Margery Heilbronner Becker
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 service was held Aug. 23, at Congregation Sinai, Fox Point. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery, Milwaukee. 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.
Allan Cohl
Allan Cohl, born in 1935, died peacefully on Sept. 28, 2026, just shy of his 91st birthday. He is survived by his wife, Judy, to whom he had been married for almost 70 years; sons, Gary (Donna) and Howard (Christine); grandsons, Brian (Stacey) and Daniel; and great-grandchildren, Ava Louise and Tommy.
Al lived a full and vibrant life. He celebrated his 80th birthday jumping out of an airplane and skydiving in Las Vegas; was a passionate weightlifter all the way into his 80s; loved collecting cars and motorcycles; took great pride in his 1929 Ford Rat Rod, 1934 Ford Hot Rod, 1966 chopped and channeled VW Bug, and 1948 Harley-Davidson chopper, among others; traveled the world several times over; always made time for family and friends; and loved watching the Green Bay Packers.
Professionally, he built a thriving real estate development company that spanned Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas and Nevada.
Graveside funeral service was held Oct. 2 at Agudas Achim Cemetery. Rabbi Abby Phelps officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to The Mantel Sisters’ Family Fund to assist Women in Crisis c/o The Jewish Community Center of Milwaukee appreciated.
Allen Feldman
Allen Feldman
Allen Feldman of North Potomac died Oct. 4, 2026, at the age of 85.
Beloved husband of the late Marian Feldman; devoted father of Zev and David Feldman; loving brother to Ardell Pakula (Nate), the late Jerry Feldman (Debra) and the late Ronald Stein (Carol) and brother in-law to James Georges (Francie). Cherished grandfather to Amelia Jordan.
He loved cars, jazz music, dining out (especially at his beloved Parkway Deli), his Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers, the world of cartography, traveling the world with his wife, Marian, and being a loving grandfather and dad.
Funeral service was held at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, MD. Burial took place at Second Home Cemetery in Milwaukee on Oct. 15. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family; Rabbi Phyllis Summer officiated in Milwaukee. Memorial contributions to Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland appreciated.
Ruth Goldmann
Ruth Goldmann, 96, of Mequon, died Sept. 21, 2026.
Preceded in death by husbands Jules Ettenheim, Allen Goldmann, and Harry Wallace. Loving mother of James (Pamela) Goldmann, Cindy (David) Werner, and Jill (Michael) Weinshel. Dear sister of Joan (the late Jay) Lieberman. Adoring grandmother of Michael Goldmann, Elissa (Andy) Golmann-Chard, Kerry (Blake Hametner) Goldmann; Aaron Werner, Andrew (Rachel) Werner, Joseph Werner; Eli Weinshel, and great-grandmother. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held Sept. 25, at Congregation Sinai. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials to Congregation Sinai or Planned Parenthood. Rabbi Ora Jacobsen and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Steven Lane Hersch
Steven Lane Hersch, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sept. 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75.
He was a beloved brother and uncle whose presence will be deeply missed. Steven was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 4, 1951. He was gregarious by nature and never met a stranger, always willing to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. He loved nothing more than playing cribbage with his family, watching nightly wrestling, cheering on his Packers, and enjoying an early morning cup of coffee—whether it was at the JCC or meeting the regulars at the River Point McDonald’s. For many years, Steven proudly drove his niece and nephew to all of their activities and became known affectionately as “Uncle Steve” by all of their friends. He was a familiar and dependable presence in their lives, and those memories will always be cherished. Steven persevered through many challenges in his life and continued to find joy in the people and things he loved.
Steven spent his last few years in North Carolina surrounded by his family and resided at Waltonwood Providence Senior Living. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful caregivers who watched over Steven and helped make his final years comfortable and meaningful He is survived by his family in Charlotte, North Carolina, including his brother William and his wife, Melanie; his sister Laurie; his niece Sarah; and his nephew Noah and his wife, Meghan. Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Clarice, his father, Robert, and his sister, Jody. He will be remembered for his big personality, his resilience, and his love of family. Big Steve, as he was lovingly called, will be missed by all who knew him.
In honor of Steven’s “dog nephew,” Ollie, and all of the pets he loved throughout his life, the family welcomes donations to the Wisconsin Humane Society in his memory. Memorial gifts can be made through the Wisconsin Humane Society’s memorial and honorary giving program. A graveside service was held Sept. 29 at Mound Zion Cemetery. Rabbi Noah Chertkoff and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Risë Louise Kaiser
Risë Louise Kaiser, née Ruben, was born on Nov. 12, 1944, in Racine, Wisconsin.
A creative, intelligent, passionate, and fiercely driven woman, Risë lived life on her own terms. A bit unpredictable and always full of ideas, she was rarely content to sit still, continually finding new projects, ventures, and adventures to pursue. Early in their marriage, Risë and her beloved husband, Richard Kaiser, started a hot dog truck and hot dog cart business while raising their young family. Their entrepreneurial spirit was a reflection of Risë’s determination and ability to turn ideas into reality. An artist at heart, Risë had her artwork displayed in local galleries and later opened a boutique in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, filled with unique and fun items that reflected her creative eye and love of the unusual. Whatever she pursued, she brought determination, imagination, and her own distinctive flair. Risë was also a wonderful cook and enthusiastic party host who loved bringing people together. She knew how to make gatherings memorable and had a gift for creating an atmosphere where people could enjoy good food, good company, and lasting memories.
Following Richard’s passing five years ago, Risë continued to be remembered for her independent spirit, ambition, and unmistakable personality. Her legacy lives on through her two daughters, two stepsons, 26 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her brother, niece, and nephew, along with the many people whose lives she touched. Risë will be remembered as an artist, entrepreneur, mother, and a woman who never ran short of ideas or determination. She built businesses, created art, welcomed people into her world, and pursued life with a spirit that was entirely her own. There will never be another quite like Risë. Her creativity, passion, and adventurous spirit will live on through her family, the memories she created, and the generations who carry her legacy forward. Graveside funeral service was held Oct. 16, at Racine Jewish Cemetery. Rabbi Tzali Wilschanski officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Lubavitch of Wisconsin appreciated.
LaVerne Koltin (née Gerstein)
LaVerne Koltin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died peacefully on Oct. 3, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on Dec. 13, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, LaVerne was the cherished daughter of Jack and Mildred (née Lorber) Gerstein. A first-generation American, she grew up with her sisters, Beverly, Sharon, and Arlene, together known as “The Gerstein Girls.”
She worked in her father’s grocery store, often getting up at dawn. LaVerne was smart from the start. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later completed her studies in psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. An excellent student, she was a skilled mathematician and also spoke and wrote Yiddish beautifully. LaVerne married Cy on Dec. 21, 1952, and together they built a beautiful life and raised three children. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of six grandchildren, who were her greatest pride. She and Cy loved spending time with family and friends, watching sports, traveling, and ballroom dancing together.
LaVerne was passionate, determined, and a natural leader. She was a tireless worker and a realtor for 47 years, including her time with Head and Seemann, Federated Realty, and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. She served her community until retiring at 86. An honored member of the Million Dollar Club and Presidents Club, LaVerne was one of the Milwaukee area’s most respected realtors, serving multiple generations of families. For LaVerne, real estate was more than a profession, it was a true calling. She might show clients an entire slate of houses, but somehow she already knew which one was the perfect fit, and more often than not, that was the home they eventually purchased. She mentored countless agents, often bringing them along to her open houses and then cheerfully telling them when it was time to go out on their own. She was a true force of nature and a fierce advocate for anyone without a voice. The beloved “mayor” of Teal Shores, she often wrote letters to the president, legislators, and the Milwaukee Journal, telling them exactly what needed to be done to achieve justice when she believed something was not right. That same fire showed up in the stands.
She was a huge sports fan who cheered passionately for the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks. She also watched her children and grandchildren play sports whenever she could. An enthusiastic and loud fan, she was never shy about letting coaches, referees, or umpires know when she disagreed with a call. Above all, LaVerne was loving, and food was her language of love. Her door was always open, and her table was always full. Her tuna fish salad and egg salad were beloved by her grandchildren, and she always made each child’s favorite foods when they visited. She believed in inclusivity and always said, “The more the merrier.” She was welcoming and generous in every way, and so many people called her their best friend. LaVerne made everything fun! Every Chanukah, each family member drew a relative’s name from a hat and wrote a poem to accompany a gift, then read it aloud to the whole family while sitting in the special Chanukah Chair. She loved playing games, especially Mah Jong, bridge, kaluki, and bingo, and enjoyed an occasional trip to the “library,” also known as Potawatomi Casino. She was blessed with incredible luck. Most of all, she treasured time with her sisters, children, grandchildren, and friends. There was always plenty of laughter, and a Dove Bar.
LaVerne is survived by her children, Howard Koltin, Allan Koltin (Sharon), and Kathy Blumenfeld (Michael); and her grandchildren, Zachary Blumenfeld (Carly), Joshua Blumenfeld (Zoe Sellman), Rebekah Blumenfeld, Jack Koltin (Avery), Brian Koltin, and Julia Koltin. She is also survived by her sister, Arlene Rubin (Howard), and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Seymour “Cy” Koltin; her parents, Jack and Mildred Gerstein; and her sisters, Beverly Kaimann (Ken) and Sharon Chortek (Bernie). LaVerne will be remembered for her generosity, wisdom, integrity, deep devotion to her family, and the unwavering support and encouragement she gave to family, friends, and colleagues throughout her life. May her memory always be for a blessing.
The Koltin family extends its heartfelt thanks to LaVerne’s dear sister Arlene and brother-in-law Howard for their love and support. The family is also deeply grateful to LaVerne’s dedicated healthcare providers and caregivers, including the extraordinary and compassionate staff at Teal Shores and Horizon Hospice. Their kindness and care will always remain in the family’s hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in LaVerne’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Hunger Task Force, or a charity of your choice. A funeral service was held Oct. 5, at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. Burial immediately following at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Jessica Barolsky and Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Stanley Kritzik
Stanley Kritzik, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2026, in River Hills, Wisconsin, at the age of 96.
Stan was born on Jan. 9, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to David and Teresa (nee Rosdeitcher) Kritzik. His family moved to Minneapolis and then to Milwaukee when he was a boy. He graduated from Shorewood High School and earned both his bachelor’s degree and his MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During the Korean War, he served with the 32nd Division of the National Guard. Stan had a rare gift for seeing what was coming before others did. He joined his brother Robert at General Merchandise Company, which their father founded in 1938 and which became one of the nation’s first mail-order companies. In the 1950s and ’60s, when a computer filled an entire room with tape drives, Stan led the work of computerizing and automating the company’s catalog inventory. It was a truly revolutionary effort for its time, and his belief in what computers could do for business stayed with him throughout his life. When General Merchandise was sold to J.C. Penney in 1962, it became Penney’s catalog division. Stan went on to work for J.C. Penney and then IBM before helping to found an apartment construction and management company in Milwaukee. That company grew into Metropolitan Associates, which today manages more than 4,000 apartments.
Stan cared deeply about his community. As Chairman of Mount Sinai Hospital, he spearheaded the mergers with St. Luke’s and Good Samaritan that created Aurora Health Care. His commitment continued through the Stanley Kritzik Innovation Fund, which supports care and research for older adults. He and his beloved wife, Shirley, were devoted supporters of the Milwaukee Ballet, a joy they shared together. He gave generously of his time, talents and resources, leaving the world a brighter place than he found it. Stan’s curiosity knew no bounds. He loved fishing, Ferraris, art, music, and the night sky. He never forgot the words to a song, especially the Broadway show tunes he loved. Stanley was supported by a number of amazing caregivers who gave him the best possible quality of life. His companion of the last 11 years, Reha Cohen, was a bright light and always by his side. Stan was the father of four children: two with his first wife, the former Claire Shmitt, and two with his second wife, the former Shirley Trzeciak.
He will be dearly missed by his children, Susan Kritzik (Bruce McAuley), Elizabeth Pocsik (Darren), and William Kritzik (Jennifer); his grandchildren, Kyle, Tynan (Tselil Schramm), and Fiona McAuley (Nick Dreher), Alli, Lila, and Will Pocsik; and Levi and Samantha Kritzik; and his great-grandson, Hap McAuley-Schramm. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his son, Michael; and his brother, Robert (Sandra) Kritzik. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Blane Goodman Funeral Service assisted the family.
Tovah Elle Mauermann
Tovah Elle Mauermann died Sept. 22, 2026, at the age of 18.
Cherished daughter of Eugene and Ellen (nee Leshin) Mauermann and sister of Ezabella Mauermann. Loving niece of Rachael (David) Marks, Mike (Cheryl) Mauermann, Jeff (Sue) Mauermann, Tim (Carol) Mauermann, and Al Mauermann. Cousin of Teah, Eve and Solomon Marks; Cara (Eric) Ruud and their daughter Addie, Kelly (Zach) Van Wormer and Hunter Mauermann; Emma and Nicholas Mauermann; and Sammy (Chris) Tessarolo. Grandchild of Alyce Mauermann. Girlfriend of Kyle DiGiacomo. Preceded in death by grandparents Tim Mauermann and Marvin and Linda Leshin. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
Tovah was a student at UW Platteville studying Animal Science and Ag Business. As she was just beginning her journey, she enjoyed working at The Farm, playing pickleball, working out (nope, too sweaty and crunches hurt her stomach), dancing (hip hop was a favorite) and of course hanging out with her new friends at Platteville as well as keeping up with her girls from Block Party, Nicolet, Mequon Jewish Preschool, Best Buddies, and childhood. She loved a good bathroom TikTok and a Snap here, there, and everywhere! Tovah loved all animals and hoped to open her own animal rescue in the future.
Funeral service was held Sept. 25, at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment followed at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. Rabbi Dovid Rapoport officiated. Please consider memorial contributions to Mima’s Kitchen at Mequon Jewish Preschool, Rey of Hope Animal Rescue, or Nicolet High School’s Best Buddies Program. Visit goodmanbensman.com for charity details.
Riki Lynn Nedbeck
Riki Lynn Nedbeck, 81, died peacefully on September 9, 2026, at her home in Mequon.
Riki was born in Milwaukee, on April 27, 1945, to Hyman and Bernice Davidson. She dedicated her career to helping others as a social worker in nursing homes and retirement communities. Helping people was more than a profession to Riki — it was her passion. She treated everyone she met with compassion, kindness, and an open heart.
Riki is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 56 years, David Nedbeck; her sons, Marc Nedbeck and Scott Nedbeck and his spouse, Brandon Yates; her sister, Sheri Rapaport; and her brother, Neil Davidson.
Riki’s greatest joy was her family. She was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved and treasured the time they shared together.
Riki was also an avid reader of fiction. She found great joy in the pages of books. This was truly her happy place.
Riki will be remembered for her compassion, caring heart, and the love she gave to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service was held on Sept. 11, at Spring Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Matthew Perchuk
Matthew Perchuk died on Oct. 6, 2026, at the age of 79.
Beloved husband of the late Esther Brunshtein. Further survived by his stepdaughter, Milena Brunstein and his sister, Marina (Lev) Zilberman.
Graveside funeral service was held Oct. 9, at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Sasha Milchtein officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Amos Rapoport
Amos Rapoport died on Sept. 29 at the age of 97, leaving behind a son, Micah; a daughter-in-law, Linda; and an untold number of students, mentees, and colleagues whose lives he impacted.
Amos was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1929, the son of a Yiddish-language author, poet, and social critic father and a school teacher mother. In September 1939, the family fled the ruins of Warsaw for points east, crossing the Soviet Union on the trans-Siberian railroad, arriving in Vladivostok where they managed to book passage to Shanghai, one of the few places allowing stateless refugees entry.
Amos spent the war years in Shanghai, by all accounts enjoying life with his friends and schoolmates, despite the inconveniences of living in a ghetto imposed by Japanese occupiers. Even late in life, Amos could still recite verbatim Shakespeare sonnets drilled into him by his English school master in the Shanghai school.
The end of the war took his little family to Australia where they made a life for themselves among other refugees and survivors and the local Melbourne population. He studied at the University of Melbourne, where he played tennis reasonably well, to hear him tell it. He also excelled in the antics of 1950s British Commonwealth satire and comedy troupes at university.
During a stint traveling the world, he visited what was then a lovely, peaceful Iran and passed out from lack of food on the King’s Royal Barge in Cambodia before making his way to the U.S., where he earned a master’s degree at Rice University and then moved on to UC-Berkeley, where he taught at the university and more importantly, met his future wife. On marrying, they left for Australia where they remained until the early 1970s when they adopted their son. Ultimately, Amos gave up a life down under for a teaching job at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He, along with several colleagues, developed a new field, Environmental Behavior Studies (EBS), that focused on multi-disciplinary approaches to understanding the built environment: why people build what they do, how they use what they built, and what architects could learn and integrate into design and urban planning. He would go on to write several books, dozens of articles, and serve as editor of still more.
After the death of his beloved wife, Dorothy, and after he retired, he spent the next two decades traveling the world, visiting the places his work trips hadn’t taken him. Small-ship cruises up the Amazon, to Alaska, sailing the West African coastline, Central Asia, and Polynesia, collecting folk art all the while. In his 80s, he traveled to Uganda to visit the mountain gorillas, walking most of the way up the mountain, clutching his camera. Also in his 80s, he visited his son in Beijing and immortalized the visit by jumping into a sidecar motorcycle as his son took off down the road.
Funeral service was held Oct. 2, at the Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home. Interment followed, near his wife, Dorothy, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Wes Kalmar officiated. Memorial contributions to the Jewish National Fund or the Yiddish Book Center appreciated.
Larry Sidman
Larry Sidman of De Pere, Wisconsin, died Oct.16, 2026, at age 71.
Beloved husband of Jill Sidman (nee Raupp). Loving son of Beatrice Sidman and the late Philip Sidman. Devoted father of Aaron Jacob Sidman and Rebecca Elizabeth Sidman. Dear brother of Helene (Michael) Rose.
Graveside service was held Oct. 18 at Beth Ahm Cemetery in the Hebrew Memorial Gardens, Roseville, MI. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice appreciated.
Loring R. Zimbler
Loring R. Zimbler died on Sept. 19, 2026, at the age of 79. Preceded in death by beloved parents, Harold and Fayre (nee Spooner) Zimbler. Survived by other relatives and friends.
Private graveside service was held Sept. 23, at Greenwood Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Menachem Rapoport officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to the Peltz Center for Jewish Life appreciated.
