Randal N. Arnold
Randal Neil Arnold died on July 8, 2024. He was 70.
Randal Neil Arnold was born on Nov. 23, 1953, in Edgerton to Dorothy and Jess Arnold. He was the youngest of three siblings, growing up as an only child on a dairy farm along the Rock River.
He had the life of a real farm boy, helping with chores as soon as he could walk, milking cows twice a day and cleaning the barn. He had his own egg route delivering fresh eggs to the neighbors, and he even attended a one room school until fourth grade when the country kids were sent to town. Randy was a smart kid, skipped two grades and started college at University of Wisconsin-Madison at 16. He was interested, curious and passionate, and he approached all of his pursuits, academic and otherwise, with the expectation and pressure of achieving excellence.
He was a speed skater with the dream of competing in the 1980 Olympics. He was a marathon runner and an avid biker. He loved music and played the trombone, the saxophone, the guitar, the mandolin and the piano, and wrote music as well. He was innately artistic and never afraid to try his hand at new things. Randy loved English literature and was working toward a PhD when he switched directions and went to law school. He went on to a successful career as a medical malpractice defense attorney. And he assisted doctors, lawyers and other professionals with licensing and ethical issues stemming from addiction and other problems. Randy embraced his clients at their lowest moments and helped many professionals rebuild and maintain their careers while receiving the help that they needed.
Randy met the true love of his life while in college, and together they went on to raise six gloriously unique children. He made the decision to convert to Judaism at the age of 23 and embraced that undertaking with passion and zeal. He believed that the only way to become a Jew was to truly live as a Jew, and he took the whole family with him broadening our horizons, enriching our lives and returning us to our roots.
Randy developed many medical problems over the years that cut his career short and significantly interfered with his ability to live life to the fullest. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago, and it progressed quickly. He died on July 8 at the age of 70 after an unexpected acute illness, surrounded by family and cradled in love.
Those of us who knew and loved Randy are so much better because he shared himself with us. We’re all smarter and kinder, we’re more sensitive to the needs of others, we’re more daring and adventurous, we’re braver, our grammar and spelling certainly improved, some of us are better writers and more concise (not the writer of this obituary), and we are overwhelmed and awed by the power of unconditional love and acceptance.
Randy’s immediate family are his beloved wife, Janet Gruber Arnold and his dear children: Daniel (Kathryn Goldberg), Abraham (Erin Coogan), Hannah (Benjamin Wright), Devorah (Skyler Spohn), Benjamin, and the late Noah (Leslie) Arnold. His darling and cherished grandchildren are: Sadie, Amelia, Elliot and Malcolm Arnold and Blue Spohn. He is also survived by his brother Alan (Jane) Arnold and brothers-in-law, Russell (Jennifer) and Philip (Marita) Gruber and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family and friends. Randy was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Jess Arnold, his sister Carol Arnold, his in-laws Barbara and Mathew Gruber, and his son, Noah.
Donations in Randy’s memory to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association or Not One More Vet are appreciated.
Funeral service held July 12th the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment followed at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin officiated.
Barbara Marlene Blumenfeld
Barbara Marlene Blumenfeld (nee Schatz) Of Aventura, Florida, died on July 17, 2024, at age 91.
Married 61 years to her late, endearing husband, Norman Blumenfeld (“My Norman”). Loving mother of Sharon Miller, Fort Lauderdale; Audrey Blumenfeld of Naples; and Michael Blumenfeld of Mequon. Proud and beloved grandmother of Stephanie (Michael) Washofsky, Elizabeth (David) Kulakofsky, Rebecca Stern (Adam Caplan), Jason (Kelsey) Blumenfeld, and Rachel Blumenfeld. Adored great-grandmother of Chloe Washofsky, Ava Blumenfeld, and Noah and Henry Blumenfeld.
Barbara was a dedicated, lifelong volunteer at Beth El Ner Tamid, Hadassah, The Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Vi in Aventura.
Barbara is further survived by dear friends and extended family in Milwaukee and Aventura. Graveside services were July 21, 2024, at Agudas Achim Cemetery, 3690 East College Avenue, Cudahy. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hadassah Organization of America would be deeply appreciated as it was Barbara’s passion.
Rabbi Dovid Rapoport and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Herbert Bratt
Herbert Bratt of Milwaukee died July 5, 2024, at age 92.
Loving husband of the late Rosalee Bratt. Dear father of Jay (Elise Yousoufian) Bratt, Annie (Lon) Masters, and Jennifer (Eric) Glickstein. Cherished grandfather of Aaron and Hanna Bratt; Josh, Arri, and Yael Greenberg; Saylor Masters; Bria Glickstein; and great-grandfather of Veto Wise. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Herb was a dedicated husband and father, a great friend to many, an avid runner (and later walker), and a proud lawyer who practiced with skill and integrity.
Funeral services were July 11, 2024, at Congregation Sinai, Fox Point. Interment at Second Home Cemetery. Memorials to Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic. Blane Goodman Funeral Service and Rabbi David Cohen assisted the family.
Jack Gerald Cohen
Jack Gerald Cohen died peacefully in his sleep on February 16, 2024 at the ripe age of 96.
To say that he was in good shape right until the end would be an understatement. At age 95, Jack had a hip replacement hoping, like he had gotten from his first replacement, to enjoy another 30 years! He was quick to remind all of us that he’d had a long, great life.
Jack was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 15, 1927 to Ruben and Bella Cohen, the much-loved middle child of sisters Faye (Sloane) and Gloria (Shapiro). They grew up in the apartment above his parents’ business, Ruben Cohen Delicatessen, at 17th Street and North Avenue. His father later sold the business to Jake Levin, and the deli still operates to this day as Jake’s Deli.
Jack graduated from North Division High School and received a degree in Business from University of Wisconsin-Madison. In March of 1954, at the Lubavitch temple on 52nd and Burleigh in Milwaukee, Jack married Charlotte (Stern), the much-professed love of his life. Settling in their hometown surrounded by the love of their extended families, the happy couple were blessed with four children: David, Barry, Lawrence and Stacy.
Jack opened his own delicatessen on Oakland Avenue in Shorewood, which was known as “Cohen’s Nosherei”. Two years later, Jack sold the restaurant to Werner Benjamin, and that deli continues to operate to this day as Benji’s. A career in restaurant supply sales followed, with Jack eventually transitioning into selling Mayflower Life Insurance with Mike Krasno and Thomas Mueller. A stint at Humphrey Chevrolet on 35th and Wisconsin Ave rounded out Jack’s era of salesmanship.
In the late 1960’s, Jack purchased and operated a laundromat across from UWM around the corner from Green’s Book Store, the start of a successful career which grew to include four additional laundromats around Milwaukee. The business brought Jack much satisfaction, not least because he was able to offer employment to his children. After he decided to retire and sold the laundromats, Jack took a job as a private investigator for several attorneys, a job Jack found truly fascinating.
The Cohens were members of Temple Emanuel, living within walking distance when the synagogue was across from UWM; a place of solace in times of mourning, and of joy in happy times.
The couple eventually moved to an oceanside condo in Hollywood, Florida, where for 20 years they enjoyed swimming, taking college classes and attending the ballet and opera, and in general basking in the glow of a place they considered Paradise. Jack and Charlotte loved to travel and see the sights, their love of the arts and a deep sense of adventure carried them through their sunset years in rare form. Jack, a competitor on his high school swim team, continued to swim laps until the age 92. In December of 2021, Jack and Charlotte relocated to Maple Grove, Minnesota to enjoy the care of daughter Stacy (Share) and her husband Michael.
Jack and Charlotte had been married for 68 years when Charlotte passed away in the summer of 2022. Jack was also preceded in death by his parents and older sister Faye (Sloane). Surviving Jack are all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a younger sister, a nephew and two nieces.
A Celebration of Life to honor Jack will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. in the barn at the home of his son Barry (Ellen O’Brien), N9661 Willow Rd., Elkhart Lake. All are welcome.
Liudmila Dulkina
Liudmila Dulkina (nee Berzon) died on July 4, 2024 at the age of 81. Beloved wife of the late Lev Dulkin. Loving mother of Inna (Steve) Dulkin, and proud grandmother of Anya (Jarrett) and Aya Vlasoff.
A graveside service was held on July 8th at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Congregation Shalom, Milwaukee Jewish Federation or Jewish Family Services appreciated.
Rae Betty Glassman
Rae Glassman died peacefully on June 21, 2023 in Encinitas, California at the age of 93.
Born Rae Betty Ginsburg, she was a native of Milwaukee. She graduated from Washington High School and attended Wisconsin State Teachers College and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She moved to the San Diego area with her husband Stuart Glassman in 1979.
Rae was active as a volunteer in organizations ranging from B’Nai Brith to Variety Club. She had a lifelong commitment to the cause of literacy. She tutored reading, spoke in elementary school classrooms, and spent over 30 years as the leader of a Brandeis book discussion group.
She was a beloved grandmother of four and a dedicated aunt to her eight nieces and nephews.
Rae was pre-deceased by her spouse Stuart in 2001 and her son Steven in 2010. She is survived by her daughter Debra of Seattle, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Memorials may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, lls.org.
Harold Rosen
Harold Rosen, Mequon, died peacefully, surrounded by family on July 13, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Betty Rosen. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn Rosen. He is survived by his sister Brenda Ross. He is also survived by his sons Michael (Pam) Rosen, David (Judy) Rosen, and daughter Deborah (Dan) Fogel, and his nine grandchildren – Zachary Rosen, Mara Rosen, Andy Rosen, Ariel Rosen, Talia (Sean O’Conner) Rosen, Noa Rosen, Ellie Fogel, Sarah Fogel, and Johnny Fogel. Harold was born in New York City on Sept. 2, 1930. He obtained his B.A. and M.A. at City College of New York. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology at Wayne State University. He met Evelyn at Wayne County General Hospital in 1958 and they married in 1959. They moved to Milwaukee in 1963 where he worked at the V.A. Hospital as a clinical psychologist until he retired in 1998. A memorial service was held July 15, 2024, at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, 2020 W. Brown Deer Road, River Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to either Magen David Adom at afmda.org or the Yiddish Book Center, yiddishbookcenter.org.
Place of burial was Mound Zion Cemetery. Cantor David Barash and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Lisa Ferstadt
Lisa Ferstadt died peacefully surrounded by her family on July 6, 2024, at the age of 60.
Cherished daughter of Barbara (the late Guy) Neville and Stanley Ferstadt. Loving sister of Erinn Neville, Susie (Larry) Rosengarten, and Joanne (Mark) Koidin. Dear aunt of Elia, Jesse, Ari, Jeremy, and David Rosengarten; Zachary and Joshua Koidin; and Lucas (Stephanie) and Jacob Duncan. Beloved niece of Lynda Kimmel and Arlene and Howard Minkoff. Further survived by cousins, Cantor Michelle “Mimi” (David Taffett) Rozansky, Lori (David) Turim, James Merkow, Dan (Sharon) Kimmel, and Christine Kuritzkes; other relatives and friends.
Lisa was an avid advocate for animals and active in local and statewide Democratic politics.
The family wishes to thank Aurora Cancer Center and Hospice for the loving and compassionate care given to Lisa.
A graveside funeral service was held on July 9 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Joel Alter officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to any wildlife society appreciated.
Anna G. Shkara
Anna G. Shkara died July 16, 2024 at the age of 36.
Beloved mother of Nick Shkara. Cherished sister of Alla and Ava Romashko. Dear granddaughter of Yuriy Nikolayev and Ritta Nikolayeva (nee Spivak). Dear friend of Devin Silva. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. Preceded in death by her loving parents Georgiy Shkara and Viktoria Romashko (nee Nikolayev).
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 19th at 1:00 PM at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, 134 South Dana Court, Milwaukee. Rabbi Shlomo Kittner officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Cheryl “Choch” Irene Solochek (Plotkin)
Cheryl “Choch” Irene Solochek (Plotkin) died May 6, 2024, at age 71.
Cheryl was full of love and always put others before herself. She was a dedicated and compassionate psychiatric nurse for 37 years. She loved being a mother and even more so being a grandmother. She was a great friend and cherished by her family. Cheryl loved old movies and always knew the actors or actresses and some trivia about them. Her early years were in Bay View, but she moved to San Mateo, California in 1964. She got to see the Beatles at Candlestick Park in 1966. She returned to Milwaukee for college and graduated nursing school in 1976. Over the next few decades, she worked in Texas, California and Nevada; however, she settled back in Wisconsin in 1997 to marry her high school sweetheart, David. She worked at Columbia and then Columbia-St. Mary’s for several years. Before retirement, she worked at Seven Oaks Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. She battled with COVID-related lung damage for four years before her lungs finally gave out. She was lost way before her time as she was relatively healthy otherwise. However, this time was spent in so much joy as she became a grandmother to darling Dorothy and saw her daughter become a physician. We had never seen her so happy and in her element, taking care of a new bundle of joy and sharing things she loved most like the movie Tom Thumb from 1956. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.
Born July 20, 1952, in Milwaukee. Worked as a psychiatric registered nurse.
Survived by spouse David Jay Solochek. Graduated from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in 1976. Survived by her beloved daughter Dr. Anne Marie Wannamaker, a psychiatrist, whom she was immensely proud of, her granddaughter Dorothy who she loved dearly, Sandra and Jim Oppermann, and nephew John.
Betty Wallens
Betty Wallens (nee Jacobson) died June 26, 2024, age 99, in Mequon.
Dear wife of the late Charles N. Wallens. Loving mother of Ellen (Fred) Sarran and Jody (Jeffrey) Cole. Adoring grandmother Brian (Jen) Sarran, Heather (Jordan Goffin) Cole, Allison Baer, Shawn (Beth) Cole, and 5 great-grandchildren. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Funeral services were June 30, 2024 at The Chapel in Shorewood. Interment to follow at Zion Cemetery in Appleton. Memorials welcome to USMA Jewish Fund, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Rabbi Joel Alter and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
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