13 minute read
Obits
OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY
Advertisement
CAROL
AMSTER, 86, of Ann Arbor, died Feb. 12, 2022. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Aaron and Susan Amster, and Barry and Jaye Amster; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Doug Schoenberg; grandchildren, Lauren Amster and Angus Abrams, Joshua and Jenna Amster, Michael Amster, Zachary Amster, Adam Schoenberg, and Allison Schoenberg; sister, Andrea Puterman.
Mrs. Amster was the beloved wife for 54 years of the late Herbert S. Amster.
Interment was in Beth Israel Memorial Gardens at Arborcrest Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Family Services of Ann Arbor, the Amster Center, 2245 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, jfsannarbor.org/ donate; Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, 2939 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, jewishannarbor.org/ways-to-give; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
BERNARD
BASKIN, 84, of West Bloomfield, died Feb. 16, 2022. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Judy Baskin, and Eric and Rebecca Baskin; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Scott Berman; stepchildren, Suzanne Chesney and
HOW EVERY NEED IS MET.
Everyone experiences loss differently. And while there is a certain structure in Jewish funerals and rituals, it’s important that the event brings something meaningful to all. We understand that. And we treat your family’s wishes with all of the respect and compassion they deserve. From guiding the arrangements without pressure to the memorial service and the appearance of the chapel itself, we are here, fully here, to meet your every need. It’s not the only way we help ease the burden of a loss. But it’s a special type of caring that makes a Dorfman difference.
30440 W. TWELVE MILE ROAD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 248.406.6000 | THEDORFMANCHAPEL.COM
The sooner you call, the more we can help.
Our State. Our Town.
888-247-5701 www.hom.org
Our Hosp e. Caring for Detroit's Jewish community since 1980
PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE JEWISH HOSPICE & CHAPLAINCY NETWORK
Monument Center Inc.
“Same Location Over 80 Years”
Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers MONUMENT CENTER INC. Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning
“Same Location 80 Years”
CEMETERY INSTALLATION ANYWHERE IN MICHIGAN
Monuments and Markers 248-542-8266 Bronze Markers Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning CEMETERY INSTALLATION ANYWHERE IN MICHIGAN Call 248-542-8266
661 E.8 MILE ROAD FERNDALE 1 1/2 blocks East ofWoodward www.MonumentCenterMichigan.com
Some days seem to last forever… We’re offering one that actually will.
You can honor the memory of a loved one in a most meaningful way by sponsoring a day of Torah learning at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. During the coming week, Kaddish will be said for these departed souls during the daily minyan at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. Your support of the Torah learning of our children and our Kollel’s Torah Scholars brings immeasurable heavenly merit. Please call us at 248-557-6750 for more information.
27 Adar I February 28 Leonard Finkel Frank Greenwald Sam Levine Abraham Riskin Abe Schwartz 28 Adar I March 1 Sam Belkin Jack Lewis Pearl Stein 29 Adar I March 2 Adolph Bassin Thelma Golob Anne Kosins 30 Adar I March 3 Marvin Niskar Ann Soufrine 1 Adar II March 4 Joseph Berg Joseph Dorfman Morris Gould Aron Grossbard Max Harris Leslie Kay Marvin Modlinsky Fannie Remer Dorothy S. Rosenthal Albert P. Seigle David Silver Asher Smith Daniel Paul Weinberg Steven Zack
2 Adar II March 5 Nathan Dinkin Bella Ellias Evelyn Gruber Harry Kahn Adolph Komer David N. Madgy John Markowitz Mary Olstein (Sorkin) Rebecca Pearlstein Arline Goldfarb Schafer Ben Solomon Abie Stein Louis Waltman Gussie Wedgle
School for Boys • Beth Jacob School for Girls • Bais Yehudah Preschool Weiss Family Partners Detroit • Kollel Bais Yehudah • Maalot Detroit P.O. Box 2044 • Southfield, MI 48037• 248-557-6750 • www.YBY.org
OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY
continued from page 57
Robert Sakat; grandchildren, Nicole and Markus Talaga, Kyle and Serena Baskin, Alyssa and Brent Erickson, Joshua Berman, Henry Baskin, Miles Baskin, Julia Baskin, James and Jenny Chesney, Chris and Amy Chesney, and Alexus and Bryan Rouhan; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Erickson, Faith Rouhan, Colin, Brennan and Nicholas Chesney; nephews and niece, Steven Binder, Susan Binder and Richard Binder.
Mr. Baskin was the beloved husband of the late Arlene Baskin and the late Toby Baskin; the loving brother of the late Geraldine Binder; the dear stepfather of the late Penny Sakat Phillips.
Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, nkfm.org; American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076, cancer.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
DAVID M.
BLAU, 52, of Farmington Hills, died on Feb. 11, 2022. He was born in Detroit and grew up in Huntington Woods before attending Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School. He later graduated from the University of Michigan (1991) and obtained his law degree from Detroit College of Law in 1995.
A Senior Counsel at Clark Hill PLC, he was a nationally recognized leader in the area of shopping center landlord bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy workouts. When he was not behind a desk, he could be found looking through a camera lens or on a bicycle seat, riding countless miles with his “family by choice” Team Alex, passionately and tirelessly raising funds for Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Mr. Blau was a man of honesty and integrity, who had a quick wit that drew others to him. He will be best remembered for his smile, warmth and easy way.
Soul mate, protector and loving husband to Risa, together 33 years, David was most proud of his loving daughters, Sydney and Gabrielle; he was never shy about showing photos of them. His family was the center of his universe, his joy, a close-knit unit of love, fun excursions and support. David was one of the good ones and his presence will be forever missed.
He is survived by his devoted and compassionate wife, Risa (Pilchik); daughters, Sydney and Gabrielle; parents, Fayclare and Dr. Robert Blau; brother, Randall Blau (Michelle); sisters, Marsha Deitch (Jeffrey), Ilene Kahan (Douglas), Hilary Goodman, Louise Pilchik (late Hyman); countless nieces, nephews and great-nephews, as well as a community of wonderful friends, who all loved
and adored everything about him; Hershey, his beloved dog and best friend.
Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.
DONNA
DZODIN, 75, of West Bloomfield, died Feb. 14, 2022. She is survived by her daughters and son-inlaw, Lisa and Jeff Wren, and Michelle Goodrich; grandchildren, Gavin Goodrich and Sara Wren; many other loving family members and friends.
Mrs. Dzodin was the devoted daughter of the late Samuel and the late Lillian Turkin; sister of the late Ronald Turkin.
Interment took place at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.
ADA EISENFELD, 95, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Mount Clemens, died on Feb. 12, 2022.
She grew up in Mount Clemens, and she graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in economics. She then worked for the Bureau of Labor Statistics until she and Ike married.
After initially settling in Brooklyn, the family moved to Mount Clemens. Ada was a city commissioner for eight years and the first woman mayor of Mount Clemens, serving for four years. She was also active in the Jewish community. Ada enjoyed family, friends, travel and the finer things in life.
Ada’s daughter Bethann Greenberg preceded her in death.
Her survivors include her husband, Ike; children, Peter (Mary) of Vancouver, Wash., Amy (Wayne Winder) of Portland, Ore., Mike (Beth) of Tampa, Fla., son-in-law, Lenny Greenberg of Warren, N.J., eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.
Interment was at Beth Tephilath Moses Cemetery. Contributions may be made to ORT America-Michigan Region, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 375, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, ortamerica. org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
RONNA
HELLER, 70, of West Bloomfield, died on Feb. 16, 2022. Mrs. Heller was a devoted special education teacher who taught in Pontiac and Avondale and tutored many. She will be lovingly remembered by family, friends and colleagues.
She was the beloved wife for 50 years of Harvey Heller; mother of Risa (Ryan Toohey) Heller, Melissa Heller Seid (Shoshana Seid) and the late Jason Marc Heller; “Bubby”
continued on page 60
We believe that every Jew has a portion in the world to come. Trust us to prepare your loved one for that journey.
OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY
continued from page 59
of Vivian Jason Toohey, Ezekiel Jason Toohey, Penelope Jason Toohey, Asher Hudson Seid and Maya Arielle Seid; sister of the late Barry J. Lipson; sister-inlaw of Debra Lipson, Kenneth (Nancy) Lipson, Jacquelyn Heller and Carole Kaplan; aunt of Mark, Kevin, Brian, Aaron and David Lipson; daughter of the late Honora and the late Alex Lipson; daughter-in-law of the late Anne and the late Harold Heller.
Contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Michigan, 29777 Telegraph Road, Suite 1651, Southfield, MI 48034; or Friendship Circle, 6892 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
NATALIO
KOGAN, 90, of West Bloomfield, died Feb. 9, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Rayna Kogan; son and daughter-inlaw, Mordechai “Marc” and Drora Kogan of Southfield; daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Barry Finestone of San Rafael, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law, Bernardo and Hilda Kogan; grandchildren, Ehud Kogan, Rut Kogan and Avromi Ellis, Asaf Kogan, Yisroel Kogan, Yehudit Kogan, Gabrielle Finestone, Ethan Finestone, Mia Finestone.
Contributions may be made to Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, greatlakeschambermusic.org; Soul Center, friendshipcircle. org/donate; or Congregation Adat Shalom, adatshalom. org/tributes. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Westwood Cemetery in Inkster. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.
CARL HERMAN
MURAV, 99, of Farmington Hills, died Feb. 10, 2022. He always had a smile on his face. He was a proud U.S. Navy corpsman.
Mr. Murav is survived by his devoted daughters, Denise Geller and Robin Murav; sister, Marsha Murav; grandchildren, Jayson and Darlene Geller, Todd Geller and Laura Geller; great-grandsons, Braydon and Colton Geller; a special relationship to Harlene Sosin, Avery and Robin Tobin Murav, Brooke and Chris Tobia, Olivia Hammer, Lori and Rob Stashefsky, and Karley (Johnny) Strouss; many loving nieces and nephews, other family and friends.
He was the beloved husband for 62 years of the late Helen Murav; son of the late Harry and the late Pearl Murav; brother of the late Benjamin and Freida Murav, the late Marty Murav; uncle of the late Shelly (Byron)
Anchill, the late Leonard Hammer.
Interment took place at Beth Abraham Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Temple Israel or Jewish Hospice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.
STEVEN LYLE
SCHWARTZ, 58, of Bloomfield Hills, died Feb. 15, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Schwartz; daughter, Ryan Schwartz; son, Asher Schwartz; mother, Sheila Schwartz; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Deborah and Josh Laraby; motherin-law and father-in-law, Roberta and Dr. Sanford Kaner; aunts and uncles, Howard N. Schwartz, Lauren Platt-Tackel, Jeffrey Tackel, Dr. Albert and Pauline Kaner. He is also survived by a sister and many dear cousins, other relatives and friends.
Mr. Schwartz was the loving son of the late Allen Schwartz.
Contributions may be made to Hillel Day School, 32200 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; or Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 25882 Orchard Lake Road, #102, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park in Birmingham. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.
Famed Director Ivan Reitman Died
JTA
Ivan Reitman, a Hollywood director and producer who was born in Czechoslovakia and went on to helm Ghostbusters and other beloved American blockbuster comedies, died Feb. 12, 2022, at 75. Reitman died in his sleep at his home in Montecito, California, according to the Associated Press.
Reitman’s first major commercial success came in 1978 when he produced National Lampoon’s Animal House, but his most famous work was Ghostbusters, the paranormal comedy he directed and which was released to widespread acclaim in 1984. In a career spanning some 50 years, Reitman worked with some of the most beloved comedic actors of his generation, including Dan Aykroyd, Robin Williams, Danny DeVito, Billy Crystal and Bill Murray, and set the stage for the landscape of movie comedies to follow.
Born in 1946 to Jewish parents who survived the Holocaust — his mother having survived Auschwitz, his father having escaped a concentration camp and later fought as a member of the Slovakian resistance — in Komárno, Czechoslovakia, Reitman was 4 years old when the family left the country. The family made their escape after the communist Czech government began threatening Reitman’s father, a factory owner. The family escaped hidden in a coal barge that made its way from Komarno to Vienna on the Danube, and eventually made their way to Toronto in 1950.
“I remember flashes of scenes. Later they told me about how they gave me a couple of sleeping pills so I wouldn’t make any noise. I was so knocked out that I slept with my eyes open. My parents were afraid I was dead,” Reitman told the Associated Press in 1979.
In Toronto, Reitman displayed an interest in performance from an early age and studied music and drama at McMaster University. His first film, a low-budget film called Cannibal Girls, was released in 1973. His big break came in 1978 with National Lampoon’s Animal House, which he produced, followed by the summer-camp comedy Meatballs in 1979 starring Bill Murray, for which he had moved over to the director’s chair.
THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES FOR SONY PICTURES
Ghostbusters in 1984 was where Reitman left his biggest cultural footprint: a unique fusion of smart-aleck comedy and big-budget paranormal special effects that connected with audiences around the globe. It spawned a franchise of films, TV shows and video games that remains popular to this day.
His other big hits included Stripes, a 1981 military comedy soon to be rebooted as a TV series; Dave, a 1993 political fable starring Kevin Kline as an ordinary guy who is a doppelgänger for the U.S. president; and the 2011 rom-com No Strings Attached, starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher.
“I love to tell good stories and make people laugh,” Reitman told the Forward in 2007. “I seem to do it okay.”
Reitman married Genevieve Robert, who converted to Judaism, in 1976, and the couple had three children. Their son Jason Reitman followed his father into directing. Father and son worked together on some films, including the 2009 Oscar-nominated film Up in the Air, which was written and directed by Jason Reitman and produced by Ivan Reitman. Last fall, the two teamed up again for the latest Ghostbusters installment, with Jason directing and Ivan producing Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a film that functioned as a tribute to the father’s beloved original.
At the time of his death, Reitman was in pre-production on a number of other films, including Triplets, a sequel to his 1988 comedy Twins about genetically engineered twins played by DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
