Mark Edward Brickman

Mark Edward Brickman was born in Milwaukee on June 1, 1934. Son of Mae (Bogost) and Norman Brickman, brother of Marilyn Last of Chicago, predeceased by sister Nena (Tom) Dyhr of Madison. Beloved husband of Cheryl of Mequon. Mark graduated from Riverside High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he met and later married Connie Schwartz, mother of his three children, Julie (Jim) Tynion of New York, Ned (Katerina) Brickman of Milwaukee and Pam (Len) Kasper of Chicago. He was stepfather to Rachel VanderWeit and proud Papa to 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mark served as a lieutenant in the US Army, achieving the rank of Marksman. He worked in several jobs (and donated plasma) to support his young family, including washing windows at Schlitz Brewery. In 1957 he found his life-long career in commercial real estate when he joined the Robert A. Polacheck Company (later CBRE). He began as one of three brokers, eventually rising to President and CEO, with more than 50 employees. Mark was instrumental in the development of Mayfair Mall, Milwaukee's first major shopping center. It was his idea for McDonald's windows to overlook the indoor ice rink. In 1962 he brought Baskin Robbins stores to the Midwest, even getting to name some ice cream flavors. When the Northridge area was thriving, aside from the mall, Mark was responsible for nearly every commercial property between 68th & 88th on Brown Deer Road. He was key in leasing every Kohl's Food Store around the state and was responsible for numerous other commercial developments in Southeast Wisconsin. Mark mentored countless individuals and mastered the art of delegating to other associates; he allowed others to advance their careers as he took a step out of the limelight. Even in retirement he remained active in the field, developing properties into his late 80s. Mark was an avid philanthropist for many causes, with those connected to the State of Israel closest to his heart. In 2022, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. He wholeheartedly devoted his time and talents to NAACP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, UW Veterinary School, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and more organizations. Mark served the boards of numerous organizations including: Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Art Museum, COA and the UWM Lubar School of Business. Mark was an outstanding golfer and two-time Club Champion at Brynwood CC. He was passionate about nature, birding, world traveling (with more than 50 trips to Israel), classical music (especially Gershwin) and loved movies and theater. He was a longtime supporter of the MSO, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage and Milwaukee Repertory Theaters. He passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2023, surrounded by family and his beloved pets. The family would like to thank the many doctors (Daniel Jankins, James Thomas, Yee Lan Wong, Candace Johnstone) and nurses at Ascension Ozaukee County and Froedtert Hospitals, Sacred Heart and Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin; and the home caregivers (Melissa, Skeeter, Maria, Tyson, Dolores, Edilberto and JoAnn) who took such good care of him. Private service and burial. His warm smile, wry sense of humor and well -earned wisdom will be missed by friends, family and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following would greatly honor Mark: Congregation Emanu El B'ne Jeshurun, Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, HERC, Milwaukee Urban Stables, OWLT or the Ozaukee County Humane Society. The family will receive guests at Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 1-3 PM with a minyan service at 2:30 PM; and at the home of Ned and Katerina Brickman, 727 E. Daisy Lane, Fox Point on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 10-12 from 5-7:30 PM.

Mark Edward Brickman

June 1, 1934 - October 5, 2023