27 minute read
ChaiLights
YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
AUG.
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Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. Friday will be considered for the following week’s edition.
SUNDAY | AUG. 14
Kol Rinah Jews in Science series
What is Jewish about impressionism? What is the science of impressionism? At 4 p.m. via Zoom, Gary Kodner will explore both the Jewish and scientific influences on the exciting and revolutionary impressionist painters of the 19th century. Click to register at kolrinahstl.org.
St. Charles Jewish Festival
The second annual St. Charles Jewish Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. outside the Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center. The festival, which is organized by the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County and its St. Charles Jewish Family Network, will showcase and celebrate the local Jewish community. Entertainment includes 8th Day, a Hasidic pop-rock band from the West Coast; Shakshuka (see story on page 12) and children’s entertainer Bobby DooWah. Radio personality John Carney will lead a team of local volunteers grilling up a kosher cookout available for purchase. For more information and to get free tickets, visit: www.JewishStCharles. org/Festival
WEDNESDAY | AUG. 17
Sharsheret’s Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group via Zoom
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via Zoom until further notice. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. Free but RSVPs are requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org. Sharsheret Supports STL is a program of the J’s Nishmah and a partner of the national, not for profit Sharsheret organization.
THURSDAY | AUG. 18
NCJW lunch & learn: History of journalism in St. Louis
You may be familiar with Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian Jewish immigrant who founded the St. Louis Post Dispatch, but did you know he paved the way for newspapers across the country and used his influence to advocate on behalf of immigrants. To help us learn about the history of journalism in St. Louis, NCJWSTL welcomes Bill Freivogel, professor in the Southern Illinois University School of Journalism, contributor to St. Louis Public Radio and publisher of the Gateway Journalism Review at noon. Before SIU, Freivogel worked 34 years at the Post-Dispatch, where he was Assistant Washington Bureau Chief and Deputy Editorial Editor. To register, visit https://bit.ly/ August22LnL to register. Questions? Email Jen Bernstein at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org or call 314-993-5181.
Discussion on ‘Presidential Legacies: The Man from Missouri’
Join Mark P. Adams, education director at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Mo., from 2 to 3 p.m. as he highlights Truman’s extraordinary journey and how scholars view his leadership in the context of many challenges. This program is part of the Mirowitz Center’s continuing series, “Presidential Legacies.” To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
SATURDAY | AUG. 20
Kol Rinah’s Tot Shabbat
Join Morah Karen Kern at 10:30 a.m. for a short musical Shabbat service, perfect for kids ages 5 and under and their families and siblings. Service will be outdoors in the Kol Rinah courtyard or Guller Chapel (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.). Masks are required for ages 2 and up. Registration required. For more information, email office@kolrinahstl.org.
Kol Rinah’s EnChanting Shabbat
Kol Rinah’s EnChanting Shabbat morning service includes a lay-led Torah reading. Kol Rinah invites members to stand up and read. Contact our office at 314-7271747, if you would like to read an aliyah. Services can also be streamed online at tinyurl.com/KR-Streaming.
NHBZ discussion: How to Be a Modern-Day Mensch
The term “mensch” is commonly understood to be a good person. However, this Yiddish term goes much deeper to include the Jewish concept of being an individual of great integrity. Join NHBZ Rabbi Ze’ev Smason when he discusses “How to Be a Modern-Day Mensch” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
Author Dr. Richard Lazaroff to discuss new novel
Local author and retired pediatrician Dr. Richard Lazaroff will be the guest speaker at Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community’s monthly Third Shabbat Learning program at 10 a.m. Lazaroff will discuss his recently published novel “Illumination.” The program will take place in the Arts and Education Building on The J’s Staenberg Family Campus, 2 Millstone Campus Dr. and online via Zoom. Face masks will be required for those attending at the J. (Read more about Lazaroff’s book on page 14.) For more information or to request a Zoom invitation, e-mail stlshirhadash@gmail.com.
SUNDAY | AUG. 21
NHBZ Men’s Event: Scotch, Cigars and Learning
The scotch will flow and the cigars will glow at NHBZ’s Men’s Event: “Scotch, Cigars and Learning” from 5:30-7 p.m. Men in the community are invited to come and savor choice scotch and cigars with Torah learning led by Rabbi Shmuel Miller, Head of School at Epstein Hebrew Academy. There is no charge for this event and NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
Hasidic poprock band 8th Day will be one of the musical performers at the second annual St. Charles Jewish Festival on Aug. 14.
Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings will take place via Zoom at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512
TUESDAY | AUG. 23
Rabbi Mark Shook discusses ‘Search for the Sacred Scroll’
From 10-11 a.m., plunge into a journey of adventure and love through history with Rabbi Mark Shook, rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel, as he introduces his first book in a series of biblical thrillers. “Search for the Sacred Scroll” offers an intriguing look at Western religions and their most revered texts through the lens of historical fiction. During this in-person presentation, Shook will read an excerpt and share details about his process of writing fiction. This program is provided in conjunction with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), an organization supported by the Mirowitz Center, and co-sponsored by Congregation Temple Israel and the Mirowitz Center. To register for this free, in-person Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
THURSDAY | AUG. 25
Revolutionary War in the West: ‘House of Thunder’ Stephen Kling, Jr.
You’ve probably never heard of the Battle of St. Louis, which occurred May 26, 1780. But some historians believe it was a critical inflection point in the Revolutionary War and helped save the American West. Don’t miss “House of Thunder,” a new award-winning documentary based on a 2017 book authored by local attorney and historian Stephen L. Kling, Jr., who will introduce the video and share his research and book from 2-3:15 p.m. He also will highlight a brand-new museum exhibit that includes rare artifacts and original documents relating to the causes and outcomes of the Battle of St. Louis. To register for this free, in-person Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
SUNDAY | AUG. 28
IDF veterans discuss ‘Challenges For Lone Soldiers And Others In Combat.’
At 3:30 p.m. at NHBZ, IDF veterans Shahar Cohen and Nissim Tal (live from Israel via Zoom) and Meir Armoza (in person) will discuss “Challenges For Lone Soldiers And Others In Combat.” Pizza night follows, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Concert in the courtyard
At 3:30 p.m. for children 0-6 and their families, join Karen Kern for a delightful time of singing and dancing to a variety of fun early childhood songs at Kol Rinah. Bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets, popsicles provided. A minimum donation of $10 per family will go toward our Monica Lynne Neidorff Early Childhood Center.
NHBZ all-you-can eat Pizza Night returns
NHBZ’s dine-in Pizza Night has returned. From 5-7 p.m. enjoy a dine-in buffet of kosher pizza, pasta, salad, garlic bread plus a dessert and beverage. There are even movies for children attending. Prices are $15 for adults, $7 for kids ages 4-10, and free for kids ages 3 and under. The pizza cheese is Cholov Yisroel and pareve crusts are available upon request. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
STARTING | AUG. 28
Jewish Mindfulness Center will offer “Word for Word: 29 Words, Reflections and Questions to Prepare Us for the Days of Awe,” a daily email beginning today and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 25. Each day during the month of Elul you will receive an email expounding on one word, idea or practice that can assist you in your spiritual preparations for the High Holy Days. Read the email, spend time with the reflection questions and discover how you might grow in awareness, gratitude and love as we head into the new year. To register, visit mindfulness.sestl.org or contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org
The J plans Used Book Sale
The St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s biannual Used Book Sale returns from Aug. 28-Sept. 1 with offerings in every genre, including mysteries, general fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and much more. Preview day is Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a $10 admission and free admission begins on Monday. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and on Thursday customers can fill a bag for $5 between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks are required for entry. For updated and complete information visit https://jccstl.com/programs/used-booksale/.
TUESDAY | AUG. 30
Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Community Read
All members of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis’ community are invited to a special in-person program featuring Dr. Edith Eva Eger, who will join via livestream to discuss her memoir, “The Choice – Embrace the Possible.” The book traces Eger’s life journey from the terror and pain of the Holocaust to her career as a post-traumatic stress disorder specialist, from unimaginable loss to forgiveness and strength. This program at Shaare Emeth starts at 6 p.m. with a light nosh at 5:15. This Scholar-in-Residence Program is made possible through the Fred and Elsie Deutsch Endowment Fund, with special thanks to Roberta and Jim Deutsch, Judy and Larry Deutsch and their families for their continuous generous support. To register, contact Stacy at sjespersen@sestl.org
Dr. Edith Eva Eger
OBITUARIES
OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED DAILY AT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/OBITUARIES
American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
Our beloved mother, VIOLET W. BROWN, age 91, passed away on July 25, 2022.
Violet graduated from Washington University with a Bachelor degree and taught English for many years.
She is survived by her three sons, Dennis Brown, Keith Brown, and Jason Brown, her six grandchildren, Stacy Laughlin, Ilene Walters, Ashley Echert, Conner Brown, Turner Brown, and Caroline Brown and her five Great Grandchildren, Asher, Ronan, Aaron, Iris, and Ely. Violet was preceded in death by her brothers Gilbert Rosch, Sam Rosch, and Sidney Rosch, but is survived by her sister, Estelle Bleich.
Violet will be long remembered for her passion for animal rights, her sense of humor, and her devotion to her family. She will be always loved and never forgotten. Services were held at Mt Sinai Cemetery at 8430 Gravois Rd, on Sunday, July 31. Berger Memorial Service
MARSHA COHN (nee Arnowitz) age 75 died July 24 after a long battle with cancer.
She is survived by her spouse Judge Gerald Cohn and his children Hope Abramov, Dr. Aaron Cohn, Wendy McDevitt, grandchildren Anna, Elyse, Chloe, and Liam, her sister in law Judy Arnowitz and her nephew Marc and niece Lori.
Marsha was born in University City and graduated from U City High School. Her parents, Albert and Lillian Arnowitz and her brother Wally all predeceased her.
Before her marriage to Judge Cohn, she worked for El Al Airlines and New Caledonia Airlines. She enjoyed cruising and travel to exotic places. They traveled many times to the Middle East including Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and many others. Many of the trips were archeological endeavors with professors Michael and Neathery Fuller. She also loved the Greek Islands. She was a sweet and cheerful person who will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd., followed by a graveside service at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. Memorials may be sent to the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, Forest Blvd., Fairmont City, IL 62201.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
BOBBYE LOIS CRAVEN, age 88, of Saint Louis, Missouri passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 6, 1934 to Wilbert and Ruth Levy (nee Busch).
Bobbye was an Office Manager for Dr. Steve Paul and Rick Schainker, DDS. She was married to Larry Craven for 64 years.
Bobbye loved bowling, the Muny and the Fabulous Fox Theater, the casino, Mahjong, and was a member of B’nai B’rith. She was an avid traveler and made friends wherever she went. Bobbye took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bobbye is survived by her Daughters, Candy L. (Steve) Schainker of Ames, IA; Carolyn B. Tessler of Overland Park, KS; and Carrie E. Craven of St. Louis, MO; Grandchildren, Kevin (Audrey) Schainker; Bryan (Kim) Schainker; Bradley (Becca) Tessler; Andrea (the late David) Bond; Aly Zuhler; and Morgan Zuhler; GreatGrandchildren, Charlie, Henry, and Maddy Schainker; Aidan Tessler; Mischa and Zander Gluckman; Sister, Joan (Stanley) Baker; Brotherin-Law, Howard (Rochelle) Rubin; she was a great aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Larry Sanford Craven; Father, Wilbert Levy; Mother, Ruth Levy; Sister, Margie Rubin; SisterIn-Law, Sandy Leventhal; and Brother-In-Law, Martin Craven.
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BERGER Memorial Chapel
OBITUARIES INDEX
Brown, Violet W. Cohn, Marsha Craven, Bobbye Lois Farber, Rae Ellen Goodman, Abert Gunin, Dina Hammerman, Selene Katz, Jerold Burton Kraus, Eugene Kushner, Gail Lieberman, Evelyn R. Quicksilver, Joan Birke Scharff, Arthur Lister Schukar, Nicolette “Nikki” Steinback, Kenneth Bruce Wolf, Sidney A.
Bobbye’s memorial service was held at Central Reform Congregation on Thursday, July 28. Private internment on Friday, July 29th at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
RAE ELLEN FARBER, June 28, 2022
Beloved sister of Norman (Ellen) Farber, Jill Farber (Kenneth S. Moss) Weiss, and Patti Farber Diggs. Dear daughter of the late Abram and Ethel Farber. Special friend of Greg Clark. Loving aunt of Todd (Jeanne Streuer) Farber, Tim Farber, David (Niki Nounou-Weiss) Weiss, Lindsay Weiss, Jordan (Ilana) Moss, Sean Diggs, Devon Diggs, and the late Elisa Moss. Dear great aunt of Delilah Farber, Zoe and Adeline Moss.
Private graveside services were held. Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
ABERT GOODMAN, August 2, 2022
Beloved husband of Sheila Goodman; dear son of the late Abraham and the late Bessie Goodman; dear father of Lori Vingot (Eli), Carl Goodman, David Goodman, and the late Sharon Balber (David) and Stacie Goodman and Michael Goodman; dear grandfather of Yoni, Danny and Ari Vingot and Jake and Brett Balber; dear brother-in-law of Alan Grus (Betty) and the late David Grus (Rebecca); our dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Abert graduated from Soldan High School in 1949 and the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1953. He was a pharmacy owner and retail pharmacist for more than 55 years. Abert was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, and loved sports – especially baseball.
A graveside service was held on Aug. 4 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City. Memorial contributions preferred to Nusach Hari B’nai Zion. For more information, please visit bergermemorialchapel.com.
Berger Memorial Service
DINA GUNIN, August 5, 2022
Beloved wife of Dimitry Gunin; dear mother and mother-in-law of Irene Lynch (Michael); dear grandmother of Elizabeth Lynch; dear sister of the late Bella Shanayev, the late Rosa Polevoy, the late Vladimir Polevoy and Chaim Polevoy; dear aunt and friend.
A graveside service was held Sunday, Aug. 7 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the Jewish War Veterans. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
CHEVRA KADISHA CEMETERY Rosenbloom Monument Co.
SELENE HAMMERMAN, July 27, 2022
Beloved wife of the late Irven Hammerman; dear mother and mother-in-law of Harley Hammerman (Marlene), Albert Hammerman (Julia), Curtis Hammerman (Heather) and Alene Boyer (Kevin); dear grandmother of Adam Hammerman (Katie), Zachary Hammerman (Amy) Abigail Owen (Jim), Rachel Hammerman, Brett Hammerman (Noa), John Rogliano (Lizzie), Daniel Hammerman (Ness), Sam Boyer (Abby Rogers) and Zoe Boyer. Dear greatgrandmother of Calvino, Masa, Levi and Carson; dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Sanford Rabushka (Arlene). Dear aunt, cousin and friend..
A graveside service was held Sunday, July 31 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
JEROLD BURTON KATZ, 90, passed away on July 28, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
He was an original with an agile intelligence. He had an indomitable spirit, an embodiment of the entrepreneurship of 20th century post-war America and a man who built a sprawling corporation in an industry that he helped create.
Jerold, known as Jerry, was born on January 4, 1932, in St. Louis. As a child of The Great Depression, he grew up in a family that was hit hard by the severe worldwide economic crisis. Like many other families of the time, his family survived on very little. By age 10, Jerold, the youngest of three, helped support his family by selling newspapers and delivering groceries.
Early on, he learned to work hard – and how to connect with people. He understood that personal relationships were everything. He had an ease at making conversation and confidence in himself. He was smart, quick-witted and funny. His sense of humor was endearing, and it drew people to him. He took risks as easily as he drew breath, had an adventurous spirit and above all, had integrity. Jerry was a loyal friend.
Jerold loved his country. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Following his service, he enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He then attended Washington University Law School and graduated with a J.D. in Law.
He supported himself throughout college and law school, working a number of odd jobs such as a liquor store clerk, taxi driver, waiter, and file clerk.
In 1954, Jerold left his home state of Missouri and moved to Houston, Texas. Young and energetic, he arrived looking for an opportunity to match his enthusiasm and overwhelming desire to succeed.
It was in Houston, where he discovered a city with unlimited possibilities. In 1957, he founded Gulf Coast Collection Services. Jerold knew his business had the potential to someday become an industry. He would often say, “Everything in life is timing.” Gulf Coast Collection Services, later known as GC Services, became one of the early pioneering companies that built the modern bill collection industry.
In 1958, American Express created its ubiquitous “Green Card,” which changed the way the nation managed its personal finances. Within a few years, the card’s popularity soared. Jerold’s firm was among the first providers of collection
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services to the monolithic financial services company.
He propelled his firm forward with his outstanding marketing, organizational and management skills. He was a fierce competitor in the growing industry. He always said that he had one edge that no other firm had – himself. The man could sell, with a combination of shrewdness, bravado, and a winning personality.
He understood the minute details of operating and managing a business. He was first to his desk in the morning and the last to leave in the evening – and he spent hours on the phone touching base with business chieftains, owners of competitor firms, clients, legislators, and front-line employees.
Jerold’s business acumen turned his one-man collection agency into one of the nation’s largest accounts receivable management and business process outsourcing providers to Fortune 500 companies, premier global financial institutions, and large governmental entities. For nearly 60 years, he grew his Houston-based company into an established and well-recognized industry leader with offices in over 30 locations throughout the world.
In addition, he acquired First National Bank of Killeen and Fort Hood National Bank in 1976. With these banks, along with a series of start-up banks and select bank purchases in southeast Texas, he merged his disparate bank holdings into First National Bank Texas and First Convenience Bank. Today, the bank has branches across the states of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Arkansas.
Jerold always gave thanks for the success he was able to achieve. As soon as he could, he began helping others. Jerold would reach into his pocket to send underprivileged kids to summer camp or would write a check for a young person to take night classes to earn their high school diploma. His generosity was not widely known, which was exactly how Jerold wanted it. “I don’t help people for a pat on the back. I do it because I know what it feels like to need help and have no one to turn to.”
As Jerold’s giving grew, he created the Jerold B. Katz Foundation. The Foundation was one of his proudest accomplishments, after family and business success. His philanthropic generosity extended far and wide, including funding initiatives for brain injury and cancer research, metabolic disorders, health care quality and outcomes and other initiatives at Houston Methodist, Weill Cornell Medical College, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the UT Health Science Center at Houston. In addition, he was an active benefactor of The Kinkaid School. He also provided funding to help build the new Houston Jewish Community Center, supported the Houston Holocaust Museum, provided funding for the new campus of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, contributed to the transformation of the Houston Zoo, and was an early believer and participant in the campaign to build the Houston Botanic Garden.
Jerold and his wife, Judith, raised four children – Scott, Evan, Lenny, of blessed memory, and Lissy. Their lives were action-packed, filled with weekend trips to the Texas coast, competitive basketball games on the back driveway, and long summer vacations to St. Louis to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jerold is preceded in death by his parents, Louis I. Katz and Esther Koplin Katz, brother, Martin M. Katz, sister, Shirley Katz Kardesch, son, Lenny Charles Katz and daughter-in-law, Cindy Katz.
He is survived by Judith and son Scott and his children, Rachel and Rebecca; son Evan and wife, Nicole, and their children, Samuel, Alexandra, and Roxana; daughter Lissy and husband, Joshua, and their children, Moses, August, and Beatrice.
The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, doctors and nurses who provided help to Jerold through his final years, ensuring his quality of life and supporting his family.
The family gathered for a graveside service on Tuesday, August 2, 10:00am at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road in Chesterfield, MO.
In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to either of the following: The Jerold B. Katz Academy for Translational Research, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210, or The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in memory of Jerold B. Katz, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service EUGENE KRAUS, July 26, 2022
Beloved son of the late Morris and Francis (nee Kalishman) Kraus; devoted husband for over 65 years to Joan (nee Miller); cherished father to Jeffrey (Jocey) Kraus, Judy (David) Grand; loving grandfather of Bradley (Polly) Kraus, Grant Kraus, and Hayley (Brad) Blum, Coby (Arielle) Grand, Ryan Grand and Gabe Grand; adoring great-grandfather of Bond and Teddy Kraus and Noa Grand. Dear brother to Myrna and the late Jerry Sokolik; dear brother-inlaw to the late Alice (nee Miller) and Sam Riezman and the late Donald and late Merle (nee Kalishman) Miller; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Born in St. Louis, Gene graduated from University City High School and went on to Washington University. He met Joanie at a ZBT fraternity party. They were later married in 1956.
Gene started Kraus Clothing, his wholesale men’s discount clothing store, from the basement of his house. Over 40 years he grew it to 3 retail stores along with a wholesale operation. He loved the customers and schmoozing with them. Many became friends over the years.
His pride and joy was his family. He spent many hours watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Nothing pleased him more than taking his grandchildren to various restaurants and introducing them to new foods. He was their biggest cheerleader. He loved taking his family on wonderful vacations, creating lifetime memories.
He loved to reminisce about his youth. How he was an usher for the St. Louis Browns and how he played stickball with his neighborhood friends, many of whom he stayed close to for his entire life.
He enjoyed listening to Sinatra, playing bridge with Joanie and their friends, watching the football Cardinals, reading mystery books, going to the casino, and ordering a good cold martini up and dry.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 28 at Congregation Temple Israel. Internment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry or the charity of your choice. For more information, visit bergermemorialchapel.com.
Berger Memorial Service
GAIL KUSHNER (nee Jampole), July 28, 2022, at age 86. Formerly of Tucson, AZ, Shorewood, WI and born in Brooklyn, NY.
Beloved wife of the late Gordon L. Goodman, to whom she was married for 32 years, and the late Arthur Kushner. Former spouse of Irwin “Phil” Kastin. Dear mother and mother-in-law of Shelli Kastin & Ken Wilson, Meryl Kastin & former spouse Jim Flocchini, David & Mary Kastin, Philip & Tonya Kushner, and step-mother to Keith Kushner, Michael Kushner (z”l), Richard Kushner, Heidi & Paul Meyer and Kim & Jeff Lintner. Bubbie to Stephanie, Amy (z”l), Laura (Rob), Elliot, Sara, Adam, Cindy, Alena, Ben, Henry, Riley, A.J. (Delaney) and Jennifer. Greatgrandmother to Jonathan. She was the youngest and last survivor of 10 siblings. She leaves behind two dear sisters-in-law. Special aunt and friend to many.
She was a game show and word game aficionado and especially loved Jeopardy and Bananagrams. She was grateful for her caregiver of the past 2 1/2 years, Gloria Jean Brooks. Donations in Gail’s memory appreciated to the Crown Center for Senior Living in University City, MO, where Gail lived since 2016.
A Graveside service was held Sunday, July 31 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Ave. University City, Missouri 63130.
Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service EVELYN R. LIEBERMAN, August 2, 2022
Beloved wife of the late Stanley Lieberman; dear daughter of the late Sam Schreiber and the late Anna Schreiber Chait; dear mother of Donna Warwick and Gary Lieberman (Elizabeth); dear grandmother of Aliyah Warwick (Patrik Siljestam), Alexandra Warwick (Lizara Garcia), and Spencer Lieberman; dear sister of the late Bernyce Danenberg (late Ernest); also survived by the father of Donna’s children, Charles Warwick; dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Evelyn was a graduate of Soldan High School. She sang in Gaslight Square and in a variety of musical theatre groups. Stan and Evelyn Lieberman sang in the Kol Rinah (BSKI)choir for several decades.
A private graveside service was held. Memorial contributions preferred to Kol Rinah or Jewish Family Services. Berger Memorial Service
JOAN BIRKE QUICKSILVER, July 28, 2022
Beloved daughter of the late Theodore and Beatrice “Betty”” (Lyner) Birke; Cherished wife for 60 years of the late Donald G. Quicksilver; Adored mother of four sons--William (Elizabeth); Robert; James (the late Jacqueline); and Jeffrey (Ashley). Loving grandmother of Kimberly (Matt) Salsbury; Matthew (Daniela) Quicksilver; Katherine (Michael) Heaney; Laura Quicksilver, Thomas Quicksilver, Brett Quicksilver, Noah Quicksilver and Emme Quicksilver. Dearest great grandmother of Madeleine Salsbury, Rosie Quicksilver, Carolina Heaney, Emma Salsbury, Elliot Quicksilver, and Georgia Heaney. Sister of Charles Birke and Sister-in-Law of Michelle Birke. Mother-in-law of Patti Quicksilver. Dear friend of Jacqueline Riddick.
Joan was born and raised in the Bronx in New York City, in the shadow of Yankees Stadium and a couple of subway stops from Broadway. She became an avid New York Yankee fan and remained so until her final days, when Joan was still checking the ESPN App on her iPhone for the results of the prior night’s Yankees game. Joan’s proximity to Broadway instilled in her a lifelong love of theatre and show music, which provided the foundation for Joan to develop an extraordinary creative talent, one which manifested itself in a wildly successful and highly decorated career in Advertising and PR.
Joan moved to St. Louis when she was 14 years old and graduated from University City High School. She briefly attended Washington University, where Joan was swept off her feet at a fraternity party by a young man whom she would later in life often refer to as “Her Donald.”
Although Joan spent her entire adult life surrounded by Midwesterners, she never really lost her East Coast roots. Until her last days, she remained a New Yorker through and through— tough and driven. So, it was no surprise that Joan quickly took St. Louis by storm. In her early 20s, she began writing, directing, and producing fullscale musical productions for United Way, Barnes and Jewish Hospitals, Brandeis University, Jewish Community Centers, Jewish Federation, Ladue School District, Boy Scouts of St. Louis, Meadowbrook Country Club, and National Council of Jewish Women. To say that her productions brought down the house would be a gross understatement.
It did not take long for the City of St. Louis to recognize the talents of this extraordinary woman. Indeed, in her early 30s, Joan received the St. Louis Globe Democrat “Woman of Achievement” Award for Creative Philanthropy. She is still one of the youngest women to be so recognized.
In 1976, Joan and a partner formed IQ and Associates, an advertising and public relations firm based in Clayton. As president of the firm for 18 years and a trailblazing businesswoman, Joan managed campaigns for financial institutions, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, philanthropic organizations, shopping centers and a number of St. Louis institutions, including The St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Symphony, Fox Theatre, KMOX radio and KPLR-TV. For her efforts, Joan received a Flair Award for best local radio campaign, an Emmy Award for best locally written and produced television commercials, and the Marconi and Addy Award for best regional radio campaigns.
Not content to merely use her talents in business, Joan made an extraordinary commitment to the St. Louis community. In recognition of her philanthropy and in addition to the aforementioned “Woman of Achievement” award, Joan received The Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis “President’s Award” in 2001 for outstanding performance in media and community relations. Joan was also inducted into The Catfish Club, the highest honor bestowed by The Press Club, for distinguished service in the public relations field. In 2005, Joan was honored by the National Federation of Press Women with its Quest Award for Outstanding Professionalism in Journalism. And, in 2008, she received an OWL Woman of Worth Award for outstanding professional and volunteer services.
Joan’s talents were in high demand from local civic and charitable institutions. She served with distinction on a plethora of boards, including the Women’s Division of Jewish Federation, Jazz St. Louis, Cancer Support Community, and the Press Club. Joan’s civic presence was so ubiquitous that some of her greatest admirers began calling her the “Grande Dame of St. Louis.”
While Joan was gratified by her professional success, the most important thing in her life was always family, especially her four sons, whom she called her greatest production. Joan was unequivocal in her love for them and fierce in her loyalty to them. Joan leaves behind an incredible legacy and a family who will cherish her memory forever.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 4 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, 8430 Gravois Road. Live stream available at www.rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to the Quicksilver Fund for Colorectal Cancer Prognosis, C/O Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 790369, St. Louis, MO, 63179. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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