Obituaries, November 2024 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries, November 2024

Jacob Assa 

Jacob Assa died on Oct. 12, 2024, at the age of 79. 

Beloved husband of Frances Assa (nee Peltz). Loving father of Sharone Assa, Danielle (Nathan Zimmermann) Assa and Carmel (Ethan Rosen) Assa. Proud grandfather of Eitan Menachem Assa, Gabrielle Paz Assa and Reuven Assa-Zimmermann. Dear brother of the late Menachem (Roberta) Assa.  Further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Graveside funeral service was held Oct. 16 at B’nai Zedek Cemetery, Kenosha. Rabbi Moshe Rapoport officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the Peltz Center for Jewish Life or the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Marshall Benner   

Dr. Marshall Benner died on Oct. 11, 2024, in New York.  Beloved husband of Mona Benner (nee Rosenholtz). Loving father of Michal (Jason) Berger and Moshe Benner. Further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Graveside funeral service held Oct. 13 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. 

Irving Brotslaw 

Dr. Irving Brotslaw of Milwaukee died peacefully on Oct. 3 at age 95 after a life full of love, achievement and pursuit of social justice.  

He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 71 years; his children, Amy (Bruce) Schweiger and Dan (Lara) Brotslaw; grandchildren, Miriam Schweiger, Avi (Rivka) Brotslaw; Rebecca (Lt. Cmdr. Mitch) Hennessy; Shlomo Brotslaw, and Eva (Andrea) Brotslaw Tucci; and great-grandchildren, Maya Hennessy and Talia and Benjamin Brotslaw. 

Irv was active in the labor movement, Democratic politics, and the civil rights movement. If there was injustice to be fought, he was there – walking a picket line, running for school board to promote integration, and representing Gene McCarthy at the Democratic convention in 1968. 

Irv was an emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin School for Workers, where he served as associate director until his retirement in 1991. Born in Buffalo, New York, Irv received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. After serving in the U.S. Army and a stint with the United Papermakers and Paperworkers Union, he returned to the University of Wisconsin, where he was devoted to teaching both undergraduates and labor leaders from around the country. After retirement, he served as an arbitrator for the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission until Act 10 decimated public employee labor unions in the state. 

Throughout his life, Irv worked tirelessly for the causes he believed in. He served as an ACLU chair and the 3rd Ward Democratic Party chair. He served on the Goals for Milwaukee 2000 commission, the Manpower Commission, and was active in many civic organizations. He ran and narrowly lost two races for Milwaukee Public School Board in the 1960s, running on a platform promoting school integration. 

Irv was also devoted to his Milwaukee Brewers, attending hundreds of games. He was an active member of Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, and later Congregation Shalom. He delighted in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, teaching them the finer points of a good game of gin rummy. In his younger days, he jogged thousands of miles; later, he rode his beloved racing bicycle on trails around the state. Sidelined by age from street riding, he continued to ride his exercise bike until the week he died. 

Irv was an inveterate storyteller and knew all the best Jewish jokes. He probably spent too much time playing Scrabble and reading the New York Times. He was deeply concerned that so many of the things he spent his life working for were being eroded in his later years and was looking forward to voting for Kamala Harris. Two weeks before his death, he was overjoyed to gather with loved ones, dispense advice, tell family stories, and celebrate at his granddaughter’s wedding. 

Funeral services held Oct. 7 at Congregation Shalom. Interment was at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Ave., Brookfield.  Rabbis Noah Chertkoff and Abby Phelps officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. 

Contributions can be made in Irv’s honor to Congregation Shalom, the Southern Poverty Law Center or the charity of your choice.   

Ruby Carneol 

Ruby Carneol, 90, of Mequon, died Sept. 18, 2024. 

Preceded in death by loving husband Martin Carneol. Dear mother of Allan (Susan) Carneol, Dr. Mitchell Carneol, Jessica “Spyder” (Ken Carraro) Carneol, Stephen (Debra) Carneol, Philip (Miriam Plotkin) Carneol, and daughter-in-law Florence Laguardia. Adoring grandmother of Deborah (Ben) Fendrich, Haley (Oliver) Lerner, Sam Carneol, Dara Carneol, Disa Carneol, and Avery Carneol. Treasured great-grandmother of Logan Fendrich, Micah Fendrich, Eliza Lerner, and Margo Lerner. Further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Graveside services were September 22, 2024, at Second Home Cemetery. Memorials to Milwaukee Jewish Day School, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, or charity of your choice. Joel Alter and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.  

Mark David Cook 

Mark David Cook died on Sept. 29, 2024, at the age of 59. 

Beloved son of Natalie and the late Perry Cohen. Dear brother of Michael (Lisa) Cook and uncle of Molly and Lucy Cook. Further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Private services were held at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to Ovation Chai Point appreciated. 

Rachel Pearl Cornfield 

Rachel Pearl Cornfield (nee Katz) died on Saturday night, Oct.12, 2024, in her 94th year of life. Born to Hasha (Afram) and Hyman Katz in Iron Mountain, Michigan,  on May 27, 1931, Rachel was the loving sister of Reuben (Marsha) Katz, Judith Katz, and Rosalee Pemberton (Alan), (all predeceased); the much beloved wife, for 65 years, of Jerome Roy Cornfield, devoted father of Joel (Judy Laner), David (Margo Myers), Cindy Zien (Terry) and Marcie (Josh Stubbins), and proud grandfather of Aaron Foster, Ben, Marc and Jonathan Cornfield; Molly, Sophie, Olivia, and Julie Cornfield; Elana, William, Mikaela, and Samuel Zien; and Amelia and Jacob Stubbins; and 9 great-grandchildren. 
 
Raised in a traditional Jewish home, in the close-knit Jewish community of Marinette, Rachel held tightly to the Jewish faith, community and ritual throughout her life. The community, mostly immigrants from Russia, found safety and freedom in the beauty of Northern Wisconsin, guarding traditions and the Jewish faith as proud Americans. Rachel was formed by the great love of extended family and community, but especially her father, a much beloved cattle trader with an uncommon capacity to create friendships. Rachel was a member of the Marinette High School class of 1948, the first high school graduate in the family. Despite distance and expense, Rachel enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a degree in English and a teaching credential while honing her considerable skills as a classical pianist. After graduation, Rachel worked and lived in Newark, New Jersey, returning to Wisconsin when her family relocated from Marinette to the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee. Not long after her return, Hasha, Rachel’s Mother, and Minnie Cornfield (irresistible forces, both) met on Grant Boulevard and “decided” on the “shidduch (match).” A meeting was arranged. Soon Rachel and Jerome were engaged and married, a 65-year love story that endures. 

A devoted Mother, a dedicated and loving wife, a respectful and selfless daughter, daughter-in-law, remarkably generous and loyal sister, humble and conscientious volunteer, Rachel had remarkable clarity surrounding purpose, ethics, fairness, and charity. In the community, Rachel was shy and quiet, but her deeds spoke volumes; as a substitute teacher in the Milwaukee public schools, as a volunteer, for decades, in the library of Hillel Academy, in the synagogue kitchen, transcribing books into braille at the School for the Blind, providing meaningful financial support to scores of worthy causes, or working to support causes championed by her children and grandchildren. 

Rachel, in partnership with Jerome, gave generously throughout her life. Rachel was principled, a woman of her word, loyal, and unfailingly straightforward. She loved her family completely. Rachel leaves a legacy of truth, faith, family, and charity. She will be deeply missed; may her memory forever be blessing. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to Bader Hillel Academy or the Milwaukee Jewish Home and Care Center.  The family is thankful for the loving care given by the staff of the Milwaukee Jewish Home and the kindness and compassion of Mrs. Deborah Dye. 

Graveside service held Oct. 15 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Levi Emmer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  

Carol K. Dubin 

Carol K. Dubin died Oct. 12, 2024, age 89, of Mequon. Preceded in death by husband Richard Dubin and brother Burton Kampner. Loving wife of Edward Bookstaff. Dear mother of Dr. Mark (Cindy Zimmerman) Dubin and Stephen (Brenda Ellerin) Dubin. Adoring grandmother of Alex, Josh (Lauren), Ellie, Ryan, Matthew, and Justin. Further survived by other loving relatives and friends. 

Carol was born on Oct. 2, 1935, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Irwin and Esther (nee Greenberg) Kampner. She graduated from Pontiac High School in 1953 and during that time also attended Cranbrook to pursue acting and singing. She enrolled at the University of Michigan, which she loved. In 1955, she attended summer school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she met Richard Dubin and fell in love. Following graduation in 1957, they were married in Detroit and settled in Milwaukee. Together, they built a beautiful nurturing home life for their family for 44 years. She went back to school and obtained a Master’s in speech pathology, which she practiced for decades. She later met Eddie Bookstaff with whom she shared a wonderful life together for the past 15 years. Carol loved her family and friends. She lived and breathed grace, kindness and class that was known by everyone she touched. 

Graveside services were Oct.16, 2024, at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Memorials to the Israel Cancer Research Fund or the Burton L. Kampner Memorial Architecture Award at the University of Michigan. 

Rabbi Noah Chertkoff and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Jacquelyn Gilbert 

Jacquelyn Gilbert (nee Ross) died Sept. 27, 2024, at the age of 92.   

Beloved wife of the late Melvin Gilbert and the late Mel Askot.  Cherished mother of Ronn (Deborah Spence) Gilbert and MJ Gilbert. Loving grandmother of Rachel (Casimer) Gilbert Falkowski, Joshua Gilbert, and Ash Landecker. Dear sister of Howard (Jennifer) Ross. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. 

Funeral services held Oct. 1 at Congregation Shalom, Fox Point. Burial followed at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to Congregation Shalom or Congregation Shir Tikvah (1360 W. Minnehaha Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55419 https://shirtikvahmn.org/give) appreciated. 

Sonya Gonchar 

Sonya Gonchar (nee Kaputkina) died on Oct. 4, 2024, at the age of 100. Beloved wife of the late Ilya Gonchar. Loving mother of Rimma (the late Lev) Relin and the late Ludmilla Gonchar. Proud grandmother of Elena, Alla (Eugene), and Elina and great-grandmother of Elizabeth, Anna, Daniel, Mia, Liam and Levi.   

Graveside service held October 6th at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.  Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Tatyana Karmalyuk 

Tatyana Karmalyuk (nee Yuzefpolskaya) died on Oct. 9, 2024 at the age of 81. Beloved wife of Michael Karmalyuk. Loving mother of Natalya (Bill) Larkin. Proud grandmother of Eugenia (Jason Foht) and Vadim (Jess) Turov and great-grandmother of Elise, Romey, Emilia and Madeline. Dear sister of Joseph (Regina) Yuzefpolsky and the late Raisa Neznansky. 

Special thanks to the excellent staff at Elmbrook Ascension and the hospice staff of Holistic Hospice and Care for the wonderful care provided to Tatyana. 

Graveside service held Oct. 11 at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Stanley Lieberman 

Stanley Lieberman, 88, of Fox Point, died Oct. 7, 2024. Beloved husband of Nancy Lieberman (nee Parks) for 66 years. Loving father of Dena (Terry) Grossman, Jan (Darrell) Zall, and Lisa Friedman. Cherished grandfather of Michael Grossman, Carrie Grossman, Brandon Zall, Kendall Zall, Sydney Friedman, and Cameron Friedman. Adoring great-grandfather of Gage and Caden Grossman. Further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Burial was at Spring Hill Cemetery. Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Private services were held. Memorials to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

Leslie Neil Meyers 

On Oct. 1, 2024, Leslie Meyers, beloved head of our family, quietly passed away surrounded by his family.  Les is survived by his beloved wife, Edith Meyers (nee Goldstein); loving children, Paul (Alison) Meyers and Dr. Stephanie (Brett) Boyer; and adoring grandchildren, Lilah, Emily, Matthew and Nathan.  He is also survived by dear siblings, Alan (June) Shapiro and Sue Grossman, as well as sisters-in-law, Karen (Alan) Blocker and Arlene (the late Bruce) Bank. Further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.   

Graveside funeral services held Oct. 2 at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Tzvi Tornek officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Friendship Circle of Wisconsin (www.fcwi.org) appreciated.  

Helene Radbil 

Helene Radbil (nee Spitz) September 25, 2024, age 97 years. Beloved wife of the late David Radbil. Loving mother of Richard (Marci) Radbil, Sharon (Patrick) Radbil Cooper, and the late Nancy Lynn Radbil. Fond grandmother of Aaron Radbil, Noah Radbil, Maia Radbil, Sam Radbil, Rachael, Louis, and William Cooper. Proud great-grandmother of Jonah Tarver, Elle Radbil, Townes Radbil, Penelope Radbil, Wales Radbil, Genevieve Radbil, Riley Radbil, Zander Radbil, Jesse Patrick Cooper, Claire Rose Cooper. Dear sister of Eleanor (Dr. George) Kalman. Fond sister-in-law of the late Sara (Robert) Schwartz. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Graveside Funeral Services were held at Mound Zion Cemetery in Brookfield, Wisconsin on September 30, 2025 with Rabbi Gil Ezer Lerer officiating. 

Belle Weinstein 

Belle Weinstein (nee Kahn) died on Oct. 2, 2024, at the age of 90.   

Beloved wife of the late Sol Weinstein. Loving mother of Stephen (Barbara) Weinstein and Marlynn Brick. Proud grandmother of Elena (Joshua) Hollander, Rachelle (Alec Smith) Brick, Samantha (William Sogge) Weinstein, and Dana (Jake Morgenstern) Weinstein and great-grandmother of Aden Hollander and Eli Morgenstern. Dear sister of the late Irving (Barbara) Kahn and the late Fred (the late Gail) Kahn. Further survived by son-in-law, Mark Brick, other relatives and friends. 

Special thanks to the nursing and support teams of Horizon Hospice and the staff of Eastcastle Place for the wonderful care given to Belle. 

Belle will be sorely missed and carried in the hearts of her family and friends forever. 

Graveside funeral services held Oct. 7 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbis Joel Alter and Yisroel Lein officiated. Memorial contributions to the Jewish Community Food Pantry, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid or Chabad of the East Side appreciated. 

Alan S. Wolkenstein 

“One more, once!” That’s the cry of Jazz giant Count Basie; there was always more to play. Alan S. Wolkenstein, a lover of jazz, a connoisseur of coffee, a sweet husband, father, and grandfather would have loved that very invitation, that challenge – at the top of his obituary, calling for another round of music, of life. Alan left the bandstand on Monday morning, September 30 – after 86 years of inviting others to appreciate every single moment of life: a quiet cup of strongly-brewed “joe,” the vroom of a convertible, a bowl of sizzling rice soup from Hong Anh Palace. Whether he was holding you with his eyes and ears or his arms, you always knew the moment was sacred and special.  

Alan had many nicknames: Azbo and Big Al to close friends, Bill Adams and Rodney Eglash. When he was teaching, he was “The Prof” – for his sagacity, his wisdom. To his children, Haran and Matthew (Gabi), he was Dad, Pops, and Bix. Granddaughters, Anna and Sasha, will hear endless stories by and about their grandfather, Gunna – stories shared, stories he wrote down – some published for the world, some written just for them. To brothers David (Judy) and Jerry – and most of all to Kathy, his loving wife of 59 years, he was just plain Alan. 

He was the one who made us laugh. When he received a gift, he savored it, he cried out in joy – as if you’d fulfilled his greatest wish. He gave advice. He gave support to nephews and nieces. And when he gave you a hug, he always held on a little longer, a little longer, a little longer. 

Alan used to speak about “Morphing around the Universe” – the mystery that awaits us after death; though he hung on to life until the very last note, it brings us comfort to remember him together… and to wonder: where will his journey bring him-next? 

Graveside funeral service held at Mound Zion Cemetery, on Oct. 2, 2024.  Rabbi Dovid Rapoport and Hazzan Jeremy Stein officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.   

Donations may be made to National Audubon Society or to Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies—a reflection of Alan’s love for Jewish life and most importantly, teaching and learning – in every form.   

Though Alan may have left this world, his love will be the chorus in our hearts – inspiring us to live as he did: One More, Once. 

Paula Jean Yirka 

Paula Jean Yirka, 69, died on July 16, 2024. Paula suffered with multiple sclerosis since her 30’s but recently experienced reoccurring infections, along with other issues, which led to a decline in her health. 

Paula Yirka was born on December 8, 1954, to parents Harriet Lambert (Harriet Buelow at passing) and James Yirka in Brevard County, Florida. Paula graduated from Custer High School in 1973. 

In 1980, Paula had her first child, Nicholas Yirka (Rohrscheib). In 1983, Paula had her second child, Leslie Rohrscheib. 

Paula enjoyed spending her time painting and was an admirer of the arts. She loved playing bingo and taking trips. She was passionate about animals and animal welfare. 

Paula was preceded in death by Harriet Buelow (mother) and Milton Buelow (step-father). She is survived by Michael Yirka (brother), Nicholas Rohrscheib (son), Leslie Rohrscheib (daughter), and her grandchildren Kiley, Brody, Eve and Audrey. 

She was laid to eternal rest near the graves of her maternal grandparents, Lucille and Louis Lambert at a private family service at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis at Acceleratedcure.org