Obituaries, June 2023 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries, June 2023

Raisa Adamskaya

Raisa Adamskaya (nee Faktorovich) died May 12, 2023, at the age of 86.

Beloved wife of the late Boris Adamskiy. Cherished mother of Leonid Adamskiy. Loving grandmother of Marina (Jamie) Sodd. Further survived by Tatyana Adamskaya, other loving relatives, and many dear friends.

A private graveside service was held at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated.

Phillip Akwa

Phillip Akwa died peacefully in Florida on April 26, 2023 at the age of 94.

He was born May 1, 1928, son of Charles and Clara Akwa (nee Rapkin). Husband to Chris and father to Charlene, Ellen, Karen (Neil Swartz) and Carla Akwa. Uncle to Sharon, Freddie, Mark, Scott, Dave and Alan Glazer and Iris Brackett. He was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Akwa.

Phil graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and loved the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.

Graveside funeral service held May 2 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department appreciated.

Miriam Ruth Ansfield

Miriam Ruth Ansfield died unexpectedly on April 24, 2023, at the age of 85.

Predeceased by her parents, Dr. David and Kay (nee Chechik) Ansfield, and her brother, Dr. Paul J. (Sandra) Ansfield. Further survived by her niece and nephew, other relatives and friends.

A memorial visitation took place May 18 at Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home, which also assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the ASPCA, American Heart Association, Red Cross or the Milwaukee Jewish Federation appreciated.

Neill Boris

Diana Ellison

Diana Ellison (nee Krugman) died in Northampton, Pennylvania on April 29, 2023 at the age of 91.

Beloved wife of the late Theodore Ellison. Cherished mother of Barbara (Gregory) Zacher, Richard Ellison and Mark Ellison. Loving grandmother of Rachel Zacher, Sami (Seth) Rabinovitz, Daniel Ellison, Brett Ellison and proud great-grandmother of Rivka Rabinovitz. Further survived by her brother Don Krugman, other loving relatives and dear friends.

A graveside service was held on May 5 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Cantor Martin Levson officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions made to Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha appreciated.

Julius Garber

With sadness the family announces the death of Julius Garber. Born June 3, 1923, Julius lived until just shy of his 100th birthday. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and adoring husband to his wife, Ann (nee Weinstein) for 70 years, from 1949 until her death in 2019. His humble beginnings contributed to both his humility and drive as he quietly became a very successful entrepreneur and mentor.

Julius graduated from North Division High School and was immediately drafted into the Army to serve in World War II where he served with distinction. He was sent to France in 1943 in preparation for the invasion of Italy and participated in the Battle of the Rapido River where he was shot in the arm and almost bled to death. Upon his recovery, he was sent back to fight and was captured by the Germans and sent to a prisoner of war camp, Stalog 7A in Mooseberg, Germany, where he remained for the last six months of the war. Luckily, he was able to conceal the fact that he was Jewish. When the war ended, he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal and a Prisoner of War Medal, but his greatest honor was to be asked to become a White House Guard. He always told people the highlight of that time was meeting President and Mrs. Harry Truman.

After the war, Julius moved to San Diego, where his parents relocated, and attended San Diego State College on the GI Bill. On a trip back to Wisconsin to visit his sister, he met his future wife and within two weeks, they were engaged.

Julius went to work in the family business, Railroad Salvage Co., becoming its president in 1958. He greatly expanded the business, largely in the Third Ward, purchasing many of the old warehouses in the area. His son, Mark, joined him in business and they eventually transitioned into real estate, first residential and later commercial. The company is now called Garber Properties, Inc. and owns commercial property in Wisconsin, Illinois and several other states.

Julius enjoyed his family and friends and especially his grandchildren. Julius and Ann loved to travel all over the world. He was a gifted artist who used to draw portraits of people at restaurants while he waited for the food. Later in life as a resident of Chai Point, he drew pictures of his neighbors and the people who worked there. He also loved playing the stock market and was an active day trader well into his 90s.

Julius is survived by his son, Mark (Judy). Loving grandfather to Joel (Araceli) and Daniel (Dana) and great-grandfather to Miles, Lilou, Eleanor, Grayson and Ezra Garber. Further survived by beloved sisters-in-law, Paula and Lottie Garber. Preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Rose (nee Rakita) Garber and brothers, Bernard, Nathan and Jack (Shirley) Garber and sister, Eva (Stanley) Liss. The family wishes to thank the head caregiver, Fatima, as well as Gemma and Angie who helped to do so much for Julius in his final years.

A memorial service was held at Chai Point on April 30. Private burial took place at Spring Hill Cemetery. Rabbi Levi Emmer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Ovation Communities, Congregation Shalom or the charity of your choice appreciated.

Ardene E. Gorelick

Ardene E. Gorelick (nee Lusthaus) died peacefully on May 10, 2023 at the age of 93.

Ardene lived a full life and will be remembered for touching many lives with her piano playing as well as her unwavering positivity and generosity. Beloved wife of the late Daniel Gorelick. Loving mother of Harold Gollman, Deborah Elliott, the late Carol Gollman and the late Judy Gollman. Proud grandmother of Shaina (Sam) Elliott, Gerald (Melody Russ) Elliott and Rebecca (Marco) Gollman, Rebecca Moser, Neska Adler, Rena Adler, Lisa Rubin as well as four great-grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service held May 12 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Levi Emmer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Golda Meir House appreciated.

Felisa R. Grant

Felisa R. Grant (nee Arenzon) died on May 2, 2023 at the age of 92.

Beloved wife of the late Leslie Grant. Loving mother of Joseph (Helen), Hector and Mirta Sectzer. Proud grandmother of five grandchildren and great-grandmother of 11 great-grandchildren. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral service held on May 5 at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Congregation Shalom appreciated.

Nathaniel Hoffman

Nathaniel Hoffman died on May 16, 2023 at the age of 74.

Beloved husband of Sara Hoffman (nee Fishman). Loving father of Shua (Leah) Hoffman, Rivke (Aryeh Zev) Gardner, Estie (Shloimy) Heifetz, and Dovid (Leah) Hoffman. Proud grandfather of many grandchildren. Further survived by other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services held on May 17 at Congregation Beth Jehudah, Milwaukee. Interment was at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Michel Twerski officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Congregation Beth Jehudah appreciated.

Stanley A. Holland

Stanley A. Holland died April 22, 2023 at the age of 96.

Beloved husband of the late Cese Holland (nee Lubotsky). Cherished father of Mark Holland and Marla (Mark) Benjamin. Loving grandfather of Sarah (Corey Cook) Benjamin, Alexander Holland and the late David Benjamin. Dear brother of the late Kenneth (the late Sara) Holland. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services held April 25 at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, River Hills. Interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.

Memorial contributions to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, Ovation Communities, Ascension Wisconsin Foundation or the charity of your choice appreciated.

Rozaliya Itskovich

Rozaliya Itskovich died April 21, 2023 at the age of 83. Wife of Pavel Chernyakov. Loving mother of Liya Chernyakova and dear grandmother of Anna-Rachel Chernyakova-Itskovich. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to wisconsin4ukraine.org, ukrainetrustchain.org or razomforukraine.org.

Leonard Lauwasser

Leonard Lauwasser died on May 9, 2023 at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Carole Lauwasser (nee Rosen). Loving father of Mark (Cindy) Lauwasser and Marla (Joseph) Fraunfelder. Proud grandfather of Scot (Robyn) Lauwasser. Dear brother of Dr. Marvin (Marlene) Lauwasser. Fond step-grandfather of Cass (Andrea), Joel (Lotis) and Patrick (Michelle) Fraunfelder. Further survived by other relatives and dear friends. Graveside funeral services held at Agudas Achim Cemetery. Rabbi Abby Phelps officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.

Fredric Neubauer

Fredric Neubauer died suddenly on May 13, 2023.

Beloved husband to Tamara and loving father to Danielle, Michael, Noah and Eddie. Fred was the middle son of the late Edward and Helene Neubauer and the adored brother of Mark (Diane) and Jim (Elizabeth). Fun loving uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandniece. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura.

Fred was a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and Shorewood High School. Guided by his trusted mentor, Jerry Dorf, Fred had a successful career in the grocery distribution/sales industry culminating with creating FDM Business Development, after many years at Milwaukee Biscuit Company. Fred was proud of the culture he fostered and the many lives he impacted through his leadership. A very generous man in both time and treasure, he was guided by a daily practice of spirituality, arising early each morning to sit on his deck reading the bible and praying. He loved spending time in Palm Springs and southern California with his family. Fred cherished participating with his two oldest children in the Ragbrai 500-mile bike race in Iowa and taking Tamara and all four of his children to sporting events and concerts. Fred and Tamara were committed to making a difference through donations to many charities and by establishing a scholarship fund for education. His family said they will miss his love, humor including Seinfeld quotes, and deep commitment to excellence in all things; Fred was taken too soon from us.

Services took place on May 18 with interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorials in Fred’s name appreciated to New-Name.org and to SecureFutures.org appreciated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.

Corinne Plotkin

Corinne Plotkin (nee Krantz) died May 18, 2023 at the age of 86.

Beloved wife of Bernard J. Plotkin. Loving mother of Rozlynn (Tom Bauer), Elizabeth (Mark Gill), Mark (Philip Berry) and John (Laurie) Plotkin. Proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by brother, Sanford Krantz. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Heartis Village North Shore Assisted Living for the wonderful care provided to Corinne.

Corinne was an avid reader and educator who taught remedial reading to returning students at UWM.

Funeral services held May 22 at Congregation Shalom, Fox Point. Interment was at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the North Shore Library Campaign, 9075 N. Regent Road, Bayside, WI 53217 appreciated.

Ferne Schefrin

Ferne Schefrin, 82, died April 10, 2023.

Ferne was born Oct. 30, 1940, in Cleveland. Graduated from Shaker Heights High School, 1958, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1962.

Ferne enjoyed golf, bridge, travel and adopting rescue dogs.

Survivors are sons Scott (Elizabeth) and Dean (Sharan), and grandchildren, Carly, Jamie and Jasleen.

Memorial contributions are welcome to any local animal rescue center or donors’ choice.

Annalee Sosman

Annalee Sosman died peacefully after a brief illness. She was the matriarch of a large family that adored her. Annalee was born 97 years ago to her loving parents, Sam and Ida Kahn.

She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Milwaukee State Teachers College. In her role as an early childhood teacher, she began her lifelong gift of nurturing. In 1948, she met the love of her life and husband of 56 years, Abe Sosman. Together, they raised a family in Fox Point, surrounding themselves with extended family and many dear friends. Her family said they loved their community and Annalee was always involved in charitable and Jewish organizations. She overflowed with love for her family, and also spread her kindness to all who knew her. Annalee served as an example of grace, treating everyone with compassion and respect. She was truly a Bubbe to all.

Annalee was survived by her children: Sharon (Richard) Canter, Jeff (Dana Ziebel) Sosman, Jim (Melissa) Sosman and Linda (Paul Zimmermann) Sosman. She was the beloved grandmother of Matt (Kyle), Rachel (Jonathan), Suzannah, Naomi, Rebecca, Samantha (Danny), Jeremy (Kenzie), Ethan (Anna) and Jonah. She also was great-grandmother to Sam, Maya, Jaxon, Ella, Jordan and Miles. She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews. Annalee was preceded in death by her adoring husband and parents, beloved in-laws (Louis and Anna Sosman), her dear sister Esther Lansky, brother Leonard Kahn and niece Judy Lansky, as well as countless friends.

Graveside services were March 19 at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorials to Ovation – Chai Point, Annalee’s home for 15 years, or the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.

Richard Strauss

Richard “Dickie” Emil Strauss passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023 at the age of 83, leaving behind a family who cherished him immensely. He now reunites with his beloved parents, Milton and Goldene Strauss, and sister Gloria Diamond, leaving a tremendous void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Richard’s charismatic personality was evident from a young age as his Whitefish Bay High School yearbook read, “smooth, easy manner – unanimous choice as the coolest guy in the senior class…” His infectious smile, coupled with his striking blue eyes and genuine interest in the well-being of others, lit up every room he entered, leaving a lasting impression on all those he encountered. In his free time, Richard loved to rollerblade, soak up the sun, and maintain a perfect tan in Milwaukee — often spotted driving down Lake Drive shirtless, tilting his head to the sun at each stop light. He spent winters in Las Vegas with his wife Cheryl, indulging in shows, great meals, gambling and more sunshine. Richard’s greatest joy was his family. He took immense pride in his wife Cheryl, his children Randal, Timmy and Danielle Strauss, and his four grandchildren, Cole, Chandlar, Justin and Riley Strauss. He was their biggest fan, attending all of their music recitals, dance performances, charity, and sporting events as a season ticket holder.

Richard grew family-owned Strauss Brothers Packing Company alongside his father into an internationally recognized brand. He fulfilled his dream when sons Randy and Timmy joined the company and worked together to expand its success. Richard watched with tremendous pride as the fourth generation, his grandson Cole, followed in his footsteps.

Throughout his later life, Richard showed immense bravery as he fought a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, which ultimately took him from his family. Despite his disease, he was always content and never needed much to be happy. Richard was constantly surrounded by his family’s love and support, sharing stories, laughter, and in his final months, an endless stream of tears. His family extends gratitude to the caretakers who provided Richard with such wonderful care and support. Richard’s kind, generous soul and simple nature profoundly impacted the people around him. The family will honor Richard with private services. May Richard’s legacy live on, and his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.