Dr. James J. Ansfield
We mourn the passing of Dr. James J. Ansfield, a vibrant fixture of Milwaukee’s Jewish community, on April 10, 2023, at his home in Mequon. He was 81.
An adored physician, husband, father, friend, and chocoholic, Jimmy dedicated his life to sharing life’s joys and his infectious spirit with others. Among much else, he will be remembered as an extraordinary doctor who prioritized bedside manner and personalized care over the bottom line. Known later in life as “Jimmy Blue,” he was often seen in cobalt hues, exuding sweetness, compassion, and youthful cheer. Even at the age of 80, he was a crowd favorite in the annual Whitefish Bay Fourth of July Parade, rollerblading in his stars and stripes costume as “Patriotic Super Roller Doc.”
The son of a revered doctor (Maurice) and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee literature scholar (Esther), Jimmy graduated from Whitefish Bay High School and University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his formative years he spent summers in the Northwoods helping to launch Camp Timberlane. He later earned a degree from Marquette Medical School (now the Medical College of Wisconsin) and trained at Wadsworth VA Hospital in Los Angeles and Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver, before entering private practice and returning to Milwaukee in 1977. Over the next 35 years, he honed a profoundly humanistic approach to internal medicine and gastroenterology. An appointment with him was as likely to traverse intestinal issues as it was family matters. In all probability, he would whip out his wallet and share photos of his kids and grandkids.
Jim will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Joni, his children Jonathan and Amy (Li) Ansfield, and Bench Ansfield and Nataliya Braginsky, his brother Dr. Tom and Lynn Ansfield, his stepchildren Randy, Timmy, and Danielle Strauss, and his grandchildren Mirah and Rivah Ansfield, and Chandlar, Cole, Justin, and Riley Strauss. The funeral was April 14, 2023, with Congregation Sinai, followed by interment at Second Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center of Milwaukee Jewish Federation or the charity of your choice are appreciated. Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Maks Dukhin
Maks Dukhin died on March 31, 2023, at the age of 82.
Beloved husband of Ada Dukhin (nee Zaretser). Loving father of Boris (Dina) and Dmitry. Proud grandfather of Nadya and Maya. Preceded in death by siblings, Leonid Dukhin and Liza Shibaeva. Graveside service held April 3 at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Shimmy Susskind officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Yakov Epshteyn
Yakov Epshteyn, 48, of Cedarburg, died on April 15, 2023, after a long battle with chronic illness.
Yakov was born on July 31, 1974, to Leonid and Nadezhda in Minsk, Belarus. After graduating from high school in Minsk, Yakov emigrated to the U.S. with his father and two sisters, Leila and Natasha. He then studied to be a tool and die maker at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
After graduation, he landed his first job in his field of study as a machine operator for Universal Brixius. Shortly after, he secured a job with Strattec, where he remained working for the past 20 years. In the early 2000s, he met Vera Gelfand; they wed in 2006 and went on to have two children, Nadia and Andrew.
Yakov was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Nadia and Andrew, and always tried his best to support them. He made every effort to be there for every moment of their lives, attending every soccer game, tournament, and football game. Yakov was also passionate about soccer and could be found multiple nights a week either playing soccer in adult competitive leagues or watching soccer games any chance he could. When he wasn’t enjoying soccer, he could be found fishing or enjoying the outdoors.
Anyone who knew Yakov knew he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for, who was taken from us far too soon, and he will be sincerely missed by so many. Yakov was predeceased by his parents Nadezhda Tishkevich and Leonid Epshteyn. He is survived by his wife Vera (nee Gelfand), children Nadia and Andrew, sisters Leila (Dmitry) Levin and Natasha (Daniel) Kegel, nephew Robert (Monica) Levin, and cousin Yelena Chuzhoy. He is further survived by many other loving relatives and dear friends.
Graveside service held April 17, 2023 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to offset the funeral expenses and outstanding medical bills at Everloved.com/life-of/yakov-epshteyn.
Wren Gollin
Wren Gollin (formerly known as Miranda Jeanne Gollin) died on March 23, 2023, while attending the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Wren was 19 at the time of their passing. Wren is survived by their parents, Vanessa and David Gollin; and their siblings, Danny Gollin and Olivia Gollin. Wren was also survived by their grandparents, Deborah and James Gollin, and Joan (Jaquish) Bellamy; several uncles, aunts, and cousins, and countless friends. Wren was preceded in death by their grandmother, Nancy Lytle, and their grandfather, John Jaquish.
Wren had a deep love of all things science and was pursuing a Biochemistry / Molecular Biology major at Puget Sound. Wren was a talented artist and creative spirit, designing most of their own tattoos. And to their core, Wren was a strong advocate of the equal treatment of all people.
In accordance with Wren’s wishes, and their family’s deep grief, no funeral or shiva will be held. Rather, Wren’s parents will hold a private memorial/celebration of life in the coming months.
Wren’s family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and support they have received since Wren’s untimely death. To honor Wren in a manner most befitting the person Wren was, the family asks that any donations in Wren’s memory be made to The Trevor Project at Give.thetrevorproject.org/wrengollin.
Sviatlana Kryvamazava
Sviatlana Kryvamazava (nee Budanov) died on March 28, 2023 at the age of 76.
Beloved wife of the late Nikolay Krivomazov. Loving mother of Valentina (Roman) Krivomazov and Andrey Krivomazov. Proud grandmother of Leah, Nachum, Kim and Andrea Krivomazov. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Graveside funeral service held March 30 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.
Harriet K. Levine
Harriet K. Levine (nee Ketay) died on April 16, 2023, at the age of 97.
Preceded in death by her husband, William H. Levine; parents, Harry and Rose (nee Plotkin) Ketay; and siblings, Florence (the late William) Domnitz, Marion (the late Julian) Abrams and Melvin Ketay. Dear mother of Alan, the late Myles (Karen), Ned (Helen) and Ross (Claire) Levine. Also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Further survived by nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends. Private funeral services have been held. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Rabbi Avner Zarmi
Rabbi Avner Zarmi died on April 16, 2023 at the age of 69. Beloved husband of Arlene Becker Zarmi. Loving father of David and Tzepah Zarmi. Proud grandfather of Yehuda, Leeba, Ahuva, and Leah. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Burial took place in Israel at Derech Hachaim in Beit Shemesh on April 1. Shiva will be in Bnei Brak and Los Angeles. Memorial contributions to Wisconsin Institute of Torah Study appreciated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Illya Zaychik
Illya Zaychik died on April 3, 2023 at the age of 63.
Beloved son of Leonid Zaychik and Raisa Salnitskaya. Loving father of Julia Zaychik. Dear brother of Ellen (Illya) Zaitchyk. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Funeral service held April 10 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment was at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbis Yaakov Elman and Joel Dinin officiated. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.
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