Obituaries

OF BLESSED MEMORY

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Before David Magidson established a longtime career in theater and film, he performed comedy routines at a Wisconsin resort.

Keeping his sense of humor, Dr. Magidson moved into serious realms, acting a bit but most often fulfilling behindthe-scenes responsibilities — whether as playwright, professor, founding director of the Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival or artistic director of the Jewish Ensemble Theatre (JET).

Two days before he died, on Dec. 10, 2021, at age 80, Magidson, of Bloomfield Hills, leased a new car, an act in line with his Motor City passion for timely vehicles.

“Think not of his heart condition as the ultimate cause of his death but rather as the cause and purpose of his life,” said Rabbi Brent Gutmann of Temple Kol Ami, where the Magidson family worshipped.

Both daughters, Adriane and Laura, pointed out their dad’s heartfelt commitments. During the memorial service, they told of ways he steered family closeness, reaching from a marriage of 53 years and continuing with grandchildren.

Adriane voiced his lessons of surrounding oneself with the right people and being the best one can be. Laura told of how he advised having confidence in personal choices.

“I never missed one of his plays,” said wife, Leslee Magidson, former Jewish Community Center assistant executive director. “The one production [out of more than 100] that holds special memories occurred when he was writing and directing Benchley Inside Himself, which was about columnist and actor Robert Benchley.”

Magidson, department chair at the University of New Hampshire for most of the 1970s-80s, visited the son of the columnist-actor who was the subject of his play and, to everyone’s surprise, Magidson shaved what seemed his everpresent beard to take on the title role when the main cast member had to drop out.

“David did whatever he had to do to make productions right and authentic,” Leslee said.

Dr. Magidson, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Wisconsin and a doctoral degree at the University of Utah, handled his last directorial assignment at the Hilberry Theatre in 2017, when he worked on A Streetcar Named Desire.

Moving between the classics and new productions, Magidson directed the prizewinning My Name Is Asher Lev for JET. Christopher Bremer, now JET executive director and then managing director, remembered Magidson’s production intensity regarding the drama about a free-thinking artist at odds with an observant family.

“David was a wonderful director because he was very honest in his comments while offering a joke when the mood needed it,” Bremer recalled. “He added to JET’s repertoire by bringing in name performers to present one-person shows and collaborating productions with other local theater companies.

“David was optimistic in his pursuit of the arts, especially involving Jewish culture. He cared so much and encouraged everyone. He was a wonderful person to be around.”

Dr. Magidson served as dean of the College of Arts at the University of Colorado in Denver for two years before joining Wayne State University (WSU) in 1991 as dean of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts and later settling into the responsibilities of a theater professor. During the turbulent 1960s, he taught at Virginia’s Hampton University, a school serving the Black community.

“He won over his students because he thought it was important to break some barriers,” Leslee said. “It was something he felt very strongly about for his whole life.”

Mary Elizabeth Anderson, chair of the WSU Department of Theatre and Dance, described Magidson as a beloved teacher proud of the success attained by his students, most recently George Abud, a Drama Desk nominee for his role in the musical Emojiland.

“When I think of David, I think of his generous spirit,” Anderson said. “I worked with him for 13 years and knew him as a mentor and advocate for faculty. He valued the arts as communicating the power of a story to transform consciousness.”

The family recalls Magidson pointing out TV appearances of former students, such as Thorston Kaye, a soap actor in The Bold and the Beautiful.

Seventeen years ago, Dr. Magidson launched the Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival, tapping into volunteer skills of people he knew. Accountant Terry Hollander, a member of the JCC executive committee, sold tickets and tracked funds.

“Each year, the festival got bigger and better, and I attribute that to David,” said Hollander, who estimates watching 90% of films shown over the years.

Mark Chessler, co-chairman of that first festival, described how it affected his future.

“Through David, I learned the importance of helping creators with unique perspectives tell their stories,” Chessler said. “That led to my film and television post-production career at Dolby Technologies and my involvement with the

ReelAbilities Film Festival, which focuses on films by and about people with disabilities.”

Ever the director, Dr. Magidson once told Rabbi Norman Roman to save a poem recited at a memorial service. Rabbi Roman got the message, and passed the poem along to Rabbi Gutmann. It defined what can bring greatness to life and included dreams, truths, worth earned and help given — qualities attributed to Magidson by those closest to him.

Dr. David Magidson is survived by wife, Leslee Magidson; daughters and daughter-in-law, Laura and Meredith Griffith and Adriane Magidson; grandchildren, Violet, Asher, Levi and Hazel Reeves; sisters and brothers, Isabel Magidson, Robert and Anne Magidson, Edward Magidson and Jessy Gonzales De Magidson; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Bruce Lustig and Cathy Marrs, and Gregg and Dr. Lili Lustig; nieces, Leah BrennanMagidson, Mara BrennanMagidson, Elisa Lustig and Mariel Lustig.

He was the loving brother of the late Judith Herman; the devoted son of the late Arthur and the late Lottie Magidson.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Temple Kol Ami, 5085 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, tkolami.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

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OF BLESSED MEMORY

ALTUS, 95, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 13, 2021. She is survived by her sons and daughtersin-law, Mark and Brenda Altus, Joel and Cathy Altus, Harvey and Nancy Altus; grandchildren, Staci Andrade Altus (fiancé, KC Limback), Kari (Kevin) Miller, Julie Altus, Jordan (Lori) Altus, Angela Altus (Michael Egbert) and Shana Altus; great-grandchildren, Matti, Lia, Ella and Ava; many other family members and friends.

Mrs. Altus was the beloved wife of the late Irving Altus; the mother of the late Sydney Altus.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to IDF or Jewish Senior Life. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

BECKER, 62, of Kalamazoo, passed away Dec. 8, 2021. Ruth loved her family and enjoyed keeping up with everyone’s lives. She held a master of social work degree and worked for many years for agencies serving the needs of seniors. Holding a special passion for the elderly, this work suited her perfectly.

She loved animals, especially cats, always trying to find a way to help ones in need. Ruth was born in Detroit, but after living in Kalamazoo during college, she made it her permanent home. She was an avid sports fan, with the Detroit Tigers first and foremost; but she enjoyed football and basketball, too. Ruth enjoyed the Jewish holidays, especially Chanukah, and looked forward to lighting candles, sending cards and giving small gifts.

Mrs. Becker is survived by her daughter, Leah Rose Becker of Kalamazoo; her father, Allan Becker of Washington, D.C.; three sisters, Barbara (Jonathan Bilmes) Becker of Connecticut and Israel, Julie (Alan Silverlieb) Becker of Washington, D.C., and Rebecca (Rabbi Aaron) Starr of Southfield; several nieces and nephews; four grandnephews.

A funeral service took place at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home in Kalamazoo; Rabbi Simone Schicker officiated. Interment followed at Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.

DAVID L. DOW, 72, of Bloomfield Hills, died Dec. 13, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Andria Jacobson Dow; son, David Maxwell Dow; daughter, Hannah Allison Dow; brother, Robert Cadwell Dow; mother, Francis Larsen Dow; other family and friends.

Mr. Dow was the devoted son of the late Robert Barnes Dow.

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

CLAIRE FINN, 96, of Rockville, Md., died Dec. 15, 2021. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Gayle Finn; daughter and son-in-law, Debi and Ken Greene; grandchildren, Erika Finn, Courtney (Brad) Elson, Lindsey Finn, Robyn Greene (Jason Bellamy), Samantha Greene (Peter Dudley), Shayna and Benjamin Finn; greatgrandchildren, Haylie and Brooklyn Elson; many other loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Finn was the beloved wife of the late Daniel Finn; the mother of the late Raymond Finn.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel

HARRIS, 92, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 9, 2021. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Suzy and Sonny Modiano; daughterin-law, Denise Harris; grandchildren, Jeremy and Melissa Wolf, Katie and Kevin Cerne, Steven and Julia Harris; nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Harris was the beloved husband of the late Ferne Harris; the cherished father of the late Alan Harris; the loving brother of the late Bernard Harris and the late Bette Wexler.

Contributions may be made to Lighthouse of Oakland County, 46156 Woodward Ave., P.O. Box 430508, Pontiac, MI 48342, lighthousemi.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SALLY KATZ, 87, of Bloomfield Hills, died Dec. 14, 2021. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Avery Katz and Dr. Wendy WeinerKatz, and Michael Katz; grandchildren, Batia Katz and Margalit Katz; sistersin-law, Ann Katz and Rena Uviller; cousins, Marvin Dubrinsky and Innis Joswick, and Seymour and Carol Dubrinsky; loving nieces, nephews, cousins; her devoted caregivers, Angela Black and Janet Nieman.

Mrs. Katz was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Sidney F. Katz; the devoted daughter of the late Erwin and the late Bess Kornwise; the loving sister-inlaw of the late Norman Katz and the late Richard Uviller; and the dear cousin of the late Shirley and the late Joseph Barenholtz.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions

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OF BLESSED MEMORY

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may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

LULKIN, 84, of Farmington Hills, died Dec. 11, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lulkin; son and daughterin-law, Sam and Jill Lulkin; daughter, Jennifer LulkinBartlett; grandchildren, Emily Lulkin, Ethan Lulkin and Merrick Bartlett; sister, Renee Ettinger; sister-in-law, Joann Shecter; loving nieces and nephews, Shellee Gordon, Michael and Kitty Shecter, Kenny Shecter and his fiancee, Elyse Hoffman, Sandy Shecter, Ronald Ettinger and Lisa Benjamin Gottlieb, Elaine Ettinger and Tom Greenberg, and Laurie and Joel Volk; many great-nieces and great-nephews whom he adored.

Mr. Lulkin was the dear brother-in-law of the late Jerome Ettinger and the late Ronald Smiler.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, 999 17th St., Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202, iaslc.org; Jewish National Fund, 42 E. 69th St., New York, NY 10021, jnf.org; Gleaners Community Food Bank, Oakland Distribution Center, P.O. Box 33321, Detroit, MI 48232-5321, gcfb.org; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MOSS, 88, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 17, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judie Moss; son and daughter-in-law, David and Jenni Moss; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Michael Barash; grandchildren, Amanda Moss, Isabel Moss, Xinsheng Moss, Peninah Barash, Moshe Barash, Yoni Barash; sister-in-law, Sue Donahue; many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Moss was the dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Arthur Moss, the late Samuel and the late Edith Moss, the late Adelle and the late Sy Robbins.

Contributions may be made to Na’amat Midwest, 10024 Skokie Blvd., #226, Skokie, IL 60077; or American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076. A graveside service took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

VERONA, 88, of Farmington Hills, died Dec. 15, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Verona; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Julie Verona; daughter,

Rhonda Verona; grandchildren, Bradley Verona, Brandon Verona and Jessica Verona; sister-in-law, Paula Polan; several adored nieces, nephews and wonderful, lifelong friends.

Mr. Verona was the dear brother-in-law of the late John Polan; the devoted son of the late Florence and the late Abe Verona; the loving son-in-law of the late Ruth Trivax Waxer; the cherished brother of the late Eleanor and the late Dr. Louis Heyman.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Run4Papa, secure.ard.northwestern. edu (all options will support Alzheimer’s and other related dementia research for Run4Papa). If you would prefer to send a check, please mail to: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Attn: Jordan Sund, 420 E. Superior St., Rubloff Building, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, Memo: Run4Papa-Coleman Verona; or send to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SHIRA HANAU JTA

Henry Orenstein, a Holocaust survivor who went on to invent the Transformers toys and became a major donor to Jewish and Israeli causes, died Dec. 14, 2021, at the age of 98.

Orenstein became a bestselling toy maker with his Transformers line, which he first created in the early 1980s. He followed up on that success with numerous other inventions and over 100 patents before eventually becoming a star poker player and being inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2008.

Born in Poland to a Jewish family in 1923, Orenstein managed to survive the war due to a gamble he made in 1944, the first of several that would shape his life.

While imprisoned at Budzyn, a German labor camp in Poland, in 1944, the Nazis running the camp ordered all scientists and mathematicians to register with the camp administration. Despite not knowing if the scientists and mathematicians would be given better conditions or killed immediately, and despite the fact that Orenstein himself was neither a scientist nor a mathematician, he signed himself up along with his brothers who were interned there with him.

That decision may have been the difference between life and death.

The Nazis were organizing a special unit of prisoners to develop a weapon to help the Nazis win the war, and the prisoners assigned to the unit were spared execution. Luckily for Orenstein, who was only 16 when the war broke out, the math problems he was required to solve were simple and he, along with two of the three brothers with him, survived the war. His parents, a sister and one brother were killed.

Orenstein was a longtime donor to Jewish causes, including the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty in New York and the Orenstein Project, an Israeli nonprofit he founded in 2017 that focused on food insecurity with special attention to Holocaust survivors.

Orenstein is survived by his wife, Susie Orenstein.

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