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Obits

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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JOSEPH BITTKER,

90, of New York City and Del Mar, Calif., died on May 19, 2022, after a year-long illness.

He was born in Ann Arbor May 10, 1932. He graduated from Detroit College of Law, but never practiced. Instead, he joined the family business and, with his brother, grew it into a multi-national corporation. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Joseph was a devoted family man.

Joseph and Deanna traveled the world and lived in Japan and St. Barth. They made the decision to leave Michigan and permanently reside in New York and California in 2014. But his heart always stayed with Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. His father had been a founding member of the congregation, and Joseph continued to generously support the temple throughout his life. He further supported other causes dear to his heart including, UNICEF and the United Negro College Fund.

Mr. Bittker is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deanna; son and daughter-in law, Brian and Janice Bittker; son, Stuart Bittker; granddaughter, Candace, and her husband, Michael Parker.

There will be a private burial at sea in San Diego with military honors followed by a welcoming of friends to their home. There will also be a memorial celebration of life in New York City at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Morris and Esther Bittker Cam Scholarship Fund at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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MILLIE

CHARMER, 105, of Bloomfield Hills, died May 22, 2022. She is survived by her son and daughterin-law, Stephen and Nancy Solomon; daughter and sonin-law, Debbie and Dennis Silber; grandchildren, Sheri (David) Whiteman, Jodi (Kenneth) Korotkin, Tony (Kati) Silber; six adoring great-grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Mrs. Charmer was the beloved wife of the late Bert Solomon and the late Morey Charmer; the mother of the late Esther Solomon; grandmother of the late Melanie Solomon; sister of the late Sophie Auslander and the late Martin Shugerman.

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

PHILIP B.

FISCHER, 86, of Boca Raton, Fla., died May 23, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Myrna Fischer; daughters and sons-in-law, Andrea Fischer Newman and Frank Newman, Jill Fischer Rachesky and Mark Rachesky; grandchildren, Lauren and David Seidman, David Newman, Allison Rachesky, Samantha Rachesky, Steven Rachesky and Kate Rachesky; great-grandson, Benjamin Seidman.

Mr. Fischer was the cherished father of the late Loren Beth Fischer.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to University of Michigan, the Philip B. and Myrna R. Fischer Fund for Alzheimer’s Research, Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, victors.us/philipbfischer (make checks payable to University of Michigan). Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SUSAN “SUE”

JANE GANS, 78, of Bloomfield Hills, died peacefully in her home on Sunday, May 22, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Detroit, she was a resident of Bloomfield Hills since 1944.

Susan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, a faithful friend and a successful businesswoman. She attended Ferris State University and started her career as an airline stewardess for Pan Am. She then ventured into the retail world as a handbag buyer for the J.L. Hudson Company.

Susan spent many years as a successful commercial real estate broker in the Birmingham-Bloomfield Hills area. She finally found her passion when she embarked on a new career in 1996 in the health and beauty world when Geologix was born.

c. 2010

She will be best remembered for her infectious laugh, determination, strength and her kind and caring heart.

Mrs. Gans is survived by David Gans and his wife, Janet (Jonna) of Birmingham, Lisa Gans Goldberg of Bloomfield Hills; grandchildren, Jamie (Brandon Lefkowitz) Gans, Chad (Randell) Gans, Perry Goldberg, Ian Goldberg and Jolie Goldberg; sisterin-law, Gail Horwitz; niece, Julie Risdon Fiedor and her husband, Jack Fiedor of Wellington, Fla.; nephew, Craig Risdon and his wife, Kelly (Kern) Risdon of Jacksonville, Fla.; great-nieces and great-nephews, Amanda Larson, Christian Fiedor, Chad Fiedor, Emily Risdon and Kate Risdon; a host of treasured friends; her loving friend and caregiver, Lisa Saylor.

She was predeceased by her adoring husband of 43 years, Dr. Robert I. Gans; her parents, Margaret and Norman Richards; sister, Betty Richards Risdon; brothers-in-law, Charles Roland Risdon III, Ted M. Gans, Marvin Horwitz; sister-in-law, Dottie Gans.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033. The funeral will be broadcast at cccathome.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

BARBARA KORT GORDON,

of Tampa, Fla., died May 22, 2022.

She is survived by her children, Rochelle, Robert and Bryan. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Annabelle.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Services were held at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor.

RICHARD A. “DICK”

GOTTLIEB, 92, died May 13, 2022. He was born in Detroit, the son of Sadie (Hayman) and Sam Gottlieb. He graduated from Central High School class of 1947, attended Wayne State University and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Richard married Arlene June Kollenberg of Detroit on Dec. 6, 1956. She passed on Nov. 10, 1991. He was later married to Ruthie Rodensky Gottlieb of Hollywood, Fla., until her passing on April 20, 2022.

Richard was as avid tennis and bridge player and was very active in philanthropy. He pioneered the American Friends of Magen David Adom chapter in South Florida along with years of involvement in many other organizations.

Later in life, Richard became a novelist and devoted his life to writing. He was loved by all for his caring and kindness.

Mr. Gottlieb is survived by his children, Adam Gottlieb, Jill Horowitz (Andrew Horowitz); their children, Lauren, Erica and Brett, Debra Rodensky (John Gonzalez), Karen Rodensky Rassler (Scott Rassler); and their children, Brielle and Shelbie; two brothers, Jerald (Veronique) Gottlieb and Alan (Arlene) Gottlieb; many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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He was predeceased by his sister, Julie Gottlieb.

A memorial service was held on May 15, 2022, and interment was at Temple Beth El Memorial Park in Hollywood, Fla. To honor Richard’s memory, contributions may be made to afmda. org and sent to jill.horowitzemail@gmail or adam@ jendetroit.com.

DEBBY JILL

HOCKING, 68, of West Bloomfield, died May 20, 2022. She is survived by her son, Jared Hocking; niece, Rochelle Cohen; cousin, Rita Geiringer; many other loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Hocking was the daughter of the late Dr. Malcolm and the late Louise Cone; the sister of the late Eric Cone.

Interment took place at B’nai Israel Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Novi. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

JENNIE INFELD, 97, of Farmington Hills, died May 23, 2022. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Ilene and Martin Kuretzky, Carol Mangen and Gayle (Donald Phillips) Infeld; grandchildren, Kevin (Patrick Spadinger) Kuretzky, Sarah (Don) Kuretzky-Rossington, A.J. Mangen, Carly (Michael) Weinstock and Harry Leipsitz; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jonah, Laila, Joshua and Marlee; many other loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Infeld was the beloved wife of the late Leo Infeld; mother-in-law of the late Dr. Larry Mangen.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to Camp Tamarack or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

RUDOLPH

KELLER, 91, of Bloomfield Hills, died May 22, 2022. He was a pharmacist for more than 60 years.

Mr. Keller is survived by his wife of 67 years, Julia Keller; daughter, Gail Wiener; son and daughter-in-law, James and Elizabeth Keller; grandchildren, Marisa and Herb Wiener, Joshua Keller and Clara Yom, and Jonathan Keller; great-grandson, Junho. Mr. Keller is also survived by Jeffrey Wiener and many loving cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was the dear brother of the late Robert and the late Ann Keller.

Interment was at Oakview

Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a Jewish charity; the Salvation Army, 16310 Northland Drive, Southfield, MI 48075, salvationarmyusa. org; or Gleaners Community Food Bank, Oakland Distribution Center, P.O. Box 33321, Detroit, Michigan, MI 48232-5321, gcfb.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

ALVIN S.

NODLER, 81, of Oak Park, died May 23, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Adele Nodler; sons and daughters-in-law, Harold and Leslie Nodler of Huntington Woods, Michael and Dana Nodler of Oak Park; grandchildren, Joshua, Rebecca, Rachel, Danielle; brothersin-law and sisters-in-law, Marvin Gurecki, Larry and Shoshanna Levin, Nancy and Harry Topper, Jacki and Steve Silvergleit; many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Nodler was the treasured son of the late Esther and the late Harry Nodler; cherished son-in-law of the late Molly and the late Morris Levin; dear brother-in-law of the late Arlene Gurecki.

Contributions may be made to Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; or Lakewood Cheder School, 725 Vassar Ave., Lakewood, N.J. 08701. A funeral service took place at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment was held at Workmen’s Circle Cemetery. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

ALVIRA ROGERS

SCHECTER, 85, of West Bloomfield, died May 20, 2022. She is survived by her sons and daughters-inlaw, Mark and Stacey Rogers, Keith and Linda Rogers; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Patrick Flynn, Laura and Joe Touchton; grandchildren, John (Nina), Jeff, Amanda, Brendan (Brytt), Austin (Morgan), Courtney, Conor, Meghan; three great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Schechter was the beloved wife of the late Allan Schechter.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to the Friendship Circle. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

HAROLD

STROM, 100, of Southfield, died May 21, 2022. He was devoted to his family and his faith throughout his life. He never missed a family function. Family, friends and others knew they could count on Harold for aid in time of need.

He was a Stoliner and supported them in the United States, Israel and Russia. He was also a Zionist who supported Israel. He was an ardent supporter of many other causes.

Harold joined the Navy as soon as World War II began. He graduated from the University of Illinois while in the Navy and went on to become an officer in the Naval Reserve. It was during this time he married the foundation of his future life, Shirley Marks.

He founded and established Crystal Auto Parts in Dearborn in the early 1950s. He believed in the value of hard work and worked at Crystal Auto Parts until he was 95.

Harold loved to tell jokes, laugh and share his laughter with others. Music and singing were central to his family life. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Mr. Strom is survived by his wife of 75 years, Shirley Strom; son, Isidor Strom of Southfield; daughter and sonin-law, Elana Strom and David Sklar of Virginia; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Amber Strom, Stephanie Strom, Elissa Kaufman; great-grandchildren, Eliot Elizabeth Strom, Sylvie Grace Strom, Jonah Seager Strom.

He was the loving father of the late Elliott Strom; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Gertrude and the late Sidney Kosowsky, the late Mickey and the late Mary Strom, the late Margaret and the late Manny Berman, the late Esther Pollack, the late David Strom.

Contributions may be made to Elliott Dov Strom Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wayne State University, Account 060457, giving. wayne.edu; or to a charity of one’s choice. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment was held at Hebrew Memorial Gardens in Roseville. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

CORRECTION

The obituary for Allen Kaminsky (April 21) should have indicated that he is also survived by his granddaughter, Ruby Freed.

Co-Inventor of a Revolutionary Defibrillator Dies At 89

The implantable defibrillator, a small device that can be installed under a patient’s skin and immediately send a shock to correct any irregular heart rhythms, is implanted in more than 300,000 people every year.

Dr. Morton Mower, a Jewish cardiologist and renowned inventor who died April 25 in Denver of cancer at the age of 89, was one of the device’s two inventors. His contributions to medical science were rivaled only by his devotion to the Jewish National Fund, to which he and his wife, Dr. Tobia Mower, were significant donors.

Along with his Jewish co-inventor, Dr. Michel Mirowski, Mower began development in 1969 on a pint-sized defibrillator that could be surgically implanted underneath the abdomen to allow for quicker, more precise electric jolts. He taught himself electrical engineering in his basement to create prototypes for the instrument, which the pair believed could be a significant improvement on the over-theskin defibrillator.

The Baltimore-born Mower would later joke that the two had essentially invented “a time bomb in people’s chests.” But after it was first implanted into humans in 1980 and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1985, the device — now commonly placed in the upper chest — became a revolutionary tool for cardiologists. The duo followed up that hit by inventing cardiac resynchronization therapy, an electric device that sends jolts to the left and right ventricles of the heart simultaneously in order to get them to beat in a more organized pattern. (Source: JTA)