalie Hirsch, and brothers Paul Wagan and Howard Wagan.  

Preceded in death by parents Isadore and Shrley Wagan and son Eric Wagan.  

Burial at Beth Israel ery Jan. 2 in Phoenix, with assistance from Sinai Mortuary of Arizona. 

Jay Wales 

Jay Wales died March 11, 2023, age 58, Milwaukee. 

Preceded in death by father, Larry Wales. Dear son of Marcia Hecker. Cherished brother of Scott (Michelle) Wales. Loving uncle of Blair and Ava Wales. Also survived by his stepmother Jackie Wales and -siblings Marci Radbil, Jeffrey Rosengarten, Michael Rosengarten, Larry Rosengarten. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held March 14 at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Glendale. Interment at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery, Milwaukee, with Rabbi Joel Alter and Blane Goodman Funeral Service. Memorials to Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid or Grand Avenue Club, Inc., 210 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.  

Adolf Zakaryants 

Adolf Zakaryants died Feb. 15, 2023, at the age of 89.  

Beloved husband, life companion and best friend of 65 years to Mina (nee Brichko). Cherished father of Alex (Yelena) and Oleg Zakaryants. Loving grandfather of Elina (Ran Eliahu). Proud great-grandfather of Daniel and Ari Eliahu. 

Adolf was born on July 20, 1933, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (former USSR). He survived the atrocities of World War II. Adolf went on to become a distinguished electrical engineer and one of the key individuals responsible for the electrification of the country. At the time of his retirement, he led the largest division in the State Department of Energy. He was highly respected by his peers and those who knew him for his strength of character, fairness, and his vast knowledge which he shared freely.  

Above his ambition to excel academically and professionally, Adolf dedicated all his energy to building a better life for his family. He was a true role model for his sons.  

Adolf received a devastating diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer in December 2022. This devious disease took him away from his family, thus creating a pain and void that are impossible to describe. He struggled immensely, but in his last moments was finally free of pain. He was a man of quiet strength.  

Adolf was the rock of the family, and they will miss him. 

A funeral service was held Feb. 20 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home.Interment took place at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield.