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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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.

Make a Donation in memory of Douglas Kirby

Lynne Schneider

February 28, 1934 - February 3, 2026

Make a Donation in memory of Lynne Schneider

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.

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 Gerald Auslander

April 10, 1929 - January 28, 2026

Gerald was born in St. Louis on April 10, 1929. Gerald was the son of Sol and Anna Auslander. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, his daughter Deborah Eastman, granddaughter Allison Eastman and his brother Melroy Auslander. Jerry is survived by his son Gary Auslander and wife Stacey, grandsons Andrew Eastman and wife Emily, Dr. Kay Thomas, and great granddaughter Charlotte Eastman and great grandson David Eastman. He also leaves behind 5 nieces and one nephew.

Jerry had multiple careers including owning and operating wholesale liquor distributorships, owning a chiropractic table manufacturing company and as a Job Coach for MERS Goodwill. Jerry was also in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Jerry retired and relocated to Florida to be close to his son Gary.

Jerry enjoyed telling jokes, sharing stories, painting and being around his friends and family. Jerry had a great sense of humor, was an engaging conversationalist and liked to keep up on current events. He volunteered selflessly with Boy Scout Troop 39 for years; his pinewood derby cars were woodworking marvels. Jerry also enjoyed a nice prime rib dinner and chocolate.

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 Michael Henry Freund

October 30, 1939 - February 3, 2026

Mike Freund was a gentle force of nature, a kind gentleman. He lived a life of career accomplishment, civic pride, community involvement, and devotion to family and friends. A 5th generation St. Louisan, Mike felt deeply committed to the people, places, and organizations around him. He served prominently on boards of directors ranging from Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. and Temple Emanuel to United Way, Junior Achievement, Central Institute for the Deaf, Washington University Medical Center, Westwood Country Club -- and many more.

Mike had several successful chapters in his career. He started at Freund Baking Company, as a 5th generation owner, from 1963 to 1969, and loved to tell stories about the company’s storied past -- including its important role in feeding General Grant’s Union troops. Mike next joined Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. in 1969, rising to Executive Vice President before his retirement in 1998. From there, he became Director of University Special Development Projects for Alumni & Development Programs at Washington University in St. Louis until mid-2018.

What truly defined Mike’s life was his warmth and genuine generosity of spirit. He avidly maintained long relationships with dear friends from all chapters of his life. He knew someone in every room he entered. Mike was friendly, gregarious and kind, and was blessed with a special intelligence for connecting people for their mutual benefit. His social calendar was always full -- and he would have it no other way. He brought people together into lasting relationships and cheered on their every endeavor. Although separated geographically, Mike remained closely connected with his lovely brothers and sisters-in-law, Henry (“Hap”) & Claudia and John & Penny, as well as with his former wife, Barbie G. Freund, and his brilliant nephews, Christopher (Phung) Freund, Zach (Rachel) Freund, and Willy (Amy) Chotzen and their beautiful families.

Mike should be most remembered for the incredible love and devotion he had for his family. Always ready with a family story and history from across the years, he was the constant, caring, and steady presence that made his children and grandchildren feel seen, safe, and deeply beloved. His children, Nan (Steve) Fox, Bill Freund, and Candace (Mark) Anderson, and his grandchildren, Sophia, Dylan, Wyatt, Ella, and Oliver Fox and Lilly and Lauren Anderson, will forever remember the warmth, love, humor and kind disposition of the wonderful father and grandfather who brightened their lives in every way.

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 Dr. Gene W. Spector MD

June 21, 1932 - June 16, 2025

Beloved husband of Barbara Spector; dear father and father-in-law of Betsy (Jeff) Schechter and Wendy Eisenberg; dear stepfather of Jeanne Messing (Fred) Walsh; dear grandfather of Jackie and Jacob Schechter, Emily, Jared, Oliver and Elliot Eisenberg, Joey and Solly Walsh; beloved son of the late Hyman I. Spector, M.D., and the late Charlotte Koplovitz Spector Harris; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Judith (the late Adam) Aronson, Richard (Karen) Spector, and Beverly (Andrew) Brilliant; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Make a Donation in memory of Gene Spector

 Elaine Kahn

September 29, 1938 - February 11, 2026

Beloved wife of David Kahn. Dear daughter of the late Harold and Josephine Lieberthal. Our loving relative and friend.

Elaine graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree and began her career as an occupational therapist, dedicating herself to helping others live fuller, more independent lives.

In later years, she devoted her time to causes close to her heart. Through the Lions Club, she volunteered countless hours serving those in need. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment, she received the organization’s highest humanitarian honor, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award – an achievement she accepted with deep gratitude.

Elaine also gave generously of her time to the North County Dog Club, helping train and prepare service dogs for individuals in need. A lifelong dog lover and devoted pet owner, she had a special fondness for Bearded Collies. She eagerly read canine publications, especially Whole Dog Journal, and cared for her four-legged companions as lovingly as family.

Elaine shared a beautiful life with David, the love of her life. Together they embraced many shared interests, including the Computer Club, where Elaine particularly thrived. Curious and forward-thinking, she took pride in mastering new technology and staying connected with friends and family in every way possible – even at 87.

At home, Elaine found joy in life’s simple pleasures: time with David and her beloved dogs, and quiet hours spent crocheting or knitting beautiful handmade pieces. She also held a special fascination with trains, especially the Union Pacific “Big Boy.”

Kind-hearted, generous, and deeply loving, Elaine touched many lives. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

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 Shirley Anne Grosberg

January 20, 1933 - February 14, 2026

Beloved wife of the late Ralph Hugo Grosberg.  Dear mother of Bradley (Philip Kean) Grosberg, Karen (Sandon) Wool and the late Patricia Grosberg.  Loving grandmother of Shane Lee (Jax) Wool, Matthew (Lolly) Wool, Samantha (Jordan Taylor) Wool and Travis (Katie) Wool. Cherished great grandmother of Jonah, Mae, Theodore, Eleanore, the late Samuel, Emory, Grayson, and Noa.  Beloved sister of the late Lee Sanders (late Jack) Weinberg.  Dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Shirley’s life was about her husband and family which came before anything else. Shirley also, with her friend Lee Salky, ran a successful retail stationery, card and gift business with locations in Frontenac and the Central West End for many years. She and Ralph enjoyed travelling, which included many trips with their cousins Don and Peggy Ross under Captain Don’s expert seamanship.  She and Ralph had 75+ years together and her last years were spent waiting to be reunited with her true love once again.  We will all miss “feisty Shirley” and do hope that she is with her love for Valentines Day.

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Ellen Farber

October 19, 1947 - February 20, 2026

She is survived by her husband, Norman, her two sons, Todd (Jeanne) and Tim, grandchild Delilah, two sisters Carol and Marge (late Jerry), numerous beloved nieces and nephews and predeceased by her parents Stanley and Carolyn Jacobs.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Ellen worked in her family’s retail store before attending Stephens College, where she met her husband, Norm. They shared a happy marriage of more than 54 years. She later graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in education and special education, beginning a lifelong career as an educator, teacher, and tutor to numerous students across generations.

Ellen deeply loved her family and her many dear friends. Her sons, Todd and Tim, were the center of her life and her proudest accomplishments. She had a radiant smile and an infectious personality that could light up any room — or even a department store. Over the years, she touched countless lives through her tutoring, volunteering, and warm, bubbly spirit. Helping others brought her the greatest joy.  Her phone was always ringing with calls from friends, students, and parents alike. No doubt, they’ll need a second phone line in heaven.

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