Obituary: Benny Kopelberg - Class of 1942

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Benny Kopelberg, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, Feb. 2, 2002, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. Benny was born June 5, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wis. His family moved to Madison in 1939 where they owned and operated the Supreme Food Shop (later known as the Mifflin Street Co-Op) on Bassett & Mifflin Street. Ben graduated from Central High School (class of 1942) and shortly thereafter joined the Navy. He served as Yeomen on the USS Leonis in the South Pacific and at the end of his duty he served as an aid to Admiral Nimitz, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shortly before his discharge from the service, he met and married Roslyn Lassen and they were married for 56 years. Benny owned and operated the Leader Laundry and was later an independent insurance agent. He was a lifelong member of Temple Beth Israel, and a local and regional past president of the Bnai Brith Organization. Benny was also very active as an advisor to the AZA Youth Group. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lily and Harry Kopelberg; his brother, Phillip Kapell; and his son, Steven. Benny is survived by his wife Roslyn (Lassen); his son, Mark (Barbara); and daughter Lisa (Perry Hoffman). Benny had the joy of his wonderful grandchildren Emily and Michael Kopelberg and Steven Hoffman, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and loyal friends. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Beth Israel Center or a charity of choice. Services will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at 11:30 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Committal to be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Cress Funeral Home (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)