Margery Heilbronner Becker
Margery Heilbronner Becker died peacefully on Aug. 18, 2026, at the age of 99.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Irvin Becker; her parents, Dorothy and Herbert Heilbronner; her in-laws, Bessie and David Becker; her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Barbara Heilbronner; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Clarence and Pearl Becker and Marvin and Jean Golper. Margie was the devoted mother of Ann (David Muschler), Joan (Michael Friedman), and Jim (Polly Freeman), and the proud grandmother of Daniel and Steven Muschler and Nate and Lidet Becker. She is further survived by her dear nieces and nephews and their families, as well as Jonathan and Tracy Friedman, Andrew and Christie Friedman, and their children.
Funeral services were held Aug. 23 at Congregation Sinai, Fox Point. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to COA Youth and Family Centers or the Herbert Heilbronner Family Fund at Jewish Family Services–Milwaukee would be greatly appreciated.
Rabbi Ora Jacobsen and Cantor Richard Newman assisted the family with Blane Goodman Funeral Service.
Leon H. Cohen
Leon H. Cohen
Leon H. Cohen died Sept. 8, 2026, at the age of 90.
Beloved husband of the late Paula Cohen (nee Spiegler). Loving father of Marc (Wendy) Cohen, Todd (Jane) Cohen and Jami Cohen. Proud grandfather of Carly (Eitan) Barack, Zach Cohen, Sara Malgieri, Scott (Courtney) Malgieri and great-grandfather of Reina Barack, Peyton Bell, Addison Bell, and Jaxson Malgieri. Further survived by other dear friends and relatives.
Graveside funeral service held Sept. 13 at Silk City Benevolent Association Cemetery in Woodland Park, NJ. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Congregation Shalom appreciated.
Charlotte Davidson
Charlotte Davidson of Bayside died Sept. 4, 2026, at the age of 89.
Loving wife of Bernard “Bernie” Davidson. Dear mother of Jeffrey Davidson and Nancy (Joel) Winston. Adoring grandmother of Ryan, Leigh, and Brianna Davidson; Nicole and Andrew Winston. Treasured great-grandmother of Jacob and Leila Davidson. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Charlotte was born in a tiny town in upstate New York called Schaghticoke. Her parents Leah and Sam Cohen raised her and her sister Phyllis and her brother Stanley in a country hotel. Charlotte met her true love Bernie at the age of 18 while on a double date. After three months, they got married and moved to Alaska, where Bernie served as a first lieutenant in the army, while Charlotte worked as a registered nurse. Besides being a nurse, Charlotte was a life master bridge player, and a revered bridge teacher in her community. Her intellect shined through all of her endeavors, whether it was playing bridge, other games, or knitting sweaters for her loved ones. Charlotte was a selfless woman known for her sense of humor. She always put her family before herself, and was most proud of her children Jeffrey and Nancy.
Graveside services were Sept. 6, at Mound Zion Cemetery. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
James W. Goldman
James W. Goldman died Aug. 27, 2026, at the age of 80.
Beloved husband of Roxane Goldman (nee Bowersock). Cherished father of Alex (Aliza) Goldman. Loving grandfather of Baila Miriam, Aaron Tzvi, Akiva Moshe, and Meir Simcha Goldman. Further survived by other loving relatives and many dear friends.
Funeral service held Aug. 27 at Congregation Beth Jehudah. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Chaim Twerski officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to milwaukeekollel.org (aka Team Kollel) appreciated.
Harleene Sue Hoffman
Harleene Sue Hoffman
Harleene Sue Hoffman, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and matriarch, died in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Aug. 14, 2026, at the age of 86.
Harleene was born on May 31, 1940, in Milwaukee, to the late Harry Garr Marcus and Leabelle Marcus. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and began her career as a speech therapist with the Milwaukee Public Schools.
In 1963, Harleene married Ralph Lewis Hoffman. They shared nearly 64 years of marriage and built a life together centered around family, hard work, friendship, and love. In 1972, Harleene and Ralph founded Hoffman’s Valet Cleaners, a successful family business that they built together. Harleene was the mastermind behind the scenes, running the office and payroll, assisting customers at the store counters, and managing the countless details that kept the business moving forward. Her intelligence, organization, determination, and strong work ethic were essential to its success. Harleene and Ralph continued working together until they retired in 2000.
Harleene also knew how to enjoy life and treasured the friendships she and Ralph built over the years. Saturday nights were often reserved for game night, when Harleene and Ralph would gather with friends to play mahjong and poker. The group rotated houses, giving everyone a turn to host, and the evenings were filled with friendship, conversation, laughter, and good times. These gatherings became cherished traditions and reflected how much Harleene valued the people in her life.
Although Harleene accomplished much throughout her life, her greatest pride was always her family. She came from a very close-knit family and that strong sense of family became one of the most important values she carried throughout her life where she made sure that same closeness was passed down to her children and grandchildren. She made her daily rounds, talking with both of her daughters every day and keeping in touch with her grandchildren as often as she could.
Harleene loved talking on the phone and could spend a good part of her day chatting with her many friends. It wasn’t necessarily gossiping—she simply wanted to stay up to date on what was happening in everyone’s lives and, especially, what was happening with their families. She genuinely cared about people and remembered the details of their lives. Keeping in touch was one of the ways she showed people how much they mattered to her.
Harleene was patient, understanding, and smart, and she had a remarkable ability to make people feel heard and cared for. She also believed strongly in thoughtfulness and good manners. Harleene was a stickler for sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions. She taught her children that a verbal “thank you” was important, but a handwritten thank-you note was even more meaningful. These lessons reflected the way Harleene lived her own life—with thoughtfulness, gratitude and genuine care for others.
Harleene was devoted to Ralph, and his passing just five months before hers was an enormous loss. After nearly 64 years of marriage, she missed her husband terribly. Their lives had been intertwined for more than six decades, and his absence left a profound hole in her heart. After a lifetime of loving and caring for the people around her, Harleene is now reunited with Ralph, the love of her life. Their love, their family, and the life they built together will continue to live on through the generations.
Harleene’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so fiercely and the closeness she worked so hard to nurture. Her daily phone calls, handwritten notes, cards, conversations, game nights, family traditions, and countless everyday expressions of love will remain part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Harleene is survived by her daughters, Risa Jean Hoffman (Brad Klaus) and Amy Lynn Wcislo (Andrew); her granddaughter, Alexis Mikayla Hoffman (Tom Reina); and her grandsons, Austin Matthew Wcislo, Logan Jakob Schussman, and Alec Jonathan Wcislo. Harleene also had a special love for her dogs, who were very much part of the family, as well as her great-grand fur babies, Lola, Cash and Josie.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and her beloved four-legged family members, especially her current puppy, Cookie, who brought tremendous joy to both Harleene and Ralph each and every day. She now joins her beloved heavenly fur babies, Miss T, Gunner, Sam and Fraggle. The love she and Ralph shared, the family they built together, and the many lives—human and furry—that they touched will continue to live on.
Harleene was a longtime member of Beth El Ner Tamid and later Congregation Shalom, where she found community and connection.
May Ralph’s memory be a blessing, and may Harleene’s memory be a blessing to all who loved her.
Funeral service was held Sept. 3 at Spring Hill Cemetery. Rabbi Abby Phelps officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Harleene’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Alan Lakam
Alan Lakam, 71, of Allen, Texas, died Aug. 15, 2026.
Dear brother of Michelle Lakam and Debra Siegel. Loving uncle of Maya (Jackson) Griggs and Kara Siegel. Adoring great-uncle of Nathaniel and Christopher Griggs. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held Aug. 20, at Second Home Cemetery. Memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Rabbi Shari Shamah and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Howard L. Loeb
Howard Loeb, 81, died peacefully on Aug. 11. He lived a full, happy and charitable life.
Born in Milwaukee, Howard went to Washington High School, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and worked with Shorewest as a realtor for many years. He served his country in Vietnam where he was promoted to captain, served his community as a leader on many boards, including serving as president of Congregation Beth El Ner Tamid, board member of Chai Point, and several others. He loved his family and extended family.
Beloved husband of Marlene (nee Levitan) Loeb. Loving father of Maury (Amy Mazur) Loeb and Marsha (Jordan) Gelber. Proud grandfather of Hannah and Samuel Loeb and Henry and Dashiell “Dash” Gelber. Dear brother of Richard (Amy Lueders) Loeb. Further survived by many other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was Aug. 13 at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Glendale. Interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation or Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid appreciated.
Jodie Mitz
Jodie Mitz, 74, of Santa Monica, California, died Sept. 15, 2026.
Preceded in death by parents Meyer (Charlotte) Mitz and sister Debra Deshur. Dear sister-in-law of William Deshur. Adoring aunt of Alexandra Deshur. Further survived by cousins, other relatives and friends. Graveside services held Sept. 18 at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Cudahy. Memorials to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Rabbi Shari Shamah and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Eileen Noosbond
Eileen Noosbond
Eileen Noosbond (nee London), 92, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2026.
She was born in Chicago, the daughter of the late Abraham and Alice London.
Eileen continued working well into her 80s, selling advertising space over the phone to local businesses. She was also a member of the Goland-Orenstein-Sherman Leukemia Organization for several years, helping to raise money in support of Leukemia research. She loved her family and friends, cats, and the Chicago Cubs.
Eileen will be deeply missed! She is survived by her beloved son, Gary Noosbond; daughter, Leslie LaChapelle; and granddaughters, Willa and Emma LaChapelle. Eileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Noosbond; daughter, Lisa Noosbond; and brother, Mitchell London.
Funeral services held on Sept. 15 at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home in Wilmette. Interment followed at Westlawn Cemetery. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home also assisted the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Goland-Orenstein-Sherman Leukemia Chapter.
Ricki Spiegel
Ricki S. Spiegel died on Aug. 16, 2026, at the age of 73.
Preceded in death by her loving parents, Sylvia (nee Medress) and John Uriel Spiegel. Dear sister of Barbara Spiegel. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Graveside service held Aug. 20 at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery. Rabbi Leonard Lewy officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center appreciated.
Judith Jacobs Strauss
Judith Jacobs Strauss
Judith Jacobs Strauss died peacefully at home on Sept. 7, 2026.
Born June 9, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, Judy grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her master of social work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Judy dedicated most of her professional life in program, service and leadership to Jewish Family Services in Milwaukee. She was a passionate advocate for people with developmental disabilities and played an important role in helping newcomers resettle and build lives in the community. All her work, including as a private therapist, further reflected her desire to bring comfort, healing and hope to others. For Judy, helping people was more than a profession—it was simply who she was: compassionate and deeply committed to making life better for others.
Judy was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud Nana. She treasured time with her family and was happiest with a houseful of people gathered around the table for a meal. Petite in stature but mighty in spirit, Judy had a giving heart, a generous nature and a remarkable capacity to care for others.
A lifelong Wisconsin sports fan—and especially a devoted Milwaukee Brewers fan—Judy also loved a lake swim in nearly any weather, walking, running, water skiing, watercolor painting, reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with the people she loved.
Judy is survived by her husband of 35 years, Allan Richard Strauss; daughters, Stephanie Sweet Chauss (Michael) and Michelle Sweet Thomas (Raj); stepchildren, Jonathan Strauss (Kay) and Betsy Strauss (Robert Newbold); and grandchildren, Jacob, Samantha, Lacey, Raymond, Benjamin, Riley, Alexa and Ida. Also survived by sister-in-law, Wendy Schuster, and former husband and father of her children, James Sweet.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Tracy Sweet, whose memory she carried with her always; her parents, Nathan and Ida Jacobs; parents-in-law, Raymond and Elaine Strauss; and sister-in-law Julie Even (Randy).
The family is deeply grateful to Ralyn Homecare and By Your Side Hospice for helping ensure that Judy’s final days were filled with comfort, dignity and love, with special thanks to Alexis, Jessica, Jesse and Kaycea for their compassionate care.
Funeral services held Sept. 10 at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Jessica Barolsky and Cantor David Barash officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the Tracy Sweet Camp Interlaken JCC Scholarship Endowment Fund appreciated.
May Judy’s memory be for a blessing.
Karen Joy “Karrie” Weiner
Karen Joy “Karrie” Weiner (née Blackman), 74, died on Aug. 22, 2026.
Karrie was the beloved wife of David Weiner; cherished mother of Samuel (Carrie) Weiner; proud grandmother of Finley, Hudson, and Beau Weiner; loving daughter of the late Herbert and Rose Blackman; loving sister of Stuart (Phyllis) and the late Dennis (Michele) Blackman; and sister-in-law of the late Paula Blackman. She is further survived by other dear relatives and friends.
Born and raised on Milwaukee’s west side, Karrie was creative, capable, and full of life. She expressed her creativity through painting, macramé, stained glass, basket weaving, beading, jewelry-making, sewing and even glassblowing. She worked at an art gallery downtown and later owned A-1 Signs, where she put her artistic eye and practical skill to work each day. She also did some catering through the Kosher Meat Club, sharing her talent for cooking with others. Afterward, she spent many years as a teacher’s assistant at Grant Street School, running the computer lab and sharing her patience, creativity and care with students.
Karrie’s greatest joy was her family and the home she created with David. After a first date at Uno’s, the two built a loving life together, raising their son, Sam, in a house full of warmth, laughter, pets, projects and very good food. Karrie was an extraordinary cook whose brisket, latkes, potato rocks, matzah ball soup, challah and banana fudge cake were expressions of love as much as meals.
Karrie found particular happiness in becoming “Bubbe.” She treasured living close enough to be involved in the lives of Finley, Hudson and Beau, and she shared a special bond with their mother, her daughter-in-law, Carrie. Their love brightened even her most difficult days. Her family will remember her humor, hospitality, creativity and the countless ways she made life more beautiful for the people she loved.
Graveside funeral service was held Aug. 26, at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Marc Berkson and Cantor David Barash officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice are appreciated.
