SIMCHAS

Stan and Judy Kolker of Creve Coeur celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 25, 2022. They met in St. Louis and married soon after in 1962. They enjoyed a Caribbean cruise with their family for the special occasion.

BAR MITZVAH: BENJAMIN JOSEPH WINOGRAD

Benjamin Joseph Winograd, son of Melanie and Dan Winograd of Olivette, became a bar mitzvah on January 7, 2023.

Benjamin is the grandson of Rhonnie and Stanley Goldfader, and Bernie and Nancy Winograd, all of Creve Coeur. He is the great-grandson of Morris and Shirley Fredlich of blessed memory, Morris and Molly Goldfader of blessed memory, Esther and William Davis of blessed memory, and Jenny and Paul Winograd of blessed memory.

Benjamin has two siblings, Evie, who is 9, and Jake, who is 15.

A seventh-grade student at Ladue Middle School, Benjamin loves all sports, but his passions are golf and skiing.

BAR MITZVAH: YOSEF GRANILLO

Editor’s note: The following simcha announcement was submitted by the family as a first-person account.

By the Grace of G-d, Yosef celebrated his Bo Bayom at U City Shul on December 29, a bar mitzvah tisch and bar mitzvah at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, on Dec. 30 and 31, 2022, respectively.

He read the entire Parsha Vayigash and Haftarah in Ashkenazi and Sephardic tropes. We are so grateful to all the yidn and other folks who came from all over the community to these events to cheer Yosef on and make these occasions even more meaningful, with special mention to Rabbi Menachem Tendler and Rabbi Chaim Bogopulsky. One of Yosef’s community projects was a video guide on how to fill out the FAFSA for youth who may not have enough parental or other support. For this purpose, he studied for several months with Robert Friedman, an attorney and dear former member of NHBZ. Robert also helped him study for and create his beautiful drash. Yosef’s parents, Dr. Carole and Tony Granillo are members of NHBZ.

JULIE FRANKEL

“Dear Julie, Mazel Tov on your wonderful, well-deserved award. You do so much in the community!

It’s International Holocaust Day - a good day to honor your work at the Holocaust Museum. Congrats to both Frankels - Lenny, too - on your recent big awards!”

- Margaret Gillerman -

MARK HERWITZ

“A loyal friend of the Jewish Light.”

STEVEN WEISS

“In memory of Steve Weiss.”

- Bethe and Gary Growe -

BRENDA L. BARON, February 5, 2023

Beloved wife of Jay Baron for 53 years. Dear mother of David Baron, Debbie Baron and Greg (Katie Reese) Baron. Loving grandmother of Cooper Craft. Beloved daughter of the late Isadore and Betty Rosen. Dear cousin and friend.

Brenda was an excellent elementary school teacher and had a long and distinguished career with the Parkway School District.

She enjoyed playing Mah Jongg and Bridge, but she was a better Mah Jongg player. Brenda was very active at Congregation Shaare Emeth working in the congregational archives.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, February 7 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road. Contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1972 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63114.

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IRA L. GOLDENBERG, February 2, 2023

Beloved husband of the late Harriet Glass Goldenberg; dear father and father-in-law of Dr. Edward (Anna) Goldenberg and Stuart (Linda) Goldenberg; dear grandfather of Liza Goldenberg, Lauren Goldenberg (Jake Constantine), Christine Bahrmasel, Dr. Neal (Rebecca) Goldenberg, Dr. Rebecca (Ken) Spitzer and Mark Goldenberg; Great-Grandfather of Noah Goldenberg, Ella and Sophia Spitzer; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Shirley Goldenberg and Dr. David M. (Cindy) Goldenberg; dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

There will be a private family service at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, New York. Memorial contributions preferred to the

Humane Society of Missouri. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

Berger Memorial Service

RITA HORWITZ, December 29, 2022

Beloved daughter of the late Sophie and Meyer Horwitz; dear sister of the late Phyllis Horwitz (late William) Morris and Barbara (late Edward) Lazarus; dear aunt of Eric Lazarus and Jaime Lazarus Hoffman; dear great-aunt Nate and Jared Hoffman.

A graveside service was held Sunday, January 8 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. Memorial contributions to Congregation Shaare Emeth. Berger

Memorial Service

MERWYN G. “MURRAY” KALINA, January 23, 2023

Beloved husband of Maxine C. Kalina for 59 years. Dear father of Dr. Jeff (Ali) Kalina and the late Rick Kalina. Loving grandfather of Taylor, Jane, Grace and Gabe Kalina. Beloved brother of Felice (the late Joe) Moss, Lenore (the late Alan) Eaton, Sheila Romain, the late Sydney (late Esther) Kalina and the late Elliot (Sara) Kalina. Loving uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend.

Murray was born in Manchester, England and came to America in 1949 at the age of 14. He lived in Chicago and received his college education at the University of Illinois.

Murray came to St. Louis in 1962 and went to work for his brother Syd as an insurance salesman. Eventually, he became president of his own insurance agency, Mass Enrollment Corporation, and employed 50 agents.

Murray retired at the age of 62 and spent his time traveling with his wife, seeing the world. He had many hobbies and interests, and he was proud to be a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite and the Moolah Shriners for over 50 years.

Most important to Murray was family; family always came first. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service was held Thursday, January 26 at Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Avenue, followed by interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Live stream available at https://www.kolrinahstl.org/ kr-streaming Contributions in Murray’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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PATRICIA ROSEN, 83, died peacefully in her sleep January 23, 2023.

Devoted wife of the late Wally Rosen, dear aunt, stepmother and -mother-in-law, sister and sister-in-law, grandmother, greatgrandmother and -aunt, great-greatgrandmother and -aunt, great-greatgreat-aunt, friend and support to many. She touched the lives of all who knew her.

ROBERT LOUIS ROSENFELD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, surrounded by family.

Beloved father of Robert L. (Emily) Rosenfeld, Jr. and Thomas P. (Dena Ladd) Rosenfeld, of St. Louis, and Michael A. (Bettina) Rosenfeld of Altadena, CA. Loving grandfather of Louis Rosenfeld, of St. Louis, Will Rosenfeld, of Los Angeles, CA, Jeremy Smith, of Washington, D. C., Theo Rosenfeld, of Atwater Village, CA, Max Rosenfeld, of Altadena, CA and Abby Rosenfeld, of St. Louis. Dear brother of Karole (the late Thomas) Green and Donald (Lynne) Rosenfeld, of St. Louis. Dear uncle, cousin and friend.

Born on May 21, 1932, Bob was a lifelong St. Louisan, attending Flynn Park Elementary, John Burroughs School, and the University of Missouri. Bob served in the Air Force for two years, stationed at Whiteman Air Force base. In the late 50’s, Bob entered the garment industry, working with his father, Milton, at Western Garment. In the mid 1960’s, Bob took over management of Southeastern Textiles, a textile processor, started by his grandfather, Louis Korach, and continued in that role until his

Obituaries Index

Baron, Brenda L. Goldenberg, Ira L. Horwitz, Rita

Kalina, Merwyn G. “Murray” retirement in 2000.

Bob was an active sportsman. In his youth, he played many sports, including football, basketball and baseball, and enjoyed summers at Camp Nebagamon. As an adult, he devoted much time to coaching his boys in their athletic endeavors. An avid fan, especially of the Cardinals, he attended at least one game in each of their World Series appearances, since 1942. Bob’s favorite activity was golf, a sport he enjoyed with lifelong friends and his children and grandchildren. He was a solid high single digit handicapper known for booming drives and an unreliable putting stroke.

Bob was an energetic, outgoing man, who enjoyed an active social life, cooking and dining out, reading, travel, an occasional wager, and spending time with his family. He was funny. He will be missed.

There will be a private memorial service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis (jfedstl.org) or to Evans Scholars Foundation (wgaesf.org).

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Rosenfeld, Robert Louis Steele, Jerome Eugene “Jerry” Vittert, Miriam “Mimi” American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran. Obituaries continue on opposite page

JEROME EUGENE “JERRY” STEELE, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023.

Beloved father of Zachary Parker Steele and Dillon Tucker Steele. Dear brother and brotherin-law of Cathy Steele, Betsy (Jim) Backe, Don (Chris) Steele. Best friend to Eve Sharpe Steele (mother of Dillon Steele). “Coolest uncle of all time” to Kadtie (Jack) Wojciehowski, Tim (Rowan Allegra Reyes) San Filippo, Joe (Kate) Backe, Matt (Jenny) San Filippo, Nicholas Steele and Andrew Steele. Adoring great uncle of Grayce, River, Ayla and Shane Wojciehowski, Walt and Calvin Backe, and Teddy San Filippo. Dear nephew of Mike (Nancy) Weil and David (Ruth Halperin) Weil. Treasured first cousin of Gene (Katherine Borsecnik) Weil, Sue (Sandy Goodman) Weil, Ted Weil, Ilene (Fred) Siegel. Affectionately known as “Jer-Bear”. Cherished cousin, friend and mentor to so many who felt like close family. Jerry was the devoted son of Donald and Nancy Steele, who preceded him in death.

He was someone who was always there when they needed him, while at the same time he surrounded them with his magnetic energy and kept them on their toes.

Jerry Steele was a dynamic and passionate businessman and entrepreneur. Beginning his career in media sales, first radio and then television, Jerry went on to become CEO of his own successful media buying and strategic planning company, MultiMarket Media. Jerry was highly respected by clients and coworkers alike for his leadership, tenacity, keen insights and visionary ideas. An avid photographer, Jerry was also the force behind his second company J. Steele Photography/Model Obsessions. His creative work in glamour/ model photography was highly regarded by his colleagues in the artistic community and his clients. Jerry opened his home and his heart to so many and “Jerry’s Pool” was always the place to be for a good time.

Jerry was best known as a dedicated father who put his sons’ interests above all else. He was always there for his sons in every way and spent the majority of his spare time with them creating special memories. Adventures included taking them on trips to their family home in Wisconsin, skiing or fishing with them in Colorado, teaching them photography, practicing lines for Dillon’s plays and seeing his performances, attending the Grammys in support of Zach, taking them to numerous high energy concerts or co-assembling 1000+ piece Lego creations. As a dear cousin noted, “He packed one hundred years into his sixty years of life”. He lived life fully and made his time here matter. Jerry courageously battled cancer for over seven years and fought hard up until the end yet still managed to be a bright light in everyone’s lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nancy and Donald Steele Family Endowment at Miriam School and Learning Center or to a charity of your choice. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date with details to follow.

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MIRIAM “MIMI” VITTERT, age 84, of St. Louis, MO and Sarasota, FL, passed away on December 24, 2022.

She is the beloved wife of Bruce Vittert; adored mother and mother-in-law of Jan Vittert, Jeff (Leigh) Vittert, Amy (Jonathan) Deutsch; dear Nana of Kevin, Samantha, and Allison Vittert, Chloe and Maggie Deutsch. As well as sister-in-law of Mark (Carol) Vittert and aunt of their children Leland and Liberty Vittert.

The only child of Samuel and Jeanette Gotler, Mimi was born in St. Louis where she attended school at University City High School and Washington University. It was during those early years where she met Bruce, the love of her life and husband of 64 years. She created not only a beautiful home but a warm and inviting space for friends and family. Mimi was an incredible cook and baker and demonstrated her love through her food. She was a devoted mother to her three children, Jan, Jeff and Amy.

Mimi believed in service. She spent her time advocating for children, working countless hours on committees and in the hospital flower shop arranging gifts to bring joy to others. She also dedicated her time to scholarship programs for girls to further their education as another example of her philanthropic endeavors.

Mimi was a wonderful friend and one of her favorite activities was playing bridge. Mimi loved and adored her grandchildren. She bragged about them and wore their names proudly on many items of clothing. She loved to bake and spend time with them. They were truly her pride and joy. Mimi had a patient and kind demeanor, a warm smile, easy laugh and was beautiful on the inside and out. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Private family graveside services were held. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Mimi, please choose a cause or organization that is close to your heart.

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