Obituaries for November, 2015 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Obituaries for November, 2015

 ‘Barbie’ Blutstein, a vivacious community advocate

Barbara Blutstein, a full-of-life Milwaukee-area native known for her enduring commitment to the community, died Sept. 28, 2015. She was 77.

The art dealer and Jewish Museum Milwaukee board president had a pulmonary embolism.

“This was unexpected. She had a brief illness,” said Mark Blutstein, her oldest son. “She was released from the hospital and passed away the following day.”

Barbara Blutstein – people called her “Barbie” – was involved with the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse, the Children’s Outing Association, the Channel 10 auction, United Way, Milwaukee Jewish Federation, the Milwaukee Blood Center and other causes.

A devoted Brewers fan who always had a smile on her face, she was a Braves fan back when they were in Milwaukee. “She was a season ticket holder forever,” Mark Blutstein said.

“She was knowledgeable, vivacious, positive, and a natural connector of people and ideas,” reads a statement from Jewish Museum Milwaukee on its website. “Barbie’s natural inclination toward inclusiveness, her passion for the Jewish Museum, her belief in people and her boundless energy was a source for inspiration for those who worked with her and were touched by her kindness.”

Barbara Blutstein, of Bayside, was born in Milwaukee. She is survived by Morton Blutstein. She attended University School and Wells College. She was a member of Congregation Sinai. She enjoyed tennis, themed parties and spending time helping friends. She took pride in the family business, Reliable Knitting Works, 1126 S 70th St. She is survived by adult children Mark Blutstein, Janet Blutstein and Dan Blutstein.

The Oct. 1 burial was at Spring Hill Cemetery in Milwaukee. The Rabbi was David Cohen.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.

Marshall D. Branovan

Marshall D. Branovan died Sept. 7, 2015, of cancer. He was 76.

He was born in Milwaukee. He graduated from Washington High School in 1957.

He was an Army veteran, serving from 1959 to 1962. He is survived by sisters Isla Katzovitz (Frank) and Meryl-Lynn Castelli.

Burial was at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Sept. 23.

Avrom “Bumi” Kniaz

Dr. Avrom (“Bumi”) Kniaz died in Naples, Florida on Oct. 19, 2015.  He was surrounded by his loving family until the end.  

Kniaz was born and raised in Milwaukee and was the middle sibling of three children born to Jack and Lydia Kniaz (nee Milavsky).  He attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and completed his graduate studies through Marquette University Dental School in Milwaukee with a specialty in endodontics and oral surgery. Kniaz served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was based at Camp Roberts in California.  He returned to Milwaukee to open his dental practice and was proud to serve his loyal and doting patients until his retirement in 2010.  Dr. Kniaz took great pride and pleasure in teaching and working with students at Marquette University School of Dentistry.

Kniaz was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and wife, Leila Kniaz (nee Hintz).  He is survived by his wife Mary Kniaz (nee Jambois), Naples, Florida; children Beth Draper (David), Whitefish Bay, David (Shira), K’far Vradim, Israel, Daniel (Lisa Brooks), Glencoe, and Jessie Loeb (Jordan), Madison; 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Any donations may be made to The Jewish National Fund or Marquette University Dental School in honor of Dr. Avrom Kniaz.

Edith Orth

Edith Orth of Milwaukee died Sept. 6. She was 96.

She attended North Division High School. She was involved with Na’amat.

She is survived by daughters Paula Orth and Phyllis Weinberg, granddaughter Melissa (Adam) Fudala and great-grandsons Presley and Jude Fudala. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her spouse Seymour (Cy) Orth died in 2001.

Born in Milwaukee to parents (the late) Peter and Bessie Sosoff. Sister of (the late) Mickey (Sonia) Sosoff, and (the late) Goldie Sosoff. Mother of Paula Orth and Phyllis Weinberg. Grandmother of Melissa (Adam) Fudala, and great-grandmother of Presley and Jude Fudala.

Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home handled arrangements. Burial was at Mound Zion Cemetery on Sept. 9 and the funeral was officiated by Rabbi Ronald Shapiro.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

Tama Silverstein Louden

Tama Silverstein Louden of Portland, Maine died Sept. 4, 2015, of pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Milwaukee, graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1975 with a B.A. in history. She worked as a photographer.

She is survived by sister Susan Silverstein of Philadelphia, husband Robert Louden and daughters Elizabeth and Sarah, all currently of Portland, Maine.

Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery on Sept. 9. Rabbi Gary Berenson officiated, with the services at The Jewish Funeral Home in Portland, Maine.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Etz Chaim Synagogue, 267 Congress St., Portland, ME, 04101.

James H. Zucker

James H. Zucker of Mequon died Aug. 13, 2015. He was 86.

He was born in Milwaukee, attending Shorewood High School and the University of Wisconsin.

He was president of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and was involved with the Jewish Community Center and Camp Interlaken JCC.

He is survived by his wife Eve Joan Zucker; children Michael (Jane Steinberg) Zucker, Judy (Dana) Hoffman, Laurie (Joel) Shapiro, Bill (Debbie) Zucker; grandchildren Julie and Scott Shapiro, Alex and Jared Hoffman, Joshua Zucker, Jacob and Abby Zucker; sister-in-law Clarice Zucker and brother-in-law Richard Peal.

Burial was Aug. 16. Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated. The funeral home was Blane Goodman.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Camp Interlaken, the Jewish Community Center or Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun.