Ralph Sonnenschein

November 2, 1935 - November 20, 2025

Beloved husband of Sarah “Mandy” Sonnenschein; loving father of Leonard (Valentina), the late Marvin, Edie (Jon) Michelson, and Ken (Sheila). Cherished grandfather of Canaan (Johanna), Alexis (Drew) Lueke, Randy (Maria) Michelson, Dann (Hannah) Michelson, Karen (Andy) Botts, Morgan (Molly), Avi (Carly), Pearl (Stefan), and Gabriella (Kesem) Fine. Proud great-grandfather of Eli, Clarabel, Ariana, Lydia, Juliet, Amelia, Zoe, Austin, Mackenzie, Emma, and Oscar. Preceded in death by his first beloved wife Annette, son Marvin, daughter-in-law Cindy, and parents, Rachel and Alexander.

Ralph was born in St. Louis and worked early in his parents’ business, Sunshine Press. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Top Services and later join Duro-Test, where he built a long career selling full-spectrum lighting products.

He had a lifelong passion for cooking, which he learned during his Air National Guard service, and later delighted family with specialties like Ralph’s Reasonable Roast and peach jelly. Every New Year’s Eve, he made homemade pizzas with his grandchildren. He and Annette enjoyed square dancing, tennis, and travel with St. Thomas being a favorite destination.

A devoted community advocate, Ralph supported the Civil Rights movement and local political candidates who shared his values. Deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, he taught at United Hebrew and Shaare Emeth religious schools. He championed Scouting, was honored with the Shofar Award, and helped his sons become Eagle Scouts.

Family was Ralph’s greatest priority. He and Annette ensured their children had the tools to succeed in science, art, accounting, and medicine. They regularly hosted all their grandchildren for tennis lessons followed by a Shabbos meal together. After Annette’s passing in 2011, Ralph found renewed joy marrying Mandy in 2012 and later moved to Elmwood, Illinois, continuing his lighting career and aiding businesses in transitioning to LED systems.

At age 83, Ralph celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, a milestone he had missed at 13. He attended nearly all his grandchildren’s weddings and spent his final months in Overland Park, Kansas, passing peacefully on November 20, 2025, with compassionate care from Catholic Community Hospice and Delmar Gardens. His final wish was to celebrate his 90th birthday, which he did.

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 Constance Levy

May 08, 1931 - December 11, 2025

 We send out heartfelt condolences to the family of Constance Levy, mother of Ken Levy (Cyndee) and Ed Levy (Joelyn), grandmother of Adina Levy, Mirowitz graduate and current 4th grade teacher, Jonathan (Monique), legacy school graduate and current parents, Aaoron, Adam and Benjamin Levy, legacy school graduates, Evyn Levy and Daphne Levy, legacy school graduates.  Constance was an acclaimed children's poet.  Her books include The Story of Red Rubber Ball (2004), Splash! Poems of Our Watery World (2002), A Crack in the Clouds and Other Poems (1998), A Tree Place and Other Poems (1994) and I'm Going to Pet a Worm, Today and Other Poems(1991).  School Library Journal's Kathleen Whalin summed up the appeal of Levy's ve3rse best in her review of When Whales Exhale and Other Poems :  "To read Levy is to see the wonder of the everyday world."  We were so lucky that she shared many of these poems with our students at the legacy school Saul Mirowitz Day School-Reform Jewish Academy

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Norma Jean Katz Malerich

1930 - December 11, 2025

Norma Jean Malerich, 95 of Glen Carbon, IL, formerly of Florissant, MO and DelRay Beach, FL, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Meridian Village Care Center in Glen Carbon.

Of course, if Norma Malerich could choose one word for you to remember her by, it would be Artist. If forced to describe her more deeply, perhaps painter or doll-maker. In truth, Norma's legacy is best described with terms like optimist, adventurer, and innovator.  

Born in 1930 to John and Edna Krenzer, Norma Jean was a bright child and lovingly welcomed her brother Robert (Bob) at the age of 10. Ever ready for independence at the earliest opportunity, Norma attended Ward-Belmont College in Nashville, TN at the age of 16. Before graduation, however, Norma transfer to Millikin University in Decatur, IL  and was off to her next adventure and married John W. Malerich. Best described with a paintbrush in one hand, and a child in the other, Norma welcomed her two eldest daughters Lee and Gail. By 1951 and 1954. John, Norma, and their two girls were on a lifetime adventure to Japan where they lived for two years. On a military base in 1957, Norma and John welcomed their youngest daughter, Nancy. 

Throughout these years with young children, Norma could be found teaching painting classes with the Red Cross, leading Girl Scout Troops, and exhibiting in local art shows and Famous-Barr department store. It is without a doubt that by the time John passed in 1974, Norma's spirit had filled their days with enough excitement to last a lifetime, but Norma pushed ever forward. Norma had not put down her paintbrush but had found a new partner for her whimsies, Sidney H Katz, she gained two stepchildren Harry Katz and Barbara Katz. Between visits to China, Rome, Greece, France, Russia and to wherever their hearts took them, Norma continued painting and doll making, splitting her time between homes in St Louis, MO and Del Ray Beach, FL.  

In the 1990s, Norma began experimenting with her new Gateway computer, signing herself up for computer classes and challenging her home printer to print her computer-generated artistic impressions on fabric. She took the internet by storm, creating profiles on Fine Art America, Facebook, and Linked In, and beyond. Never one to be shy to a challenge or depressed at an opportunity, she'd remind her grandchildren to "just smile" and "have fun" through all of life's challenges. 

Norma spent the 2000s with her companion, Russ Machan, exploring life on a houseboat (yes, you can fit an easel and still paint just fine) and appreciating a slower way of life in Amish country, Ohio.  

Throughout every phase of life and every exploration of artistic expression (from dolls, to purses, to jewelry boxes), her happiness in paintbrushes and canvases dominated. Norma's legacy may be best defined by her prolific creation of art, and her mark made on the world through thousands of paintings of women, flowers, and landscapes hung on walls throughout the world.  

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, John W. Malerich and Sidney H. Katz; a son-in-law, Kenneth “Kenny” Horton; and a brother, Robert Krenzer.

She is survived by her three children: Lee Ann (Glen Saborosch) Malerich of Neeses, SC, Gail Lynn Horton of Indian Trails, NC and Nancy (Wayne) Hubbard of Maryville, IL; three grandchildren: Braxton Evans, Brady (Daniel) Venables, and Mattie (Kyle) Kovacs; three great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Henry Venables and Luka Kovacs.

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 Clara Pultman

May 14, 1946 - December 18, 2025

Born May 14, 1946, Weezie was the beloved wife of Mark Pultman. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Susan (Katie), a proud grandmother to Frederick, and a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her brother, Charles “Shotty” Livingstone. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Willard “Wood” Livingstone and John Livingstone, and by her parents, Willard and Clara Nixon Livingstone.

Weezie was deeply committed to her family and took great pride in her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

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 Betty Jane Koppel

April 24, 1938 - November 18, 2025

Betty Jane (Marmor) Koppel — known to many as BJ — passed away peacefully on November 18th at the age of 87. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she went on to attend Smith College before graduating from Washington University in 1959 with a degree in elementary education. In 1970, she continued her academic path, earning a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics, a field that would become both her career and her lifelong passion.

More than 60 years ago, she moved to Tucson with her husband, Gene, where they built a home, raised their family, and established deep roots in the community. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Gene Stuart Koppel. She is survived by her children Ralph Koppel (Linda Sher) and Pam Koppel, her sister Aralyn Rosenberg, her grandchildren Jim Koppel, Julie Goldman (Josh), and Alyssa.Jirrels, and her great grandchildren Jason and Rebecca Goldman.

Betty Jane devoted her professional life to teaching mathematics with a genuine commitment to her students. She taught at Salpointe Catholic High School and later spent 17 years at Canyon del Oro High School, where she also served as Head of the Math Department for five years. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom as she represented Arizona as a delegate to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

One of her great professional achievements—and a point of enduring pride—was her early adoption of technology in math education. She was credited with introducing the first TI-81 graphing calculator into Arizona classrooms in 1988, helping usher in a new era of learning for students across the state. She later brought her expertise to Pima Community College, continuing to teach until her retirement in 2000.

In her later years, she made her home at Hacienda at the Canyon, a place she truly loved. She found comfort and connection there, and she especially enjoyed the daily games that kept her sharp and engaged. She remained strong-willed and fully herself until the end.

She was quietly generous, often stepping in to help others when she knew it could make a real difference. And wherever she went, she brought her own unmistakable style — you could always find her in something red.

Her family is deeply grateful for the thoughtful, compassionate care she received from the staff of Hacienda at the Canyon and the nurses and caregivers at Catalina Home Care, who supported her with respect and warmth throughout her final years.

Betty Jane “BJ” Koppel will be remembered for her resilience, her independence, and a life lived on her own terms.

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Ben Hesselberg

March 1, 1931 - December 23, 2025

Beloved husband of Billie Hesselberg (née Miller); cherished father of the late Scott Hesselberg; loving step father of Philip (Shirley) McKemie, the late Michael (Jan) McKemie, and Pamela (Mark) Schaefer; loving grandfather of Christopher Warren, Kimberly Schilling, Dion Wilson, and Emma Schaefer; loving great-grandfather of Taylor, Peyton, Lexi, Kyle, Jackson, Elliette, Jude, and Liberty; dear brother of the late Leo (Marion) Hesselberg; and a beloved brother-in-law and friend to many.

Ben was a dedicated pharmacist and the owner and operator of Hesselberg Drug Company for more than 60 years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps during the Korean War.

Ben attended St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where he was a member of the Kappa Psi Fraternity. He also greatly enjoyed his time as a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, and the Shriners.

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 Kenneth Wilde

November 6, 1923 - January 08, 2026

Beloved husband of the late Eve R. (Landsberger) Wilde; dear father of Thomas Wilde (Alyssa), Larry Wilde, and Carol York (Kevin); dear grandfather of Ky, Laura, Deborah, David, Nathan, Alaina, Amanda, and Samantha; dear great-grandfather of two.

Make a Donation in memory of Kenneth Wilde

 Barbara Blumfiled

January 29, 1927 - January 17, 2026

Born January 29, 1927, to Morton and Edna Weiss in Chicago, she received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and her master’s degree in education from the University of Chicago. She married Irvin Blumfield, M.D., on April 5, 1952, and they moved to Alton, Ill., then to Florida following his retirement.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Paul, and son Robert.

Barbara is survived by her children, son Michael Blumfield and daughter Laura Moats (Greg); grandchildren Jennifer Moats Faloon (Patrick), Ryan Moats (Jenny), Anna Blumfield Holdhusen (Max), and Isaac Blumfield; and seven great-grandchildren, Max, Mia, and Molly (Faloon), Sawyer, Kinsley, and Hallie (Moats), and Harvey (Holdhusen).

Barbara enjoyed attending the opera, ballet, and the symphony, as well as playing bridge and Mah Jongg. She was an avid reader and advocate for education. Accordingly, memorials in her name may be made to your local public library.

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Douglas Kirby

October 31, 1935 - January 19, 2026

Douglas G. Kirby passed away peacefully Monday, January 19th surrounded by his family. Douglas was the beloved husband of Doris C. Kirby, devoted father of Stephen A. Kirby, Kathleen L. Kirby, and Daniel S. (Cynthia) Kirby, and cherished grandfather of Christina, Ashley, Brent, Sierra, Nicole, Rachel, and Armando “AJ.” He was the adored great-grandfather of Zoè, Samuel, Dominic, Layla, and Raegan.

Douglas was the loving brother of Jack (Peggy) Kirby and half-brother of Susie (Paul) Panus, Kiley (Roberta) Kirby, and Patricia (Damien) Mulvany; and was preceded in death by Walter (Janice) Kolano, Christine Kolano, Charlotte (the late Ray) Thomas, Denise (the late Edward) Rodgers, and Jennifer (Paul) Dreste. Beloved son of the late William “Bud” Kirby and Elba Kolano. He will also be remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Douglas worked as an electrician for more than 50 years, always dedicated to his craft and eager to create and improve the world around him. His creativity and hands-on ingenuity led him to countless home projects—tearing down and rebuilding space to match his meticulous vision—and to handcrafting inventions from spare parts, including an electric mini-bike and a go-kart for his kids. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Douglas especially loved his BMW and often rode cross-country to California and Florida for racing events, once making the drive home from California in just over a day. He shared his love of riding with his sons, creating memories that will last forever.

At age 42, Douglas took up running and went on to complete seven marathons, consistently excelling in his age group. He also enjoyed bowling and once bowled a near-perfect game of 279, a proud accomplishment shared with Doris, his bowling partner and the love of his life. A faithful Catholic, Douglas attended church regularly until his health no longer allowed. He and Doris shared an extraordinary 71-year marriage that began when they met as high school freshmen — truly a story of “love at first sight, and love forever.”

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Douglas will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and devotion to his family.

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Lynne Schneider

February 28, 1934 - February 3, 2026

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Barbara Gross

February 28, 1934 - February 3, 2026

 Beloved wife of the late James I. Gross, Sr.  Dear mother of Martin D. “Marty” (Michael Mefford) Gross, James I. (J. Todd Marshall) Gross, Jr. and Julie E. Gross. Beloved sister of the late Suzanne (late Solomon) Rosenthal. Dear sister-in-law of the late Jean (late Howard) Beck and the late Babette (late Donald) Simon. Loving aunt of Jack Rosenthal, Marla Rosenthal, Sara (Roy) Luongo, the late Larry Beck, Margie Beck, Charlie (Libby) Beck, Andy (Linda) Nathan, Joanne (Ken) Greene, Paula Nathan and the late Doug Simon. Barbara was a dear great-aunt, cousin and friend; and she had a special love for her grand-dogs Chloe and Dolly, and their daily visits.

Make a Donation in memory of Barbara Gross