Claire Komisar

Claire Komisar, (née Kerns) Passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 97. She was truly BILTRITE — and the best wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma ever. Claire was born on March 27, 1929, to Irwin and Frieda Kerns. She lived a beautiful, colorful-purple, vibrant, and joy-filled life centered around family, friendship, community, travel, and the family business she cherished for nearly her entire life — BILTRITE Furniture. Her legacy lives on through our family, the business, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a true trailblazer in the furniture industry during a time often known as the “good old boys club,” and her influence continues today as BILTRITE proudly remains women-led through multiple generations. Claire met the love of her life, Morton “Mort” Komisar and It was love at first sight. They married in 1950 and shared nearly 64 wonderful years together until Mort’s passing in 2014. Claire attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison before later earning her interior design degree from Mount Mary College. She brought that talent and passion directly into BILTRITE, helping customers to love their home. To Claire, BILTRITE was never just a store — it was family. She loved being a part of the growing business through four generations and was incredibly proud of her husband Mort, son Marty, daughter Maureen, daughter-in-law Gail, granddaughter Randi, grandson Brad, granddaughter-in-law Sarah, and the continued family legacy being carried forward today. Claire was an incredible mother to Marty and Maureen, always supporting, encouraging, and loving her family unconditionally. Alongside Mort, she helped mentor and shape Randi, Bradley, and Noah from a young age — teaching them the values of family, hard work, kindness, and giving back. Randi and Brad especially treasured the years they worked alongside Claire at BILTRITE, where she taught them not only how to sell furniture, but how to treat people. She is survived by her son Martin (Gail) Komisar, daughter Maureen (David) Luddy, grandchildren Randi (Eric) Schachter, Bradley (Sarah) Komisar, Noah Luddy, and great-grandchildren Jordan and Sloan Schachter and Simon and Allison Komisar. Claire’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Flora Moore and Rosie Macapagal, whose love and care over the past eight years meant the world to Claire and her family. A graveside service and burial will take place Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Spring Hill Cemetery, 166 S. Hawley Ct. Shiva information and additional details are available through the funeral home. In honor of Claire’s lifelong dedication to BILTRITE Furniture and the family business she helped build for nearly a century, memorial donations may be made to the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame. Additional information can be found at homefurnishingshalloffame.com To join via Zoom: When: May 25, 2026 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Topic: Claire Komisar Graveside Service Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88993625375?pwd=0c1OCLLdGlxxVoTfXcmamiX3L9qLAh.1 Passcode:Claire

Claire Komisar

March 27, 1929 - May 23, 2026