Obituaries

Veronica Boico

With deep sadness and love, we announce the passing of Veronica “Vera” Boico (nee Kipnis), who died peacefully at the age of 80, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Vera’s early years were shaped by the challenges and realities of growing up in the Soviet Union — an experience that profoundly influenced her strength, resilience, and outlook on life. Her journey took her from Georgia to Lvov, then to Tel Aviv, Paris, and ultimately to Milwaukee, where she spent the last 40+ years of her rich and meaningful life.  

 A gifted musician, Vera studied at the Gnessin Conservatory in Moscow and devoted much of her life to teaching piano. Through her artistry and instruction, she inspired countless students and shared her deep love of music with all who knew her.  

Vera lived a long and full life marked by perseverance, intelligence, creativity, and devotion to her family. She carried with her a remarkable life story that spanned continents and generations. She is lovingly survived by her two sons, Daniel (Fiona) and Ilan (Nicole); her four cherished grandchildren, Naomi (Jacob), Mila, Moses, and Asher; nieces, Vicky (Solomon) and Jenny (Gary); and many friends, students, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her presence. Her family will remember her as a strong and talented woman whose life journey reflected both the hardships and the beauty of the 20th century. Her music, wisdom, and enduring love for her family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing.  

Graveside funeral service held May 21 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 appreciated. 

Natalie Browne-Gutnik 

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Natalie Browne-Gutnik, who died peacefully on May 19, 2026, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with pneumonia. 

Natalie shared a remarkable 50-year love story with her devoted husband, Marty, a partnership built on creativity, laughter, loyalty, and enduring love that will continue far beyond her passing. 

An accomplished artist, scholar, author, and cherished friend, Natalie brought passion and intelligence to everything she touched. Together, Natalie and Marty co-authored numerous books spanning subjects from decorative floor cloths to Madagascar, reflecting their shared curiosity, creativity, and adventurous spirit. 

Natalie was a loving mother to Max Michael Gutnik (Kari) and Anne Heaton (Brian). She especially adored her beloved “Practically Perfects,” Sam and Ari Gutnik, who brought endless joy and pride to her life. She was also a devoted grandmother to Joe Luther and Deven Grimsley, and a proud great-grandmother to George. 

Known for her fiery spirit, striking red hair, and vibrant sense of style, Natalie lit up every room she entered. She found great joy in the simple beauty of life, especially sitting in her beloved garden surrounded by birds, butterflies, and the peace of nature she so deeply loved. 

Natalie will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, intelligence, fierce love for her family, and the unforgettable spark she carried throughout her life. 

May her memory be a blessing. 

Graveside funeral service held May 21 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee.  Rabbi Gil Rosen officiated.  Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Hadassah Medical Organization appreciated. 

Jack Chernin 

Jack Chernin, Milwaukee, died May 25, 2026. He was 99. 

Loving husband of the late Marilyn Chernin. Dear father of Michael Chernin and Bradley Chernin. Cherished grandfather of Ethan (Kaitlin Cullum) Chernin. Adoring father-in-law of Debra Slater. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Graveside services were May 28, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Memorials to the Food Bank Fund at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. Blane Goodman Funeral Service and Rabbi Jessica Barolsky assisted the family.  

Rachel Liana Feezor 

Rachel Liana Feezor (nee Torres) died on May 30, 2026, following a sustained struggle with neuroendocrine carcinoma. She was 42. 

Rachel was caring and loving wife to her husband, Kevin, and mother to her son, Logan.  She was a devoted daughter (nicknamed Penguin) to her parents, Jose Torres and Miriam Oliensis-Torres; a loving sister to Brian (Lina) Torres and Michael Torres; and doting aunt to Alex and Giuliana Torres.  She was predeceased by her loving grandparents, David (“Vava”) and Ethel Oliensis, Benjamin and Irene Torres, and uncle, Robert Torres. 

To her extended family and in-laws she was the glue that bound far-flung relatives together, organizing and facilitating gatherings with a guiding hand: whether it was picnics in the park, tailgating at Packer games, or assembling up north. 

Even as she struggled with her own health during the past year, she was a source of strength to others undergoing similar travails, talking and texting, offering support and encouragement, even in her final weeks and days.  

Rachel’s greeting hugs were a phenomenon, full of enthusiasm, grins, and glee.  

An avid storm spotter, Rachel could be counted on to alert even her extended family on the East Coast to any incoming severe weather, and to check up on everyone to ensure that they had survived unscathed.  

Her younger cousins fondly remember her in her teenage years, spending hours with them and burning mix CDs. 

Rachel was amazingly resilient and strong-willed.  She adjusted to whatever bumps in the road she encountered. She persisted and prevailed, with a whole and loving heart, building a full and balanced life with her husband and son.   

Her full and easy laugh was infectious, and her loving presence will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

A memorial service took place on June 8 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Rabbi Shari Shamah officiated. Memorial contributions to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, JCC Milwaukee Disability Inclusion Services or Friends of Bonim Farms, or the charity of your choice appreciated. 

Nancy Gruber 

Nancy Gruber died June 7, 2026, far too soon, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to her family.  

She touched countless lives across Wisconsin and the country in extraordinary ways. Nothing mattered more to Nancy than her family and loved ones. They were her heart, her purpose, and her greatest accomplishment.  

Born on June 27, 1955, in Milwaukee, Nancy was the daughter of Robert and Marion Rice. She grew up in the Milwaukee area alongside her sisters, Linda and Debbie. Her parents and sister Debbie preceded her in death. From an early age, Nancy carried a strong sense of purpose and a deep understanding of right and wrong, principles that guided her throughout her life and defined the way she cared for others. Nancy attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, before earning her law degree from Marquette University Law School, graduating cum laude in 1983.  

While she built an extraordinary legal and business career and helped countless families through difficult times, Nancy would have said her proudest achievement was the life she built with her family. Family was the center of Nancy’s world. She was a devoted wife and partner to David for 43 years, their bond inseparable, doing everything together as a true team. She was an incredible mother to Steven (Jaclyn) Gruber and Lauren “JoJo” Watson (Stephen), and a loving mother-in-law who embraced her children’s spouses as her own. 

Her greatest joy was her five grandchildren, Gabi, Taylor, Jace, Logan, and Pax, whom she treasured beyond words. She had the gift of meeting her newest grandson just one day before her sudden passing. Nancy was endlessly proud of her children and deeply invested in their lives, always showing up with love, support, and guidance. She and David lived in between their children, both families 5 minutes in either direction. She loved being a part of special milestones and cherished everyday moments together just as much as the special moments. That was who she was at her core.  

Nancy was a devoted and adoring grandmother whose love was boundless. Whether she was leading in the boardroom in the morning or embracing her grandchildren later that day, she moved seamlessly between strength, power, compassion and tenderness. Nancy had a true zest for life. She loved life. She loved traveling with her family, attending Bucks and Brewers games, and experiencing unforgettable events around the world, from Super Bowls and NBA Finals to WrestleMania to NCAA Final Fours to countless concerts. Nancy and her family lived life to its fullest.  

Nancy was a true pioneer. She was selfless, fearless and fiercely loyal. She stood up for what was right without hesitation and never sought recognition. She lived life on her own terms, with strength, compassion, and a uniquely deep capacity to love others. Her care extended far beyond her own family. She became a source of guidance, wisdom, truth and unwavering support to those in need. She had a rare gift for making people feel safe, understood and truly cared for. 

In her professional life, Nancy owned Gruber Law Offices with her husband, David, and their son, Steven. Along with David and Steven, and countless other team members, she helped grow the firm into one of the largest personal injury law firms in the country. Through it all, her purpose and values remained constant. Simply, Nancy desired to help people and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives and in the community.  

A passionate philanthropist, Nancy quietly impacted individuals, families and communities across the state. She believed deeply in giving back, never seeking credit or recognition. Nancy was strong yet compassionate, powerful yet deeply empathetic. Above all else, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and a constant, loving presence in the lives of those she cared about. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled. Her family is devastated and misses her more than words can express. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to the incredible life she lived and the countless people she touched.  

Nancy Gruber will be remembered as a pioneer, a protector and a giver. Most importantly, she will be remembered as a woman who put her family first in everything and lived her life with a level of love and compassion that few will ever match. She will never be forgotten. Her passing is a profound loss, and she is gone far too soon. 

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

Claire Komisar 

Claire Komisar (née Kerns) died peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 97, in the arms of her daughter Maureen Luddy. 
 
They were surrounded by her loving caregivers Villaflor (Flora) Moore and Rosalinda (Rosie) Sweet. 
 
Flora and Rosie were her devoted caregivers for the past eight years, treating Claire like their own mother and becoming chosen sisters to Maureen. Their kindness and love for her will never be forgotten. 
 
Claire was born on March 29, 1929, in Akron, Ohio, to parents Irwin and Frieda Kerns. The family moved to Milwaukee when she was just six months old. 
 
Claire was president of her BBG chapter and attended the State BBYO convention in Madison during her senior year of high school, where she met Morton Komisar — the love of her life.  
 
Mort had already graduated and was on leave from the army, brought in as a ringer to play in the AZA football game.  
 
It was love at first sight.  
 
They wrote letters while Mort served in the army, dated when he returned to college, and he pinned her with his AEPi fraternity pin. They were quickly engaged and married on June 25, 1950, sharing the most loving marriage for nearly 64 years until Mort’s passing on Jan. 9, 2014. 
 
Claire is survived by her two children and their spouses, Maureen (David) Luddy and Martin (Gail) Komisar; grandchildren Noah Luddy, Randi (Eric) Schachter, and Bradley (Sarah) Komisar; and great-grandchildren Jordan and Sloan Schachter and Simon and Allison Komisar. Further survived by other nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends. 
 
Claire loved worldwide travel, especially cruises, with her beloved Mort. They took incredible trips to India, Africa, Russia, South America, China, Europe, East Asia, the Caribbean and everywhere in between. 
 
She was proud to be a great shopper, finding treasures for her home and jewelry from around the world — and everything had a story to go with it. 
 
Claire was president of her ORT chapter and a member of the JNF Sapphire Society. She and Mort were generous donors to numerous Jewish and Zionist charities, always striving to make the world a better place. 
 
She was a wonderful friend to many, including the numerous remarkable people she met during her last 10 years, while living at Chai Point. 
 
She loved to play Mah Jongg, bridge, and bingo — especially chocolate bingo. In fact, she loved everything chocolate! 
 
But most of all, she loved her family. From a young age she worked alongside family at Biltrite Furniture, the business founded by her father Irwin Kerns and his brother-in-law Sol Forman, originally established in Akron, Ohio, as an upholstery company. 
 
Sol was married to Rose Forman, the sister of Claire’s mother Frieda, making their families especially close. Each had one child — a daughter — so Claire grew up with her cousin Lucille (Forman) Frenkel as a sister and spoke of her fondly in the final weeks of her life. Claire and Lucille helped at the store on a part-time basis when they were young. 
 
Claire attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison for a year before getting married, then returned to college after raising her children.  
 
She graduated from Mount Mary College with a degree in interior design in 1977.  
 
She put her degree to beautiful use helping customers at the store, bringing each one her full attention to ensure they got exactly what they wanted and needed. 
 
Even in her final years at Chai Point, she would try to sell new friends furniture. 
 
Claire was a kind and loving soul, known for always complimenting people and telling them how much she loved them. She adored live entertainment — theater, musical performances and every show she could sign up for — first at Century Village and later at Chai Point. 
 
She had a serious case of FOMO and wouldn’t miss a thing. 
 
She had an especially close relationship with her daughter Maureen and her grandson Noah, whom she helped raise. 
 
For the last 15 years of her life, she saw or spoke with Maureen every single day, cherishing every moment they shared. When Maureen was just 16, they began attending art festivals. They kept up that beloved tradition throughout the years, acquiring no small amount of unique clothing and jewelry along the way. 
 
She loved color and brought color and joy wherever she went. She was a true Eishet Chayil — a Woman of Valor — and was almost always dressed in purple. 
 
When she was six years old, she met Janice (Appel) Zamsky, and they remained the closest of friends throughout their lives until Janice’s passing — sharing childhood adventures at Washington High School, and winters as snowbirds at Century Village in Deerfield Beach, Florida. 
 
Her Hebrew name was Chaya, and she lived her life with joy to her very last breath. 
 
A graveside service and burial took place at Spring Hill Cemetery on May 25, followed by a service and eulogies. The family noted they are very appreciative of Aurora Hospice at Home and especially the nurse Emily and hospice caregiver Jimmy. Donations to Ovation Chai Point Fund are appreciated. 
 

Esther Lange 

Esther Lange died peacefully on May 10, 2026, at the age of 99, after living with congestive heart failure. Esther was born in Burlington, Wisconsin, on Sept. 7, 1926, and was the seventh child of Ida (Hinda) and Isaac Lipton.   

Esther graduated from Burlington High School in 1944 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. There she met her first husband, Kenneth Kassner. They married in 1948 and had two children, Philip (who died in 2024) and Enid.  

In 1969, Esther earned a master’s degree in library science and became the middle school librarian in Mount Horeb. She established a central library including both books and audio-visual materials. 

After parting ways with her first husband, Esther met Kenneth Lange, the naturalist at Devil’s Lake State Park, in 1977. They married in 1979 and made their home in Baraboo. They were true soul mates, sharing their love of nature, travel and reading. 

Esther became the middle school librarian in Reedsburg, where she pioneered the use of computer technology. She enjoyed giving book talks and telling stories to encourage a love of reading. She retired in 1988. 

In her later years, Esther enjoyed watercolor painting and focused on researching family history and genealogy. Esther developed extended family trees and created a document sharing the family immigration story up to the present to share with relatives. 

In 2024, after 47 years of marriage, Esther’s husband, Ken, passed away, having lived for several years with Parkinson’s disease. 

Esther is survived by her daughter, Enid Kassner; grandchildren, Heather Kassner Straatsma and Avi Rose; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, and her son, Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, Benjamin, baby Lipton, Paul, Ethel, Samuel, Frances, and Ruth.  

In lieu of flowers, Esther suggested donations to the Sauk County Historical Society.  

Noah Laufer 

Noah Thomas Daniel Mangan Laufer died on May 12, 2026, in Los Angeles.  

This is from his brother, Saul:  

Noah lived among us in both exceptional and ordinary ways — making constant small gestures of kindness, crafting brilliant jokes now difficult to remember clearly at a time like this, creating countless works of art and imagining futures both large and small. He walked this earth like most — carrying private burdens beneath the visible routine while simultaneously outputting more art than most would across several lifetimes. But mostly he deserved more time. That statement is both categorically true and wholly insufficient. 

Noah could be an absolute pain. Truly. I used to joke with him that he was turning me into a spider because he drove me up the wall. And yet, Noah was also the kindest human being I’ve ever met. When no one noticed someone who was down, someone suffering, someone we all would overlook ­— or worse yet, look and then avert our eyes — he would talk to them. Anyone. Everyone. He knew the names of those on Skid Row whom he passed while living in DTLA. He knew because he treated them like we all should — like humans. He dedicated himself to working with a non-profit (ADAP), assisting those less fortunate than him. There wasn’t a selfish bone in his body. There was no room for that bone, as it was all taken up by unfettered creativity.  

Noah was a born performer (read the beginning of the last paragraph). His credits are numerous, spanning everything from small black box theatre plays to large budget films and TV shows for major networks. He wrote constantly — stories, novels, music. It will take me a portion of a lifetime to catalogue it all. It wasn’t performative. It wasn’t for fame or money (beyond supplemental payment to support his genetically inherited habit of takeout at midnight). It was a compulsion. Because he was a born artist and a consummate one at that. 

I strongly dislike the phrase “survived by.” I never actually had this exact conversation with Noah but I bet he did too. It can feel clinical, cold and even transactional. He lives on within his loving parents, Harold Laufer and Katie Mangan, her husband Mitchell Bender and his brother Saul Laufer. He is cherished by his aunts Judith Laufer and Barb Traczek; Julie and Maggie Mangan; and his uncles Larry Laufer, Jeffrey (Mary Jo), Phillip (Sherri), Michael Mangan and Dan Dylak. He shared his life with his stepsiblings, Alex and Han Bender; Isaac Wender; honorary sister, Constance Lyons; and his cat daughter, Colby. He is deeply loved by more friends than can possibly be named here despite their importance. The family who love him includes, Matthew (Ashley), Walden, Archer, August, Colin, Courtney, Emily, Miles, Molly and Hailey Mangan. He currently follows in the footsteps of his grandparents, Saul “Fred” and Anita Laufer and Thomas R. and Alice Mangan; Harold’s cherished partner, Faith Wender; his Uncle Matthew; and his aunts, Elizabeth and Jennifer Mangan. He is reunited with his beloved friend, Dina Salle, and his adored pets, Rumpole, Steve and Ken, Ditto and Kip, Sweeky and Zweeky and that turtle whose name he kept changing.  

And often, after such an untimely passing, we all permit the end to annex the entire territory of life. This is a mistake. Our son, our brother, our friend’s existence is not the last hour of their life. 

No one whom Noah has touched — and they are innumerable — should allow his unexpected death to rewrite his happy childhood, his beautiful friendships, his accomplishments, his charisma, love, good-looks and the rabid excitement with which he pursued anything that interested him. These things will not disappear because sadness overwhelms them — and us. Noah would never stomach that for anyone else and we must follow his example by doing the same. He died young and that’s an obscenity. Yet that will not be how he is remembered. Not by myself nor the rest of his family, not by his friends and not by the world. 

He was born on Aug. 12, 1992, with a giant head of auburn hair and the face of a doll. He was born an actor, first performing and writing at First Stage Children’s Theatre, then in almost every Nicolet High School theater production. He continued perfecting his craft by attending The Theatre School at DePaul University (The Goodman School of Drama). He earned his master’s degree at Fordham University in New York City, graduating summa cum laude. He passed away with the same fantastic head of hair. 

Private services and burial were held for the immediate family in mid-May. His mortal coil is interred at Mound Zion in Brookfield —  for we knew if we buried him in LA he would come back to haunt us all. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be publicized for the many people in his life that wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that a donation be made to First Stage Children’s Theatre of Milwaukee, as was his wish. To leave a guestbook entry, please visit goodmanbensman.com. 

Mark Lesko 

Mark Lesko died June 4, 2026.  

He was born in Illinois in 1957 to Matthew and Marilyn Lesko.  

Mark grew up alongside his five brothers and developed a deep appreciation for the natural world that would shape the course of his life. Summers spent at Lake Shangri-La fostered a lifelong love of nature, conservation and the outdoors. Mark was an outdoorsman in every sense of the word. He found joy, purpose, and peace outside, and spent nearly every spare moment working on a project, improving the land, or helping it thrive. Whether tending his own property and tree nursery, volunteering countless hours with Seno K/RLT, or lending a hand to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, Mark was a true steward of the land. He saw potential everywhere and worked tirelessly to leave every place better than he found it.  

Mark possessed a remarkable gift for teaching. He generously shared his knowledge, skills and wisdom with anyone eager to learn. Whether identifying plants and wildlife, teaching practical skills, explaining how something worked, or helping someone tackle a difficult project, he found genuine joy in passing along what he knew. His patience, encouragement and willingness to help made him a trusted mentor and friend to many. 

 While his accomplishments were numerous, Mark’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He met and married his graduate school sweetheart, Janet, and from the moment they found each other, they were true soulmates. Together, they shared 45 wonderful years filled with love, partnership, laughter, and adventure.  

Mark was a devoted husband who adored Janet, and theirs was a rare and enduring love built on unwavering support, deep friendship and mutual respect. Together, they created a life centered on family, hard work and shared values. Mark was a loving father to Reva and Benjamin (Arianne), and he took immense pride in passing on his love of the outdoors, conservation, curiosity and craftsmanship to his children. His lessons extended far beyond practical skills; he taught by example the importance of kindness, integrity, generosity and caring for the world around us.  

Nothing brought a brighter smile to Mark’s face than his granddaughters, Josie and Lucy. He absolutely lit up in their presence. Whether exploring outdoors, sharing stories, teaching them something new or simply enjoying their company, he treasured every moment spent with them. Being their Papa was one of the greatest joys of his life, and the love he had for them was evident to everyone who knew him. Mark was known as a man of extraordinary kindness and generosity. He was the person people called when they needed help, advice, encouragement or an extra set of hands. Selfless, hardworking, compassionate and endlessly curious, he approached life with a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference.  

His quiet acts of service touched countless lives, often without recognition or expectation of anything in return. Mark leaves behind a legacy of stewardship, knowledge, generosity and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the lessons he taught, the land he cared for, the projects he completed, and the lives he touched will continue to reflect the remarkable man he was for generations to come.  

Although our time with Mark feels far too short, we find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved daughter, Reva, and the loved ones who went before him. While he will be deeply missed here, we take solace in imagining the joy of that long-awaited reunion. His love, wisdom, and memory will remain with us always. Graveside services were June 8, at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Memorials to Seno K/RLT would be appreciated. 

Rabbi Steve Adams and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Ann Levin Meyer 

Ann Levin Meyer, 95, of Mequon, died peacefully on June 4, 2026. 

Born on February 16, 1931, Ann was the only child of Frank and Isabel (Belond) Levin. Ann grew up in Whitefish Bay and graduated from Whitefish Bay High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she met her future husband Alvin, before finishing her degree at the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. 

Ann enjoyed being with small children and worked as a substitute kindergarten teacher for over 50 years. Perhaps in part because of her profession, she was known for handwriting so neat it could be considered its own font. After marrying in 1952, Ann and Alvin settled in Shorewood. There Ann raised their three children and supported Alvin as he served the community as Village Attorney. Later, “Gran Ann” helped to care for her granddaughters when they were young and remained close with them throughout their lives. 

Ann will be remembered for being a terrific friend, in ways both big and small. She supported several dear friends through serious health crises and stayed in close contact with her friends’ children over the years. Her phone rang off the hook, and once call-waiting was invented, it wasn’t unusual for her to switch back and forth between her many callers. Her address book was meticulously organized, and she sent out birthday and holiday cards like clockwork. 

Ann was a competitive player of board and card games, never giving an easy win to her opponent (even her own granddaughters). She played Triominos up until her last week of life. She was also an avid reader who kept a careful record of every book she read in order to ensure she never checked the same one out from the library twice. Ann adored photos, unfazed by the eyerolls she received at every family gathering when she insisted on taking group pictures. Ann’s passion for capturing moments with loved ones led her to compile over a dozen albums of her family and friends, each photo neatly arranged in chronological order with handwritten labels identifying the people and location. The albums Ann created will be treasured family keepsakes for many years to come.  

Ann is survived by her children, Lynn (Rick) Conn, Ellen (Bill) Wruck, and David (Kristi) Meyer, as well as three granddaughters: Katie Conn, Liz Conn, and Amanda Meyer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Alvin Meyer, her brother-in-law Bert, and her sister-in-law Penny, with whom she shared a sisterly bond and many adventures. The family would like to thank the staff of Hearts to Home, Badger Hospice, and Elizabeth Residence for the compassionate care they have provided over the last years of Ann’s life. Ann delighted in her friendships with her fellow residents and her caregivers. A graveside service will be held June 10, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hunger Task Force. For those who wish to further honor Ann, please take a moment to savor chocolate in any form. 

Rabbi Jessica Barolsky and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Robert Miller 

Robert Miller, 88, of Mequon, died on May 18, 2026.  

Son of the late Edward and Shirley Miller. Beloved husband of 58 years to Nancy Miller. Loving father and father-in-law of Gayle Miller, Jeffrey and Alison Miller, and Gregory and Julie Miller. Devoted grandfather of Rachel, Abigail, Sydney, Finn and Charlie Miller. Dear brother of the late Thomas Miller (Bob Boyett) and Kitty (Paul) Glass.  

Bob will be remembered for his successful business career leading Spic and Span, Inc. with his father, who was his long-time partner, as well as his leadership in numerous civic and charitable organizations. Highly respected, admired and beloved throughout the community, Bob leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity and integrity. Above all else, he took the greatest pride in his family, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to his children and five grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and to whom he represented the finest role model. A private graveside service was held on May 21, followed by a Shiva at Northmoor Country Club, Highland Park, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. 

Rabbi Wendi Geffen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Carin Ann Pittleman 

Carin Ann Pittleman (nee Shapson) died on May 15, 2026, at the age of 69. 

Carin is survived by her husband, Mark E. Pittleman; her children, Avraham (Jennifer) Pittleman, Josh (Jenny) Pittleman and Chaya Leah (Betzalel) Cohen; her grandchildren, Shlomo Yisrael, Emunah, Batya Tova, Zissel Kayla, Shaindel Bracha, Shalom Noach and Michael Elimelech Pittleman; Kayla and Aaron Pittleman; and Yitzchak Meir, Shmarya Benzion, Mordechai Labe, Sora Feige and Avraham Yehoshua Heschel Cohen. 

Funeral services held on May 17 at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home.  Interment followed at Mound Zion Cemetery. Rabbi Wes Kalmar officiated. 

Memorial contributions to Chabad of Southern Minnesota serving the Mayo Clinic, Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah (ASKT), or Chabad Lubavitch of Wisconsin appreciated. 

Michael Primakow 

Michael Primakow, 74, of Mequon, died June 13, 2026. 

Loving husband of Sheryl Primakow (nee Cherniack). Dear father of Evan (Jessie) Primakow and Jordan (Annie) Primakow. Adoring grandfather of Judah, Gabby, and Lily Primakow. Caring brother of Francine (the late Errol) Glusman and sister-in-law of Mary (the late Andrew Cherniack) Gress. Further survived by beloved nieces, nephews and longtime friends. 

Mike was born and raised in Milwaukee. He was a graduate and athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He spent his entire career as the owner and operator of Badger Lite Company. Mike was known for his sense of humor, ability to talk to anyone, and was beloved by all dogs and babies. Nothing was more important than his family. Funeral services held June 15, at Congregation Sinai. Interment at Spring Hill Cemetery. Memorials to Congregation Sinai, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, or charity of your choice. 

Rabbi David Cohen and Rabbi Ora Jacobsen assisted the family, with Blane Goodman Funeral Service. 

Iris June Schlesinger 

Iris June Schlesinger died peacefully in her home on April 12, 2026.  

Born in Chicago on June 17, 1934, to parents Sam and Gussie Gold, Iris enjoyed a creative and spirited childhood. Her older sister Edith would “dress her up” in handmade clothing, sparking a sense of fashion in Iris that lasted a lifetime. Iris graduated from Von Steuben High School in Chicago and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She actively participated in her Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and graduated in 1955 with a degree in teaching. Shortly after graduation she married her college sweetheart, Charles “Chuck” Coplin, and moved to Wisconsin. Iris’ beauty and style landed her a series of modeling contracts while also teaching fourth grade at Maple Dale Elementary School in Fox Point. Iris and Chuck had two sons, Andy and Rick, before Chuck’s passing in 1962 from leukemia.  

After much coaxing from loved ones, Iris agreed to date again and met Mel Schlesinger, a handsome and charming widow. They married on July 30, 1967, in her sister’s backyard in Chicago, a mere one week after Mel proposed. As Mel’s career in the automobile industry grew, they moved their blended family to Wisconsin. Iris started a scarf and women’s clothing business called Iris Accessories. She traveled the world to source fabrics that made each piece exquisite, selling in high-end department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Marshall Field’s.  

In 1984, Iris and Mel moved to Boca Raton, Florida. Iris enjoyed playing mahjong, cards and golf. She earned the Women’s Club Champion title in 1990 at Saint Andrews Country Club. Iris designed incredible beaded jewelry that caught the attention of a cruise line merchandiser when they were on vacation, prompting a career in her seventies and eighties making beaded jewelry to sell. They loved hosting their family in their home in Florida and did everything to earn a five-star rating from her children and grandchildren after each visit. Iris loved the theater and travel. She was a brilliant and witty writer, penning popular poems among her friends about her observations of aging. She lived a beautiful and full life. She was an absolute icon whose nails were always perfectly manicured and her signature lipstick in check.  

Iris is survived by her children Andrew (Jill), Richard (Kate), Bobbe and Donald (Aeisha), her grandchildren Cari (Brian), Bradley, Sam, Caitlin, Ethan, Avery, Elijiah, Molly and Mathieu, and great-grandchildren Lauren, Mason and Benjamin, her sister-in-law Helene (Geoff) and nieces and nephews. Her loving husbands, Mel and Chuck, sister Edith (Lionel), parents Sam and Gussie, and grandsons, Israel and Daniel preceded her in death. Private services were held at Spring Hill Cemetery in Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Jewish Family Services in her memory. 

Rabbi David Cohen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.