Sol “Poppi” Blumenfeld
Sol “Poppi” Blumenfeld, a cherished member of the Madison, Wisconsin community, died peacefully on October 22, 2024.
Born on May 28, 1925, in Milwaukee, Sol grew up in Wausau. His family owned and operated a fruit and vegetable market there, and Sol grew up understanding the values of hard work and responsibility. Like many of his peers in the “Greatest Generation,” he answered the call to serve after graduating high school. He proudly served in the Navy Seabees during World War II with the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion, stationed in Saipan and Guam. Sol survived numerous air raids, including the 1944 Christmas bombing of Saipan and a devastating typhoon in August 1945.
Sol was the longtime owner of Uptown Liquor, originally located near the Capitol Square before moving to the University of Wisconsin campus area in the 1970s. He became a father figure to many during his time there. After selling the store, Sol enjoyed a second career in sales with Blieds and Rowley-Schlimgen office supply and furniture. He was a devoted member of Temple Beth El and a proud Downtown Rotarian.
Known for his integrity, compassion and warmth, Sol was always willing to lend a helping hand to both friends and strangers. He was also a kind, wise, and gentle listener. A respected Downtown Madison businessman for over 50 years, he was passionate about running and collecting coins and stamps. Sol was an avid Packers and Badgers fan. On his 90th birthday, his grandchildren honored him with a middle name, something he did not receive at birth and always wanted – “Poppi”. Above all, Sol was devoted to his wife of 71 years, Corlie, and his beloved family.
Sol is survived by the love of his life, Corlie (nee Melnik), and their children: Mark (Lora Wiggins), Michael (Kathy), Ruth (David Dobrofsky), and Amy Bogost (Gregg). He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Rachael Blumenfeld (Barry Sherman), Andrew Blumenfeld, Allison Blumenfeld (Nick Nielson), Zachary Blumenfeld (Carly), Joshua Blumenfeld, Rebekah Blumenfeld, Daniel Fogliani, Steven Fogliani, Max Bogost, Jacob Bogost, and Elliana Bogost, as well as great-granddaughter Ariella Sherman. Sol is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Anna (née Mandel), his brothers Alex (Anne) and Leo (Natalie), and his sister Rose Michels (Julius).
Sol will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, generosity and service will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Blumenfeld family extends their heartfelt thanks to all of Sol’s dedicated healthcare providers, including Dr. Orest Kostelyna, Dr. Barb Blodi, the amazing Agrace Hospice nurses, especially Mallory, and his main caregivers Willma, Salomey and Mark. They are family and will always remain in our hearts.
A funeral service was held October 25 at Temple Beth El, 2707 Arbor Drive, Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sol’s memory to Temple Beth El, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund or Larry Kohn Chair of Jewish Learning Fund at tbemadison.org UW Hillel at UwHillel.org; Agrace at Agrace.org, or to a charity of your choice.
Jonathan Francis Brostoff
Jonathan Francis Brostoff died on Nov. 4, 2024, in West Allis.
He is survived by parents, Phyllis Mensh Brostoff and Alan Saul Brostoff; his wife, Diana Vang-Brostoff; his children, Boaz Tswv Yim Brostoff, Baraq Tswv Zoo Brostoff, Binyamin Txawj Zoo Brostoff, and Yael Kaabntsais Brostoff; his brother, Jacob Mensh Brostoff; his brother-in-law, Dominic Robert Caputo; and his extended family, friends and community.
Jonathan became a youth advocate as a teenager at the Pathfinders youth shelter as a part of their empowerment program. He provided street outreach and services for teen LGBTQIA2S+ youth. His service to Milwaukee area youth in crisis and need extended throughout the rest of adulthood. He continued to volunteer weekly at Pathfinders. He also advocated for increased funding for Pathfinders and continued to spread awareness of the risks homeless and queer young people face.
Jonathan graduated high school from the Kradwell School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he attained a bachelor’s degree in political science. While in college, he worked for Senator Tom Harkin in Washington, D.C., was chair of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College Democrats, and completed the United Nations Summer Seminar program.
Jonathan became a tireless supporter of the Democratic party and had a memorable and impactful political career. He prided himself on campaigning, relentlessly knocking on countless doors for many Democratic candidates and connecting their message to people. He helped many progressives attain office.
In 2014, Jonathan was elected the Representative for the 19th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He held this office for eight years. Despite the Assembly being Republican controlled, Jonathan relentlessly championed disability rights, even famously pledging not to cut his hair until a bill supporting American Sign Language access passed.
From 2022-2024, Jonathan served as an Alder of the City Council for the Third District. He made significant advances in creating safer streets, sustainable urban development, and many other crucial causes. Jonathan was a lifelong Magic: The Gathering enthusiast and competitor. He made a name for himself as the most accomplished Cube drafter in all of Magic.
He used this recognition to organize Cube 4 Charity, which over three years raised over $100,000 for Doctors Without Borders, Trans Lifeline, Earthday.org, and Lambda Legal. He also was the driving force for Magic’s first Cube convention, CubeCon. Jonathan’s leadership emphasized celebrating community and inclusiveness in Magic. This not only made CubeCon the greatest example of those qualities; it has inspired many other Cube events throughout the world that share these values.
Jonathan has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work to better the community including: National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter, Public Service Award, 2017; Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Generational Gem Award, 2017; Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, Outstanding Legislator Award, 2017; UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association’s Graduate of the Last Decade Award, 2016; Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Conservation Champion Certificate, 2015-16. Funeral service was Nov. 8 at UWM Helen Zelazo Center, Milwaukee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, 8649 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217 appreciated.
Richard Alan Cash
Richard Alan Cash died in his sleep on Oct. 22 after an eight-month battle with brain cancer. His wife, Stella, was by his side. Richard lived life to the fullest and on his own terms – a free spirit and loving soul, a medical doctor turned public health guru, a kid from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who won a global health prize. Richard spent his childhood with his parents, Isabel (a devoted mother who nourished her children’s cultural and intellectual curiosity) and Irv (a prominent and progressive family physician), his younger sisters, Kathy and Ellen, and a large extended family, descendants of Eastern European Jews.
Richard’s affinity for the natural sciences began early, when he discovered the dioramas in Milwaukee’s Museum of Natural History. He excelled athletically and intellectually at Jean Nicolet High School (Go Knights!), graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, then New York University School of Medicine. After interning at Bellevue Hospital, Richard relocated to Dacca, East Pakistan to work at the Cholera Research Laboratory: now the International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases, Bangladesh. That decision shaped his career and life.
In the 1960s, together with David Nalin, Richard conducted the first clinical trials of Oral Rehydration Therapy in cholera patients. Richard later advised BRAC (the world’s largest NGO founded in Bangladesh) on its Oral Therapy Extension Program, which taught over 13 million mothers and caregivers to prepare ORT at home by stirring a pinch of salt and handful of sugar into a glass of clean water. In 2006, the Royal Thai Government presented Richard, David Nalin and Dilip Mahalanobis a joint Prince Mahidol Award for their “exemplary contributions in the field of public health”: specifically, for their “contributions to the application of the oral rehydration solution in the treatment of severe diarrhea worldwide”.
UNICEF stated “No other single medical breakthrough of the 20th century has had the potential to prevent so many deaths over such a short period of time and at so little cost.” The World Health Organization estimates ORT has saved over 60 million lives.
Bangladesh remained a touchstone in Richard’s life. He returned annually to work with the ICDDR,B and teach at the BRAC School of Public Health. He also lived, worked and taught in India. Beginning in 1977, Richard made Cambridge, Massachusetts his home base, teaching at the Harvard (T.H. Chan) School of Public Health and running projects for the Harvard Institute for International Development. Richard deeply influenced countless students. Wherever he traveled, from Mexico to Vietnam, he would meet former students who credited him with inspiring their passion for public health.
Richard was a collector of Asian art, a lover of books and movies, a jazz aficionado, a “cheesehead” who remained devoted to the Green Bay Packers and UW Badgers. He had a knack for making friends, welcoming conversation with an endless reservoir of knowledge and curiosity, asserting his opinions with a rare mix of passion and civility.
Richard met Stella Dupuis, a Swiss writer, businesswoman, and yoga instructor, at an Ayurvedic spa in Kerala, India. Stella was born in Panama and raised in Colombia. Her vivacity and curiosity about India resonated with his own intellectual and cultural interests. Stella, who had been previously married, was the proud mother of two sons, who later blessed them with four grandchildren.
The couple bonded over their shared passion for art and adventure, embarking on journeys to the farthest reaches of Asia, Africa, and South America. Together, they explored not just the world’s landscapes, but also its rich cultural heritage.
Richard Cash’s legacy goes beyond the millions of lives he helped save. He also deeply enriched the lives of those who knew him. His final months, spent under the devoted care of Stella, were marked by the same grace, humor, and kindness that defined his 83 remarkable years.
Funeral was held on Sunday, Oct. 27 at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard St, Brookline, Massachusetts.
Burial was at Netherlands Cemetery, Melrose, Massachusetts. Richard’s wife Stella requests donations be made to the BRAC Ultra Poor Graduation Initiative at Bracusa.donorsupport.co instead of flowers.
Lois Infeld
Lois Infeld, a retired teacher and paralegal from Montclair, N.J., died peacefully on Oct. 28 — one day shy of her 82nd birthday.
Born Lois Chudnow in Milwaukee, she was the oldest of four children of Avrum Chudnow, an attorney and land developer, and his wife, Anita, a kindergarten teacher turned homemaker. From a young age, Lois developed a lifelong love of reading, and spent many hours curled up with a book or visiting libraries. As a child, some of her happiest memories were spending summers with her large extended family at a rented house on Lake Michigan.
Lois was an English major at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she met Martin, then a graduate student, on a blind date after they were matched by friends. They married in 1965 after she completed her undergraduate degree and a one-year master’s in teaching program at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She taught high school English for three years in Evansville, a rural town where some of the students drove tractors to school.
In 1969, when Martin was hired by Hoffmann-LaRoche in Nutley, the couple moved east to Montclair. Lois spent about 10 years as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom and also was active in women’s groups such as Hadassah, the College Women’s book club, a gourmet cooking club, and more. She and her husband later became founding members of B’nai Keshet, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Montclair, and at one time Lois served as its president.
Lois went back to work in the early 1980s, first in long-term substitute jobs for high school English teachers in Nutley and Montclair before taking a full-time English teacher position at Glenfield Middle School. After a few years, she changed careers. She earned a paralegal certificate from Adelphi University in New York City, and she worked as a paralegal for Mutual Benefit Life Insurance in Newark, for Hoffmann-LaRoche, and for a division of Hertz in Bergen County before retiring in 2004.
She was a talented cook and baker who enjoyed hosting dinner parties, cake decorating and making special cakes for friends and family members. She also taught classes in cake decorating and working with chocolate. A chocolate truffle layer cake she made took second place in a company chocolate contest when she worked for Mutual Benefit. Her boss there shadowed the judges during their tastings, determined to whisk the cake away to the law department as soon as the winners were declared.
In her later years, Lois enjoyed spending time with friends, volunteering at the Montclair Adult School, going on day trips with the Newark Museum, going to craft shows, and to museums and shows in New York City. She loved spending time with her two grandchildren and delighted in picking out special gifts for them and making their birthday cakes.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years; three brothers, Robert (Teri) Chudnow of Green Valley, Arizona, David of Los Angeles, Daniel (Brigitte) of Mequon; daughter Karen (Jeffrey) Blum of Owings Mills, Maryland; two grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Oct. 31. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jewish National Fund and its work in Timna National Park.
Robert B. Israel
Robert B. Israel died Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 97.
Beloved husband of the late Ilene Israel (nee Saul). Cherished father of Marjorie (Michael) Arena, and the late Betsy, the late Susan, and Ted (Sue) Israel. Loving grandfather of Lauren (Daniel Gamez) Arena, David Arena, Tyler and Zach Israel. Dear great-grandfather of Gabriel and Luca Gamez Arena. Further survived by other loving relatives, the Himelstein family and dear friends.
Private services have been held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to Congregation Sinai appreciated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
Arlene June Minkoff
Arlene June Minkoff (nee Weiss) Passed away October 20, 2024, at the age of 88.
Beloved wife of Howard Minkoff. Cherished mother of Cantor Michele (David Taffet) Rozansky, Jim Merkow, Lori (David) Turim, Cary (Dawn) Minkoff, and Todd Minkoff. Loving grandmother of Sara (Keith) Martin, Joel (Stacy) Rozansky, Joshua (Annie) Turim, Marlee (Chris) Turim-Walloch, Megan Minkoff, Corey Minkoff, and Tyler Minkoff. Adoring great-grandmother of Annie and Arlo Martin; Levi and Stella Rozansky; Ellie and Ariana Turim; and Thomas, Simon, and Noah Walloch. Dear sister of Barbara Neville. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and many dear friends.
Graveside service held Oct. 23 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice appreciated.
Beverly C. Mislove
Beverly C. Mislove (nee Kass) died Oct. 11, 2024, erev Yom Kippur at the age of 96.
She was preceded in death by her husband Norman z”l. She was an amazing mother to three children: Claudia Cohen (Douglas), Bradley and Andy z”l; four grandchildren, Charles Cohen (Jennifer), Aaron Cohen (Sarah), Sam Cohen (Sara) and Zachary Cohen (Kimberly); and eight great-grandchildren. Beverly is also survived by her sister, Lenore Picus.
Beverly loved having people around, hosting friends and especially family. She loved games of all kinds and was an incredible golfer – club champion three times! Until the very end, she was a great bridge player and canasta player. She had many friends, and she loved to compete. She knit, making tallit bags and doll clothing. Her cooking was legendary.
It was impossible to stay sad when you were with her. Beverly cared about everyone, and she was up for any kind of conversation. She wanted to talk politics, Israel, Torah or golf; she just loved to learn and hear people’s perspectives.
We’re so lucky to have had her for so many years. Beverly joked and laughed to the very end, lifting the spirits of those around her. We learned so much from her – about family, about being welcoming, about being a strong competitor (but a good loser), and we are so sad about all the things we won’t get to learn and share. We won’t get any more of her stories, or hugs, or her kisses. And there’s a lot less laughter in the world now that she’s gone.
We already miss her so much.
Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Goodman-Bensman assisted the family in Milwaukee.
Bernard J. Plotkin
Bernard J. Plotkin died Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 90.
Born July 4, 1934. Beloved husband of the late Corinne Plotkin (nee Krantz). Loving father of Rozlynn (Tom Bauer), Elizabeth (Mark Gill), Mark (Philip Berry) and John (Laurie) Plotkin. Proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of the late Charlotte (the late William) Rabenn. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
A son of immigrants who valued education, Bernie was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Marquette Law School. He also served in the U.S. Army as a Captain. His long career included working as Assistant Dean of the UWM School of Nursing for 40 years. A great family man, Bernie decided against a career in law so he could spend more time with his family and always be home for dinner.
Special thank you to the staff of Heartis Village North Shore Assisted Living for the wonderful care provided to Bernie, especially after losing his loving wife.
Funeral service held November 10th at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment followed at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Memorial contributions to Milwaukee Jewish Federation appreciated.
Glenna Shutkin
Glenna Shutkin (Nee Kravat) of Glendale died peacefully in her sleep at home in her own bed on October 29, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born in the Bronx on November 13, 1932, Glenna began dancing at just 18 months at Rozelle’s Dancing School and took acting classes as a child. She attended Bronx Science High School before moving to Freeport, Ill. when her father left the Navy after World War II. Two years advanced in her studies, Glenna graduated at 16 and moved with her family to Madison so she could attend the University of Wisconsin.
As a UW student, Glenna was the dancing partner of the Bucky Badger mascot at campus events and fundraisers, and was the choreographer for the risqué, all-male UW theatre troupe Haresfoot. She met Joseph Shutkin while he was working towards a master’s degree in law at University of Wisconsin, and in December of 1952, the two married.
After moving to Milwaukee that year, Glenna worked at the phone company by day and acted with Joseph as a part of the Van Buren Players by night until motherhood took her away from the theatre scene. After the birth of her fourth child in the early 1960s, Glenna choreographed fundraising extravaganzas for local charitable organizations. She also began taking classes and dancing with the Milwaukee Modern Dance Council and their troupe, the Moving Company. She danced with them until the early 1980s. In 1964, she joined the newly founded Pick-a-Pack Players, a repertory children’s theatre company. Glenna worked with Pick-a-Pack for close to two decades as MC, director, stage manager, and consummate character actor. She encouraged her children to get involved in the company, often acting alongside them.
In June 1987, she and Joseph made aliyah to Israel and lived in Jerusalem, where Glenna worked at Maskit, a store selling the work of Israeli artists. Later she sold jewelry for Sarah Einstein and Israeli metalsmiths, Zeev and Sharon Tammuz.
Wishing to be closer to family, she and Joseph returned to Milwaukee in 1999, where Glenna began doing Tai Chi, a practice that would span over 20 years.
She is survived by four children: Nina (John) Winer, Amy (Robert Olken) Shutkin, Sara (Scott Woskoff) Shutkin, and David (Connie Friedman) Shutkin; grandchildren: Tamar and Rebecca (Yoav Stein) Winer, Hero Mikuriya, Zev Woskoff, and Noah and Tal Shutkin; and great-granddaughter: Maayan Stein. She is also survived by her brother, Jeffrey Kravat of Madison.
A graveside service was held on Nov. 1 at Greenwood Cemetery (Prairie Green Section), in Milwaukee. Rabbi Michal Woll officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Planned Parenthood, ACLU, Center for Jewish Non-Violence, or Jerusalem Foundation would be appreciated.
Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Weisman
Dr. Jerry Weisman, professor and dedicated scholar, passed away on October 31, 2024, at the age of 79.
He was the beloved husband of Suzy Weisman (née Friedland) and a loving father to Johana Weisman. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Eli David Weisman and Ali Mae Weisman. He is also survived by his dear sister, Lori (the late David) Salczer, along with other relatives and friends.
Throughout his life, Jerry exemplified a commitment to education and innovation. His passion for teaching influenced countless graduate students, reflecting his dedication to his work. He made significant advancements in the design of memory care facilities, a testament to his expertise and compassion. It was a bittersweet irony that he spent his final days in a facility designed by one of his former students.
Services will be private. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Wisconsin Architects Foundation to fund Dream Spaces + Diversity in Architecture Scholarships at UWM appreciated. See goodmanbensman.com for more information.
Bernard O. Westler
Bernard O. Westler died on Oct. 24, 2024, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois at the age of 89.
Bernie was born in 1935 in Milwaukee, WI. He was a graduate of University of Wisconsin Law School and had a successful career as an attorney in Milwaukee.
Bernie enjoyed his early career as a teacher. He loved to travel with his wife, Dorene (nee Johnson), and their friends. He cherished his role as a father and grandfather and will be remembered as embracing these roles with joy.
Bernie was a loving and dedicated husband to Dorene; a loving father to his daughters, Marta (Bob) Gigl, Lynn Westler, Cari (Micky) Simon, Sheila (Rick) Schlosser, and Lisa Thomas; a proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and great-grandfather of six. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Hannah Westler; his brother, Murray Westler; and his granddaughter, Brittney Gigl.
Graveside funeral service held Oct. 28 at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the Brittney Gigl Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Nicolet High School or the Brittney Gigl Camper Assistance Endowment Fund through the JCC appreciated.
Siman H. Wollitzer
Siman H. Wollitzer died Nov. 4, 2024, at the age of 89.
Beloved husband of the late Deanna Wollitzer (nee Waldman). Loving father of Rachel (Jeffrey Fenster) Wollitzer and Elan (Erika) Wollitzer. Cherished grandfather of Lauren Laufman, Sophie Wollitzer, Sarah Fenster and Aaron Fenster. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
A graveside funeral service was held on November 6th at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Chaim Twerski officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Jewish National Fund, 78 Randall Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570 appreciated.
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