Obituaries, November 2023

Mark Edward Brickman 

Mark Edward Brickman passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 5, 2023, surrounded by family and his beloved pets, at the age of 89. 

Born in Milwaukee on June 1, 1934, he was the son of Mae (nee Bogost) and Norman Brickman, brother of Marilyn Last of Chicago, and predeceased by sister Nena (Tom) Dyhr of Madison. Beloved husband of Cheryl of Mequon.  

Mark graduated from Riverside High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he met and later married Connie Schwartz, mother of his three children, Julie (Jim) Tynion of New York, Ned (Katerina) Brickman of Milwaukee and Pam (Len) Kasper of Chicago. He was stepfather to Rachel VanderWeit and proud Papa to 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  

Mark served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Marksman. He worked in several jobs (and donated plasma) to support his young family, including washing windows at Schlitz Brewery. In 1957 he found his life-long career in commercial real estate when he joined the Robert A. Polacheck Company (later CBRE). He began as one of three brokers, eventually rising to president and CEO, with more than 50 employees.  

Mark was instrumental in the development of Mayfair Mall, Milwaukee’s first major shopping center. It was his idea for McDonald’s windows to overlook the indoor ice rink. In 1962 he brought Baskin Robbins stores to the Midwest, even getting to name some ice cream flavors. When the Northridge area was thriving, aside from the mall, Mark was responsible for nearly every commercial property between 68th and 88th on Brown Deer Road.  

He was key in leasing every Kohl’s Food Store around the state and was responsible for numerous other commercial developments in southeast Wisconsin. Mark mentored countless individuals and mastered the art of delegating to other associates; he allowed others to advance their careers as he took a step out of the limelight. Even in retirement he remained active in the field, developing properties into his late 80s.  

Mark was an avid philanthropist for many causes, with those connected to the State of Israel closest to his heart. In 2022, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. He wholeheartedly devoted his time and talents to NAACP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, UW Veterinary School, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and more organizations.  

Mark served the boards of numerous organizations including: Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Art Museum, COA and the UWM Lubar School of Business. Mark was an outstanding golfer and two-time Club Champion at Brynwood Country Club. He was passionate about nature, birding, world traveling (with more than 50 trips to Israel), classical music (especially Gershwin) and loved movies and theater. He was a longtime supporter of the MSO, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.  

The family would like to thank the many doctors (Daniel Jankins, James Thomas, Yee Lan Wong, Candace Johnstone) and nurses at Ascension Ozaukee County and Froedtert Hospitals, Sacred Heart and Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin; and the home caregivers (Melissa, Skeeter, Maria, Tyson, Dolores, Edilberto and JoAnn) who took such good care of him. Private service and burial. His warm smile, wry sense of humor and well-earned wisdom will be missed by friends, family and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following would greatly honor Mark: Congregation Emanu El B’ne Jeshurun, Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, HERC, Milwaukee Urban Stables, OWLT or the Ozaukee County Humane Society. 

Place of burial was Spring Hill Cemetery with Rabbi Marc Berkson, Rabbi Jessica Barolsky, and Cantor David Barash assisting the family. The funeral home was Blane Goodman Funeral Service.  

Minnette Brody

Minnette Brody (nee Laux) died on Sept. 23, 2023, age 84 years. 

Beloved wife of the late Leonard C. Brody. Loving mother of Helene (Menachem) Kravitz, David Brody, and Marc Brody. Proud grandmother of Rivka Miriam Weiss (Asher Zelig), and Dylan James, Addison Jade, and Morgan Julia Brody; and great-grandmother of Romi and Ellie Weiss. Fond sister of Ronald (Kathy) Laux. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 
 
Minnette proudly served in the Department of Wisconsin Jewish War Veterans and was a devoted member of Temple Menorah. 

A funeral service was held at Temple Menorah, Milwaukee, on Sept. 27. Interment followed at Temple Menorah Ever-Rest Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Temple Menorah or the charity of your choice appreciated.  

Eleanor Danziger  

Eleanor Danziger (nee Rosner) died on Oct. 4, 2023 at the age of 101.  

Beloved wife of the late Herbert Danziger. Cherished mother of Kathleen (Jerome) Fortier, the late Peter (Joan) Danziger and the late Michael (Rebecca) Danziger. Grandmother of Julie Butler, Reuben (Kelly) Fortier, Lisa (Jason) Metz, Carrie (Brian) Rasizer, Beth (Justin) Ferrentino, and 11 great-grandchildren. 

Private graveside funeral services were held. Rabbi Yosef Samuels officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

Riva Lee Goldstein

Riva Lee Goldstein (nee Holzman) died on Oct. 4, 2023, at the age of 89.   

Beloved wife of the late Maynard Goldstein. Cherished mother of Wendy (Robert) Rubinyi, Alan Goldstein and William (Amy) Goldstein. Proud grandmother of Steven (Anastasiia), Daniel, Lara, Erik (Alla), Sara (Dylan) and Claire (Emilio). Riva will also be missed by other relatives and special friends including the Check family. 

Graveside funeral service held Oct. 8 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Taylor Poslosky officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Jones-Harrison Senior Living, 3700 Cedar Lake Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55416, appreciated.  

Charlotte Mirman

Charlotte Mirman (nee Cohen), age 95, died peacefully, on Oct. 5, 2023, at Whispering Pines Assisted Living Center in Plover. 

Born on Sept. 8, 1928, in Milwaukee, she married Harvey Mirman in 1947 and moved to Stevens Point where she worked for many years at Mirman’s furniture and JCPenney. She was a tremendous cook and prolific baker. Her bundt cakes, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies were the best. She was always positive, upbeat and happy, even during difficult times.  

Charlotte is survived by her two children, Paul and Marcy Mirman as well as her special family friend, Shelley Binder. Preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Mirman, and sister, Evelyn (the late James) Paschen. The family would like to thank the staff of the lodge at Whispering Pines and Hospice for the kind and compassionate care provided to Charlotte.

Graveside funeral service held Oct. 10 at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the Spash Trophy Case Fund, appreciated in care of Paul Mirman. See funeral home website for more information.

Eleanor Danziger  

Eleanor Danziger (nee Rosner), born Aug. 21, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Oct. 4, 2023, at the age of 101 in Milwaukee.

Beloved wife of the late Herbert Danziger. Cherished mother of Kathleen (Jerome) Fortier, the late Peter (Joan) Danziger and the late Michael (Rebecca) Danziger.  Grandmother of Julie Butler, Reuben (Kelly) Fortier, Lisa (Jason) Metz, Carrie (Brian) Rasizer, Beth (Justin) Ferrentino, and 11 great-grandchildren.  

Her family points out that she was a woman of valor. A lifelong inspiration to her family and friends. A woman of wisdom who was generous in heart and spirit. A rare and gentle soul.  
Kindness and goodness is the legacy she leaves and will be passed on through all who know and loved her. She was a dear friend and role-model for many people across generations. People of all ages will miss her wit and wisdom.

She lived her life to the fullest and in her final months, days, and hours she was bravery personified.

Ellie was an example of what’s possible in life. She lived independently for 100 years and was always socially, culturally and politically connected to the world. She loved to dance, visit art galleries and museums and she was a life-long student. She loved chocolate and orchids. She loved her work as a teacher of social studies. Her students adored her. 

Ellie was fortunate in life and was always surrounded by people who cherished her. She had no enemies. She always supported her own children’s choices and endeavors and was their best cheerleader. What a blessed life she was given, and she knew it and was grateful. Her place in this world will never be filled. She was unique. She contained multitudes. 

Private graveside funeral services have been held. Rabbi Yosef Samuels officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.

Anna Nebrat

Anna Nebrat (nee Desyatnik) died on Oct. 13, 2023 at the age of 87. 

Beloved wife of the late Alexander Nebrat. Loving mother of Sam (Marina) and Vladimir (Diana Klebam) Nebrat.  Further survived by other dear relatives and friends.  

Graveside funeral service was held Oct. 16 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. 

Donald Lee Oppenheimer

Donald Lee Oppenheimer died surrounded by his family on Oct. 6, 2023, at the age of 94.  

Beloved husband of the late Patricia Oppenheimer (née Rosen). Cherished father of Ellen (Marshall) Moskol, Wendy (David) Winograd, Jori Weiss and Rory (Leslie) Oppenheimer. Proud grandfather of Ryan (Annie) Rittberg, Josh (Molly) Rittberg, Taylor Moskol, Evan Winograd, Ashley (Chieh Min) Winograd, Blair (Eyal) Winograd, Brynn Weiss, Brett Weiss, Brody Weiss, Zoe Oppenheimer, Maddie Oppenheimer, and Talia Oppenheimer. Preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Ethel Oppenheimer (née Chaimson), and his beloved brother-in-law, Sidney (the late Esther) Rosen. Also survived by other loving relatives, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.  

Graveside funeral services were held at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Congregation Shalom’s I. Sidney and Esther Rosen Campership Fund appreciated. 

Delores “Diddy” Pittelman 

Delores “Diddy” Pittelman (nee Cohen) died peacefully in her sleep and joined her beloved Donald in eternal life on Oct. 12, 2023, just two days after what would have been their 68th wedding anniversary.  

One of four children, Diddy was born on Jan. 12, 1927, to parents Meyer and Fay Cohen. Having spent much of her childhood in Marshfield, Diddy moved into her forever home with Don and their two children in Whitefish Bay in 1964. At 96 years young, she defied all odds by living independently in that home until a brief illness required additional care shortly before her passing. An extremely talented artist and graduate of Cardinal Stritch University, Diddy shared her love of crafting, sewing, and art with her community and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.   

She hosted her own weekend art show on PBS and was bestowed many ribbons at the Wisconsin State Fair for her exceptionally detailed quilts. Diddy was also the matriarch and family chef and took great pride in passing down family recipes and preparing traditional Jewish fare to the generations that have followed. Diddy was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Donald Pittelman, her two brothers Marvin and Harley Cohen, sister-in-law Diane Cohen, brother-in-law Marshall Pittelman, and her son-in-law, Terence Knight. She is survived by her son Barry (Pattie) Pittelman, daughter Teri Knight, grandchildren Sarah (Tony) Williams, Marissa Pittelman, Ben (Emma) Knight, Carley Knight, great-grandchildren Kaelyn and Laela Chmiel, Samantha and Alexandra Williams, sister Myra Cohen, and sister-in-law Gail Pittelman. She is further survived by other relatives and many friends.  

A private service in honor of Diddy’s memory was held for immediate family at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Rabbi Shari Shamah officiated. Memorial contributions to the United Performing Arts Fund or the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) to support victims of the conflict in Israel are appreciated.

James Stillman 

James “Jim” Sanford Stillman lived a very full life (July 1, 1947 – Sept. 26, 2023).  

He is survived by his loving family, wife and partner of 44 years, Nancy Stillman; children Amy (Jud) Snyder, Kimberly Stillman, Rebecca Stillman, and Ariana (Radek) Dabrowski; his grandchildren Marisa, Jack and Haley Anderson, Mia and Joshua Holl, and Caroline, Jackson, Sam, Emma, and Will Snyder; his brother Richard (Nikki) Stillman, sister Patti (the late Robert) Wehr, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his many friends, synagogue family, chorales and choirs.  

Jim lived in Wisconsin for his entire life; after graduating from Whitnall High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Lacrosse and went on to achieve a master’s degree in education. He taught at Cedarburg High School for 32 years where he proudly coached soccer and wrestling. After graduating college, Jim moved to the suburbs of Milwaukee where all of his children were raised. Jim’s years were marked by his love of his family, his garden, Kopps chocolate malts, and music, including his band A Western Edge. May his memory be a blessing.  

Funeral services were Sept. 29 at Congregation Sinai, Fox Point. Interment was at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. The family was assisted by Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service. Memorials to Congregation Sinai or Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Research.