Craig B. Adelman
A long-time Milwaukee resident and businessman, died on Jan. 10 peacefully at his home. At the age of 82, Craig passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer over two years ago and, as a result of surgery, was thought to have a good chance of surviving. On a recent visit to Thailand the disease returned and took his life. Craig had many talents. In high school he attended Nicolet and Milwaukee County Day School (University School of Milwaukee) where he was a star athlete lettering in football, basketball, and a state champion tennis player. He graduated from University of Wisconsin – River Falls and earned a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Later he worked at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as an administrator, ultimately deciding to enter the world of business. Craig and his father, Ollie, started a travel business, known as Adelman Travel Systems. Craig’s skill as a businessman was the principal reason that the company became one of the leading corporate travel agencies in the United States. Craig was also a lover of the arts. He lived in a house Frank Lloyd Wright designed in 1948 and filled it with beautiful paintings and sculptures. He read widely, swam daily, and for a period of time lived in New York City where he attended Broadway plays, frequented museums: The Frick, The MET, and MOMA. He also enjoyed dining out at many of the fine restaurants on the upper east side. Craig had two children, Tamara (Jim Crouch) and Jono (Melissa Adelman), to whom he was intensely devoted. Jono, who lives on the same block as Craig’s house, was also an Adelman Travel Systems executive until the family sold the business. Tamara lives in California where they were members at BIGHORN Golf Club together in Palm Desert. They enjoyed golfing together and hanging out during the winter season.
Craig also had three grandchildren (Savannah, Zofia, Zakary), he was deeply involved in their lives. He is survived by his brothers, Lynn (Betty), Gary (Linda) and his uncle Bob and cousins Jennifer (Laurent) and Matt, of Highland Park Illinois, Alan Adelman of San Antonio, Texas, and his only nephew Ray (Stacy), of Knoxville, Tennessee. Craig was preceded in death by his parents Ollie and Edie Adelman. Private services were held. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Della Bornstein
Della Bornstein (nee Frumerman),104, died on Dec. 30, 2025. Della was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Jerry Bornstein, and her beloved daughter, Karie Silberman. Survived by her son Ronald (Barbara) Bornstein; grandchildren Tracy Feffer, David Silberman, Josh Silberman, Dr. Leigh (Adam) Lurie, and Jill (Dan) Lubetsky. Also survived by her great-grandchildren Jordy Feffer, Brandon Feffer, Jacob Lurie, Emery Lurie, Liam Lubetsky and Jesse Lubetsky.
Della dedicated her life to her family and to her volunteer work at the Ovation Jewish Home and Care Center, managing the Gift Shop for over 30 years, and ultimately becoming a resident herself at Chai Point and the Jewish Home. The family would like to thank the loving staff at Chai Point and the Jewish Home and Care Center for the many years of compassionate care they provided Della.
Funeral service held Jan. 2, 2026 at Temple Menorah, Milwaukee. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Gil-Ezer Lerer officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial donations to the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation, Temple Menorah, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Gloria Edwards
Gloria Edwards (nee Gold), 95, of Scottsdale, Arizona, died peacefully on Nov. 19, 2025.
Gloria was born on Feb. 23, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois to Abe and Lotti Gold. She was the youngest of five siblings. In 1934, Gloria was adopted by Abe’s older brother, Max and his wife, Hannah, after Lottie was killed when their automobile was broadsided by an approaching train at a railroad crossing.
Gloria met her husband, Robert Edwards at a Hyde Park (Chicago) tea dance social and married in 1953. A devoted wife and mother, Gloria and her husband, Robert resided in Fox Point for 31 years, raising their three children. In 1972, Gloria and Bob launched Kopy Print (Quick-Print and secretarial services) in Glendale without a business plan and some cash borrowed from an insurance policy. They stewarded a rapidly growing business, which expanded from the flagship Glendale location to additional locations in Shorewood and northwest Milwaukee. Kopy Print served many local Jewish organizations and was one of few printers that internally typeset Hebrew and served many Jewish organizations, as well as being a busy resource for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, graduations, etc.
In 1995, Gloria and Bob sold their Fox Point home and built a new home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gloria graduated from the University of Chicago in 1952. She was both a master bridge player and instructor. She loved rummage sales and enjoyed classical, jazz, folk and musical genres. She and Bob regularly attended Milwaukee Symphony subscription concerts.
In addition to immediate family, Gloria was proud of her tight-knit extended family, including nieces, and nephews. Gloria will be remembered for being a calming, welcoming and loving voice among her rambunctious, energetic family.
Gloria is survived by her three children, William (Mindy) Edwards, Lisa (Brian) Sorokin, Lynne (Blaine) Miller, and, grandchildren Kymberly (Andy) Legolvan, Jackie (Rich) Jones, Dan Garon, Andrea (Clinton) Lewis, Brett Harris, and Michael (Emma) Edwards, and great grandchildren Brielle, Silas, Margot, and Celine. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, siblings Pearl Jacobson, Rose Sherman, Anita Bogorad, and Hymie (Herbie) Gold, stepsiblings Sidney Rein, Stella Abrams, Joseph Rein and grandson Brian Garon.
Services were held Nov. 24, 2025, crypt-side at Sinai Mortuary, Scottsdale, Arizona. Rabbi David Pinkwasser officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or another cause meaningful to you.
Melvin Goldberg
Mel Goldberg, 85, formerly of Washington, D.C., and Shorewood, Wisconsin, died of natural causes on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The funeral was private. He had been living at The Jefferson Retirement Community in Arlington, Virginia, for the past three years.
Mel was born in Milwaukee on May 26, 1940. He attended Shorewood High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He completed military service as a reservist. On a trip to D.C. in 1963, Mel heard Martin Luther King deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Inspired, he moved to the city.
Mel had a long career in government, working in senior positions at the Labor Department. A highlight was working under President Clinton’s labor secretary, Robert Reich.
In the 1970s, he moved to the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington D.C., where he joined his neighbors to throw block parties and beautify the neighborhood. He lived there for fifty years.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Rose Goldberg, and his older sister Leonie Kowitt (nee Goldberg).
He will be deeply missed by a devoted circle of friends and family, including nieces and nephews Holly (David) Kowitt, Harlan (Penny) Kowitt, Suzi Katlin, Andy Katlin, Jason (Sara) Kowitt, Maya Kowitt, Julia Katlin, Fisher Katlin, and Jenna Katlin.
Mel will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and zest for life and fun. He was a wonderful brother, son, uncle, and friend.
Donations can be made to Food & Friends in Washington, D.C., at FoodandFriends.org.
Please leave a memory or photo at Legacy.com.
Peter Gordy
Peter Gordy died Dec. 25, 2025, at the age of 79. Preceded in death by his parents Rita (nee Harris) and Fred M. Gordy. Cherished brother of Michael (Vickie) Gordy, Catherine (Daniel) Hall, Margaret (Richard Drew) Gordy and Jacqueline Gordy. Loving uncle of Rachel (Eric Devanthery) Gordy, Alexandre (Tomoko) Gordy, Sarah Hall, Anna Hall, Emily (Tom) Ganos, Chloe (Joshua Tuper) Drew, Sophie Drew and dear great-uncle of Joshua Riley, Sven Devanthery, Leila Gordy and Léon Gordy. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. Funeral services held Dec. 28 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment followed at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Levi Emmer officiated. Memorial contributions made to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Pearl B. Jacobs
Beloved matriarch Pearl Berger Jacobs of Mequon died Dec. 25, 2025 at the age of 96. Born June 26, 1929.
A graduate of Hunter College and Montclair State University, Pearl had a long, fulfilling career as an executive secretary in Manhattan and as a high school teacher in New Jersey. After retiring she and husband Dave, obm, moved to Wynmoor in Coconut Creek, Florida where she actively participated in her senior community. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Liberal Jewish Temple of Coconut Creek. She was a passionate advocate for Israel, children, animals and social justice. She was the glue that held our family together
A native of the Bronx, New York, she was the devoted wife of the late David L. Jacobs, and the loving mother of Dr. Terry Jacobs (Dr. Diane Jacobs) of Bayside and Susan Jacobs (Andrea Ring) of Novato, California. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Alexander, Amanda, Ruby, David and Danielle. She was the precious daughter of the late Samuel and Anna Berger of New York, sister of the late Estelle Resnick of Mt. Vernon, New York, and “BFF” of her first cousin, the late Roz Golden, of New Rochelle, New York. She was the cherished aunt of Judy Resnick of Orlando, Florida and Dr. Jan Resnick of Perth, Australia, and great-aunt of Freddy Carballo of Yelm, Washington and Erika Espinosa Aksenova of Moriarty, New Mexico.
Pearl will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends whose lives she touched.
A graveside service was held Dec. 30, 2025 at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, New York where she was laid to rest alongside her dear husband. Her loving legacy and generous spirit will live on in our hearts. Donations in her honor can be made to the Ozaukee Humane Society or Make-A-Wish Foundation. May her memory be a blessing. Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Henry ‘Pat’ Kerns
Henry ‘Pat’ Kerns, 93, of Mequon, died Dec. 22, 2025. Loving husband of Joan Kerns (nee Polacheck). Dear father of Bill (Patty) Kerns, Jim Kerns, and the late Judy (Tom) Pence. Adoring grandfather of Danny (Caitlin), Michael (Emilie), David (Liana) Kerns; Ananda and Max Kerns; Andrew (Giuli) Pence, Jenny (Eric) Kozik, and Sam (fiancée Annika Erickson) Pence. Treasured great-grandfather of 9. Preceded in death by sister Rhoda Silver, brothers-in-law Bob Silver, and Jim Polacheck. Further survived by sister-in-law Terri Polacheck, other relatives, and friends. Special thanks to the staff at Newcastle Place and St. Croix Hospice. Pat had many passions. As a businessman he was owner of Kerns Carpet One for the past 69 years, a local Milwaukee institution. He was past president of the World Floor Covering Association and Wisconsin Floor Covering Association. Pat loved Milwaukee and was deeply involved in the community. He was very active with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center,, former president of the board for Mt. Sinai Hospital, board member for the Greater Milwaukee Open, and many others. Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 26, 2025 at Congregation Sinai, 8223 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, WI. Private family entombment, Spring Hill Cemetery, with assistance from Cantor Richard Newman and Blane Goodman Funeral Service. Memorials to Judy Kerns Pence Cancer Fund at Aurora Health Care Foundation, 2025 Windsor Dr., Oak Brook, IL 60523 or charity of your choice.
Michael Kotkin
Michael Kotkin, 85, died Jan. 15, 2026 shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He was born in New Britain, Connecticut on Sept. 16, 1940 to Sima and Abraham Kotkin. Michael had a long and happy marriage to Peggy (nee Hans) Kotkin. He was the proud father of two children Rachel (Linze) and Joshua (Kristin) and two grandchildren, Shay and Kieran. Michael practiced psychology for over 40 years in the Milwaukee area. He loved his work and continued his practice until shortly before his death. Michael played the baritone saxophone and was a member of several bands in the Waukesha area. He enjoyed folk dancing, puzzles and taking walks with Peggy and their dog Chewy. His many friends and family will miss his great sense of humor and kindness. Memorial donations can be made to Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI. A memorial service took place at Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, 830 W Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188 on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Cantor Martin Levson and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. Memorials may be sent to Angels Grace Hospice.
Harriet E. Marcus
Harriet E. Marcus (nee Lerer) died on Dec. 27 at the age of 95.
Beloved wife of the late Irving (Marc) Marcus for 61 years. Loving partner of Galen Lucus. Cherished mother of Larry (Karen) Marcus and Andrea (Rich) Konz. Proud grandmother of Jennifer (Matthew) Harrison, Michaela Marcus, Matthew (Kelsey) Konz, Zachary Konz, and Aaron Konz and great-grandmother of Jack Konz. Dear sister of Betty Lerer and cousin of Margaret Yonack and Barbara Cosner. Further survived by other loving relatives and friends.
The family extends a special thank you to the caring staff of Vitas Hospice Care in West Allis and Laurel Oaks of Glendale.
Memorial service held Dec. 30 at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, River Hills. Cantor David Barash officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Interment was at Beth El Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska. Memorial contributions to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun or Wisconsin Humane Society appreciated.
Steven Joseph Martin
Steven “Steve” Joseph Martin, 49, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after an unexpected illness on Jan. 13, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1976, in Port Washington. Steve is survived by his loving wife and beshert of eight and a half years, Diane Marie Martin (nee Last). He was a devoted and proud father to Kayla Rose Martin (Alex Arendt), Alex Daniel Martin, Anakin John Shamrowicz (Rachel Sentkowski), and Anaka Rita Shamrowicz. He is further survived by his loving mother, Angelika Sue Martin (Johnston); his sister Suzanne Marie Martin; and his cherished nephew and nieces, Rolando Rodriguez, Sabrina (Danielle) Gaulke, and Delilah Wantland. Steve is also fondly remembered by many other relatives and friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Elmer Garry Martin.
Steve proudly served his country in the Wisconsin National Guard, and the United States Army from October 1996 until his honorable medical discharge in May 2004. During his service, he was deployed in support of the war on terror in Kosovo. Following his military service, Steve continued his dedication to others by serving his community as a police officer with the South Milwaukee Police Department and the West Allis Police Department. After retiring from law enforcement, Steve found a new professional home with Lupient Kia in Milwaukee, where he became part of a close-knit family and truly enjoyed working alongside the incredible people there. Above all else, Steve loved spending time with his family and friends. He had a deep passion for music, enjoyed reading and horrible bad dad jokes, and found great joy in playing role-playing games shared with those he loved. Steve was known for his caring and compassionate heart, his quick wit, and his lovingly sarcastic sense of humor. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those around him, and he will be missed beyond measure.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Steve’s name to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 1126 South 70th Street #S210A, Milwaukee, WI 53214, or to Wounded Warriors United of Wisconsin, W14743 1st Ave., Gleason, WI 54435.Funeral services 1 PM Monday, January 19, 2026 at Congregation Sinai, 8223 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point. Interment to follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, 166 S. Hawley Ct, Milwaukee. Spring Hill Cemetery, Blane Goodman Funeral Service and Rabbi David Cohen.
Roberta “Bobbie” Alderman Mendelsohn
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roberta (Bobbie) Alderman Mendelsohn, age 87, of Glendale, on Jan. 18, 2026. Born on Nov. 27, 1938, in Syracuse, New York, to Sally and Saul Alderman, Bobbie lived a fulfilling life defined by her business savvy, her competitive spirit on the court, and her deep love for her family.
Bobbie was known for her enthusiastic personality and her unapologetic love for chocolate— specifically hot fudge and malted milk balls. The first half of her life, Bobbie was an active woman who found joy in playing tennis and mahjong, but her greatest happiness came from time spent with family and friends.
As an entrepreneur, she brought her energy to several business ventures, including Bobbie’s Swinging Sport in Syracuse, New York; Party Gals, with best friend Susan Selby; and Sweet Bouquets in Milwaukee.
Bobbie was married to her husband, Stanley, for 50 years. She is survived by her four children: Mark (Sue) of The Villages, Florida; Susie of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida; Jon of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Scott (Christine) of Glendale, Wisconsin.
Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren — Dan (Jen), Dave (Carly), Hannah, Benjamin, Cole, and Olivia — as well as five great-grandchildren: Isla, Cameron, Eden, Landon, and Mason. She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Bernard Dworski; and her only sibling, Fredric Alderman.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at Discovery Commons for their support over the last three years and to the Hospice team at St. Croix. Bobbie loved you guys!
Funeral services took place on Jan. 23 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Private interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Memorial contributions to the American Heart Association appreciated.
Beverly R. Rattner
It is with deep and sincere sadness the family of Beverly R. Rattner announce her peaceful death on Jan. 2, 2026, at the age of 100.
Beverly was born in Milwaukee, daughter of Louis and Ida Cohen. Beverly’s memory will live on, “for to live on in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” She is preceded in death by her loving husbands, Eugene Horenstein, deceased April1955 and Raymond Rattner deceased March 2005. She is survived by her loving children, Jeffrey (Susanne) Rattner, The Villages, Florida, Gary (Lisbeth) Rattner, Mequon, Larry Rattner, Scottsdale, Arizona, Mark Rattner, Fox Point, and Margo (Charles) Walter both deceased, Boise, Idaho. She is further survived by eight loving grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Beverly was an accomplished registered nurse working for Mt. Sinai Hospital and a docent at the Milwaukee Art Museum. She enjoyed tennis, golf and mahjong and took great pride in the accomplishments of her children. She was an extraordinary woman facing the challenges of being a single mom of three boys all under the age of 6. In those days for her, the only easy day was yesterday. She was courageous and epitomized that life is all about showing up. After Beverly married Raymond, they welcomed a fourth son Mark, to join his older brothers, Jeff, Gary and Larry and sister Margo. The family would like to extend special thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Josephine Gardner, Olivia Dar and Annalie Moloney who made sure Beverly was cared for with comfort and dignity. Graveside services were at Second Home Cemetery, Jan. 9, 2026.
Memorials may be sent to Emily’s Entourage (which is for Cystic Fibrosis Research) or One Act of Giving. Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Sylvia Rudberg
Sylvia Rudberg (nee Appelman), 105, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2025, at her home in Fox Point where she had lived for over 40 years. She was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 64 years as well as her two brothers, Morris and Nathan. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Alvin) Jaffe, her sister Evelyn, grandchildren Rachel and David and great-grandchild Lyla. Sylvia’s passion was her family and friends who were always in her thoughts. She was known to those close to her as a master storyteller and a great conversationalist. She was born and raised in Milwaukee and lived in Orlando, Florida for two years when her husband was stationed there. Although she worked briefly selling women’s hats, she was primarily a homemaker. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Private services were held. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sylvia can be made to organizations involved with promoting or studying longevity. Rabbi Abby Phelps and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Christine Siegel
Christine Siegel (nee Janotta) died Jan. 10, 2026, at the age of 76. Beloved wife of the late Mitchell Siegel. Cherished mother of Jamie (Mary) Siegel, Sarah (Chad Tessmer) Siegel, and Ben (Brittany Lacey) Siegel. Loving grandmother of Rachel (Fiancée of James Niemer) Siegel, Bennett Tessmer, Oscar Ruiz, William Tessmer, and Judah Ruiz. Dear sister of Allen (Katherine) Janotta and Richard (Cheryl) Janotta. Preceded in death by her parents, Mabel and Melvin Janotta, and her older brother, Roger Janotta. Further survived by many loving relatives and dear friends.
Chris was an exceptional friend, a talented colleague, and above all else the very best Mom to her three children and Nana to her five, actively adored grandchildren. A voracious reader, film buff, and music fan – she was undoubtedly the most stylish Nana at her grandchildren’s concerts, games, and events (never failing to travel with treats!). She deeply loved her many dogs, travelling with her family – warm beach preferred – and putting her keen design eye to work in her home and the homes of those she loved.
Funeral services held Jan. 13 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff officiated. Memorial contributions in Chris’s memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Wisconsin or the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center appreciated.
Klara Tsimbal
Klara Tsimbal died Jan. 7, 2026 at the age of 93.
Dear aunt of Marina (Oleg Krakovyak) Kropp. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. A graveside service was held on Jan. 9 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Yaakov Elman officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family.
H. Barton Triefler
H. Barton “Bart” Triefler died peacefully at age 92, surrounded by loving family. Bart is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jacqueline, his daughters Jennifer Parris (Kyle) and Natalie Blais (Dave), and his cherished grandchildren Sofie and Eli. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Born July 25, 1933 and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bart adored his parents, Nathan and Minnie Triefler, and grew up in the Flatbush neighborhood alongside his older brothers, Herbert and Daniel, who have preceded him in death. As a boy, he loved attending Brooklyn Dodgers games, idolizing Jackie Robinson. While Brooklyn always held his heart, he never forgave “Dem Bums” for leaving for Los Angeles and later became a devoted New York Yankees fan.
Bart proudly served his country in the United States Army as a company clerk in post–World War II Europe during the Korean War, from 1953 to 1955.His greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren, followed by his love of baseball, the Yankees and his tennis game.
Bart built a successful career selling plumbing supplies and was the owner of Rigid Plumbing in Brooklyn, a business founded by his father. Known for his big personality, quick wit, and occasional inappropriate joke, Bart was stubborn but deeply loyal and always reliable — if he said he would be somewhere or do something, he never let you down.
Later in life, Bart and Jacqueline moved from Secaucus, New Jersey, to Milwaukee to be close to their daughter Natalie and granddaughter. Bart treasured time spent with his granddaughter, including attending Shabbat Sing every Friday. Wherever he was, Bart was always the life of the party, especially at family reunions, where stories, laughter, and inside jokes like meeting at the “hostility room” lasted for decades.
One of Bart’s greatest honors was participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his daughter Jennifer. He was also deeply proud to witness her commissioning as an officer in the United States Air Force, continuing a family legacy of service.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Bart with compassion and dignity, including his caretaker Ally Lee, Latrice and the VA Home Helpers, Aurora Zilber Family Hospice, and the staff at Aurora in Grafton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bart’s memory to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Milwaukee or Aurora Zilber Family Hospice.
Though Bart made Milwaukee his home, his heart never left New York. A private funeral service for family and close friends was held in Queens, New York. A memorial service and gathering of friends was to be planned in Milwaukee at a later date.
Rema Zaretser
Rema Zaretser (nee Metter) died on Jan. 12, 2026, at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Yevgeniy Zaretser. Loving mother of Maria (Boris) Goman and Alex (Elina) Zaretser. Proud grandmother of Dmitriy, Maxim, Mikaela and Sophie Zaretser and Katty Mazurovsky and great-grandmother of Tzil and Liel Mazurovsky. Private funeral services held at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Lev Zilist
Lev Zilist died on Dec. 26, 2025, at the age of 90. Lev was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Mary, for 56 years. Together they built a life grounded in love, partnership, and family. He was the proud father of two children, Liz and Alex, and a deeply cherished grandfather to six grandchildren: Benjamin, David, Michael, Samuel, Hannah, and Sarah.
At the center of Lev’s life was his family. Lev’s quiet strength and unshakable resilience carried him through unimaginable hardships of the Holocaust and scarcity, but later guided him to a successful career as a chief engineer at a construction manufacturer in the Soviet Union.
In 1979, he navigated a complex and risky immigration to the United States with his family, bringing with him not only his skills and experience, but also fortitude, optimism, and a deep determination to build a better future. While learning English and supporting his family, he continued his career as an industrial engineer at Miller Brewing Company for 15 years. After retiring, he was asked back by Miller Brewing, which led him to establish his own consulting firm and continue advising them for 8 more years.
He read, thought, and spoke passionately about religion, science, astronomy, physics, history, philosophy, politics and much more. But what people remember most about Lev was not how much he knew—it was how he made them feel in his selfless devotion to helping others. His integrity, loyalty, and genuine kindness earned him lasting trust and respect, whether with close friends or someone he had just met. People were naturally drawn to Lev for his advice, perspective, and leadership; he always gave freely and without hesitation.
Lev’s sense of humor, stories, and anecdotes were a constant source of laughter, reflection, and quiet wisdom. Beneath it all was a deep sense of gratitude that guided the way he lived his life. He rarely complained, always saw the positive, and led by example in appreciating the simple things and inspiring his family to do the same.
Lev leaves behind an enormous void, but also a legacy of love, generosity, integrity, and devotion to family. He will be missed terribly, but his spirit lives on in the stories we share, the values he passed down, and the countless lives he touched.
Funeral service held Jan. 2 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Rabbi Levi Emmer officiated. Interment was at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Memorial contributions to Chabad Lubavitch of Wisconsin appreciated.
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