Obituaries

Laurence “Larry” Alan Polsky

Laurence “Larry” Alan Polsky, 71, of Leawood, Kansas, died Oct. 26, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born July 20, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Norman and Elaine Polsky.

Larry graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School. He attended Outward Bound survival school during the summers. He became a staff member and saved the life of a coworker who had fallen off the top of a waterfall. Larry pulled the injured coworker from a pool of water and ran two miles to phone for help.

Larry studied to become a diesel mechanic at North Central Kansas Technical College before volunteering at Kibbutz Sarid in Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. He later graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Business.

Larry went to work for his father at Fixtures Furniture following graduation. He earned No. 1 salesperson honors by selling the company’s first $1-million chair order. Larry left Fixtures to run his own table company, Surface Technologies Inc. He operated the company for more than 40 years.

Larry traveled across the globe, including stops in Asia and Eastern Europe. He loved annual trips with family to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, best. The years where his bonus daughter, Elisa Recht, and her family were able to join were especially meaningful to him. Larry loved to go to the Jewish Community Center to exercise, play racquetball and schmooze. He was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Shalom and enjoyed going to his morning services, particularly for “Larry Polsky Monday.”

Larry’s family and friends were his greatest passion. He married the love of his life, Ellen Ginsburg, daughter of the late Sidney and Roz, in 1977. He deeply loved his three children, Renée, Jennifer and Joseph, and the family’s many dogs. Larry’s greatest joy was becoming “Pops” to his six grandchildren. He grinned from ear to ear when they stuck their finger in their mouth and “popped” it out as a way to formally greet him.

Larry’s wonderful sense of humor and kind temperament enabled him to find friends everywhere he went. He was a beloved father, son, brother and friend, a community leader and a dedicated businessman. But more than anything, he wanted to be remembered as a “good guy.” All who encountered him knew that to be more than true.

Larry is survived by his wife, Ellen, of 45 years; daughter and son-in-law Renée and Larry Silver; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Adrian Salazar; son Joseph Polsky; bonus daughter and son-in-law Elisa and Rick Recht; grandchildren Nathan, Elaine and Sophie Silver and Noah, Eliana and Sydney Salazar; bonus grandchildren Kobi and Tal Recht; brother and brother-in-law Steve Polsky and Mark Oliver; sister Karen Kent; sister-in-law Janey Goodman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Byron and Gerri Ginsburg; cousins Mark Horowitz, Dennis Horowitz and Robert Broudy; and many loving nieces and nephews. Larry is preceded in death by parents Norman and Elaine Polsky; brother Joel Polsky; parents-in-law Sidney and Rosalind Ginsburg; sister-inlaw and brother-in-law Sharon and Jim Greenwood and Stanley Goodman.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 28. 2022, at Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Ave. followed by burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City and Congregation Beth Shalom.

Selma Dreiseszun

Selma Dreiseszun, 96, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Nov. 7, 2022, in the family home where she lived for 68 years, surrounded by family.

Selma was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry and Fanny Walker on Dec. 23, 1925. When she was three years old, her family moved to Kansas City. She attended Paseo High School and graduated in 1942. While there, Selma was instrumental in starting the Zeta Kappa Jewish sorority. Her sorority sisters became lifelong friends who met regularly to share their life experiences. She was the last surviving member of this group.

Selma was an active mother before beginning her professional career. During her sons’ early school years, she was a den mother for four years and was active with the PTA throughout their schooling. During the summers between 1960 and 1977, she was Director and Instructor for the American Red Cross Swim Program at Prairie Village Pool in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Selma also worked as a Crew Leader for the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in the 1970 and 1980 U.S. Census. She earned a degree in Sociology from UMKC in 1975 and was a master’s candidate in social psychology. She became a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in 1972. While working toward her degrees, she worked in multiple positions at UMKC, including as an administrative assistant in the English Department (eight years), Engineering Department (two years), the Music Conservatory (two years) and as a Production Assistant for KCUR Public Radio for two years.

For entertainment, she enjoyed playing bridge and mah jongg, bird watching, making pottery and knitting. Her true passions were her rose garden, family genealogy and collecting music boxes.

Selma is survived by her three sons, Justin (Anita), Howard (Molly) and Neil (Marjie); two grandchildren, Nathan and Robin; two great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Parker; and many stepgrandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, Fanny and Henry Walker; brother Warren Walker; sister Iris Chaikin; and aunt Mary Rothberg.

A graveside service was held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery on Nov. 9 with Rabbi David Glickman of Congregation Beth Shalom officiating. Louis Memorial Chapel handled the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.; Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri; or the public broadcasting station of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her many kind caregivers, wonderful friends, and magnificent neighbors who always were there for Selma.

Selma was an enthusiastic, warm, and loving person. She never held back her expressions of love and affection and never lost her curiosity and appreciation of the world around her.

Ruth Ann Roth

Ruth Ann Roth, 79, of North Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 2, 2022, at the North Kansas City Hospital.

She was born Nov. 12, 1942, in Clinton, Missouri, the daughter of Leo Herbert Wirsig and Mattie (Tally) Wirsig.

Ruth worked as a hairdresser for several years. She then owned and operated Occasions Catering for 38 years in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a member of the Congregation Ohev Sholom in Prairie Village, Kansas, and several different ladies’ social groups. In her spare time, she enjoyed her flower garden, even receiving Yard of the Month for North Kansas City.

Surviving are her life partner, Steve Alexander, of the home; two sisters, Mina Dell Lacey of Belton, Missouri, and Dixie Atchison (Gerald) of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Eugene Wirsig and Lyle Wirsig.

Graveside services were held Nov. 7, 2022, at the Englewood Cemetery in Clinton. Services are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home in Clinton.

Condolences may be left online at bradleyhadley.com. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.

Rose Lee Weisberger

Rose Lee Weisberger, 82, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Nov. 1, 2022, at Research Medical Center. A graveside service was held Thursday, Nov. 3, at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery located at 1901 Blue Ridge Blvd, Independence, MO 64052. Kindly contribute to Hadassah Greater Kansas City or Disabled American Veterans in lieu of flowers

Rose Lee is survived by her husband of 59 years, Eugene Weisberger; son Robert Weisberger; daughter Deborah (Rick) Geivett; grandchildren Allison (Grant) Kobza, Jessie Geivett; sister Madeline (Abbott) Zolotor; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was so excited to meet her first great-grandchild due in the spring.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Gertrude Jerwick; and sisters, Sandra Jean and Barbara Steinberg. Rose worked at Western Auto for 26 years until their corporate office closed. Afterwards, she returned to the IRS, where she started her career, until her retirement in 2020. Rose’s coworkers at the IRS and Western Auto appreciated how she organized most work events and parties. She was well-known for her many hats that she decorated and coordinated with every outfit.

She belonged to Kehilath Israel Synagogue until she married and moved to Congregation Beth Shalom before returning to K.I. Rose Lee was a life-time member of Hadassah and a member of Beth Shalom Sisterhood.

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Robert Reicher Rosenthal

Robert Reicher Rosenthal, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in St. Joseph, Missouri, on Oct. 26, 2022.

Born in St. Joseph to Morris L. and Jeannette (Reicher) Rosenthal, Robert was a lifelong St. Joseph resident. He grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. He graduated from Central High School in 1954 and attended University of Missouri where he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.

Robert was a fixture in the community. He was a past president of both Temple Adath Joseph and Shaare Sholem Cemetery, and a member of Moila Shrine Temple and the Lovers Lane Association. As part of the Missouri Western State University Foundation, he was instrumental in securing the funding for Spratt Stadium. For more than 20 years, he was a trustee of the Hofheimer Trust, an organization responsible for distributing more than $200,000 annually to local charitable organizations.

As a young man, Robert began his career in the family business, Stevens Hat Company. He went on the road, calling on customers and learning the hat business. Many of his customers became friends, and he developed a work ethic that was unmatched. He met Cathie at the factory, and they were married for 57 years. Stevens Hat Company became Stetson Hat Company and, after retiring, he began a new career at Brown Transfer & Storage.

At age three, Robert became fascinated with cars, and that passion never wavered. From a fire engine and ’49 Cadillac to many cars in between, he kept his cars immaculate and usually spent Saturdays washing them in the driveway or winning trophies in area car shows. Attending the Barrett-Jackson auto shows in Phoenix was always a special treat. He proudly participated in the Apple Blossom Parades in his 1931 Lincoln and often drove Missouri Western State University president Dr. Robert Vartabedian in the homecoming parades in his 1962 Mercury convertible. He drove many newlyweds, including his daughter Dana and son-in-law Brian, away from their nuptials. Up until recently, he still enjoyed taking rides in the convertible, sporting a Hemmings baseball cap and Ray-Bans.

Robert took great pride in his lawn. It wasn’t unusual to see him mowing the yard in the tie and dress shirt he wore at work all day. Well into his 80s, he walked along the Parkway and down Ashland Avenue, never missing the opportunity to stop and say hello to a friend. Always a gentleman, he knew how easy it was to brighten someone’s day with a visit, phone call or card. He took extra care to call on friends who were ill or recuperating. He was a very kind man who will be missed by many.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Cathie, in July 2021. Survivors include his daughters Maggie Ross of Platte City, Missouri, and Dana Campbell (Brian) of the home; grandchildren Brad Staples (Kendal), Zachary Ross, Josh Campbell and Samantha Campbell; great-grandsons Clayton and Reed Staples; brother James B. Rosenthal and many loving family members and friends.

The family will be forever grateful to Robert’s caregivers, Tammy, Kim, Melanie, Helen and Pam. They are selfless, patient, creative and loving. Most importantly, they helped him know he was never alone. A heartfelt thanks to Sarah, Laurie and Shelli with Mosaic Life Care Hospice.

Farewell services and a public livestream were held Oct. 31 at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment was at Shaare Sholem Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Noyes Home for Children, Mosaic Life Care Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. An online guest book and obituary are at www.meierhoffer.com.

Dorothy Joan Duncan

Dorothy Joan Duncan, 91, passed away in Los Angeles, California, following complications of ulcer surgery on Nov. 3, 2022.

She was the cherished only child of Shirley (née Vollberg) and Jacob Kaplan. Her father, a Manhattan attorney, was a student at CCNY when Jews were excluded from fraternities, motivating him and seven of his friends (“The Octagon”) to found Sigma Alpha Mu (“the Sammies”), which spawned chapters on college campuses throughout North America.

Dorothy, known for her beauty throughout her life, inside and out, was an alumnus of Erasmus Hall High School where she was named the “Class Actress” in her yearbook. She attended NYU and worked as a runway model in Manhattan for several years before becoming a junior girls fashion buyer at Macy’s in Herald Square. Although her parents adamantly discouraged her from pursuing her dream of a Hollywood film career, her theatrical personality endured throughout her entire life.

The epitome of vivaciousness, she was also hilarious, good-natured, and amenable to new things — even trying white water rafting with her grandchildren at 80 years old.

She and her husband, Walter Harvey Jacobs, M.D., moved to Kansas City in 1959, where they raised their three children.

Blessed with great organizational skills, a wonderful public presence and creativity, she was often recruited to lead organizations and events and became the auxiliary president of Menorah Medical Center as well as the auxiliary president of the American College of Gastroenterology when her husband was the organization’s president. She also was on the board of the Florence Crittenton Home and active with United Cerebral Palsy.

Dorothy deeply loved Lester L. Duncan, her second husband, and they had a wonderful two decades together, divided between Kansas City and their home at the La Quinta Country Club where she was active in the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley and was honored by the City of La Quinta for her work.

Dorothy was a fantastic cook best known for her incredible brisket and someone who always encouraged her children to invite their non-Jewish friends to her Passover Seder to learn about Jewish traditions.

Although she lived most of her life in her beloved Kansas City, she was still a New Yorker through and through who loved her Schrafft’s coffee ice cream and, even in her 80s, could still navigate her way around the streets of Manhattan so fast that even her grandchildren couldn’t keep up.

She adored her many dear friends, her dogs, babies, old black-and-white movies, playing tennis at Oakwood Country Club, traveling the globe, rooting for the KC Chiefs and a good party.

She also had a remarkable memory for the people and events of her life and always had a great story to share, such as when she was four and her parents brought her along to see the legendary fan dancer, Sally Rand. As she told it, she stole the show when she screamed, “Look Mommy – that lady is naked!”

But most central to her personality was her incredible maternal nature. No woman ever loved her children or grandchildren more deeply than she, and she always made sure they knew it. They all survive her: Dr. Andrew Jacobs (Elizabeth) of Kansas City; Jacqueline Jacobs Caster (Andrew) of Pacific Palisades, California; and Joanne Jacobs Newman (Mark) of Chicago, Illinois. Grandchildren: Jonathan (Eli) and Gregory Jacobs; Bryce Caster; Jocelyn Caster Oberg (Alexander); Stephanie Dickstein (Joseph); Melanie Leifman (Michael) and great-grandson, Gavin Dickstein. She also leaves behind her dear “adopted KC family” – the Helzbergs, Lenks, Rudnicks and Strausses.

Her family thanks the incredible staff at Belmont Village in Westwood where she resided the past five and a half years and charmed the hearts of many.

Any donations may be made to Everychild Foundation, P.O Box 1808, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Please designate “In Memory of Dorothy Duncan.” Details of service and burial at Mount Moriah are pending.

Mark Jerome Klein

Mark Jerome Klein, 90, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Oct. 26, 2022, in Lenexa, Kansas.

Mark was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert and Fay Klein on Sept. 19, 1932. He went to South West High School and graduated in 1950. He went on to earn a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Missouri, an LL.B. in Law from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University. He worked as an attorney in his own law practice for over 40 years, served in the United States Air Force as an attorney and continued in the United States Air Force Reserves, where he achieved the rank of Colonel. He was also a life-long member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue.

Mark excelled at math, enjoyed reading long historical fiction, cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs, and was accepting of people from all walks of life. He specialized in franchise law and was especially committed to ensuring that the rights of franchisees and small business owners were protected. He published articles in franchise magazines and

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journals and was quoted as an expert in franchising in publications such as the Wall Street Journal.

While Mark had a detailed business mind, one of his favorite roles was being a grandpa who the grandkids called “Papa.” As Papa, he specialized in playing a game his grandchildren called “swing swing” where he would swirl and toss them gently in the air and catch them in his sturdy arms. His kids and grandkids also loved Papa’s funny voices, great impression of Donald Duck, and silly songs.

Mark is survived by his children, Robert Klein of South Elgin, Illinois, Barbara Cutler of Overland Park, Samara Klein of Overland Park, and Melissa Klein of Dobbs Ferry, New York; his grandchildren, Jacquelyne Vaughan, Alexis Cutler of Overland Park, Sarah Klein of South Elgin, and Lyla Wallen of Dobbs Ferry; and his brother Richard Klein of Houston, Texas. He is predeceased by his sister, Elaine Sklar, of Los Angeles, California.

The funeral was held at Louis Memorial Chapel at 6830 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO, on Oct. 30, 2022, with Rabbi Moshe Grussgott of Kehilath Israel Synagogue officiating. Burial followed at Sheffield Cemetery, 6200 Wilson Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Louis Memorial Chapel handled the funeral arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made on his behalf to either Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212 (or kisyn.org/donations) or Inclusion Connections, 2073 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66062 (or ickc.org).

Lois Mae Kruglick Gettleman

Lois Mae Kruglick Gettleman, 85, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Sept. 27, 2022. She was born the third child of Mary and Joseph Kruglick in Chicago, Illinois, on Jan. 16, 1937.

Lois was a daughter, a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, but most importantly, everyone’s friend. She is already missed dearly by those who knew and loved her quick-witted and loving spirit.

As a young girl, Lois attended school in Chicago. She later met her beloved husband of 56 years, Samuel Louis Gettleman. Lois and Sam were married on June 6, 1960, after dating for just three weeks. It was truly love at first sight, and a real blend of families. They raised four children together: Cindy Gettleman Price, Jeffrey Gettleman, Bradley Gettleman, and Laurie Gettleman Greenfield.

Lois loved her family and was an extremely devoted mother. The Gettleman house was always open to anyone and everyone. Lois would prepare food constantly for her growing children and their friends. The pool parties after sports were always the biggest hits. She would make her famous cheese crisps and have the whole football team gather, making them never want to leave.

After the children were grown, Lois and Sam moved to San Diego, California, to do something different. She became an owner of Fox Office Products in Pacific Beach. Lois was a natural businesswoman who loved making longlasting friendships with her colleagues. Lois always had a story and knew the scoop in the best way.

After living in San Diego for 20 years, Lois and Sam decided to retire back in Phoenix. She lived in Arizona until January of 2022 and then moved to Leawood, Kansas, with her youngest daughter, Laurie, and gracious son-inlaw, Michael. It really was the best last eight months of her life. She was able to see her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and children often. Lois even was always up for a good interview from her great-granddaughter. She was the best grandmother in the world. Her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Lois is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Louis Gettleman; her son, Jeffrey Gettleman; sonin-law, David Price; brother Burton Kruglick; and sister Gloria Lederman.

She is survived by her son, Bradley Gettleman (Jody) of Paradise Valley, Arizona; daughter Cindy Gettleman Price of Phoenix; daughter Laurie Gettleman Greenfield (Michael) of Leawood; and six beautiful grandchildren, Heather Price Nana, Ginna Price Ronis (Chad), Jessica Gettleman, Rachel Gettleman Wayner (Jonathon), Jeffrey Greenfield, and Matthew Greenfield. The cherry on top were four great-grandchildren, Nicole Nana, Tyler Nana, Eva Nana and Sam Ronis, plus many nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family expresses their great gratitude. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Phoenix Children’s Hospital or the Humane Society due to her love of children and animals.

Matthew Weiner stone unveiling

The stone unveiling for Matthew Weiner (Oct. 4, 1973, to Jan. 30, 2022), son of Stan and Mary Weiner, will be at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 5529 Ditzler Ave, Raytown, MO 64133.