Edith Kohlenberg

Edith Shirley Kohlenberg, (nee Zitzer) passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 98 years old, surrounded by all of her children and several grandchildren. Beloved wife of the late Sidney Kohlenberg and cherished mother of Ron Kohlenberg, the late Elayne Kohlenberg, the late Sharon Kohlenberg Goldman, Linda Kohlenberg (Stu), Gary (Mary) Kohlenberg and Louise (Rock) Feldman. Beloved Bubbie of Sam Goldman, Ettel (Binyamin) Kaplan, Julia (Matthew) Hatle, Stacy Feldman, Sharlotte Irwin, Ean Kohlenberg, Rebecca Kohlenberg and Evan Kohlenberg. Bubbie-Bubbie of the Kaplan children, Sholom Ber, Leah and Sura. She is survived by many loving relatives and friends. Edith, known to many as Shirley, was born to Louis and Lily Zitzer on Friday, August 13, 1926. She was raised on Milwaukee’s West Side alongside her older brothers, Max and Morris, who lovingly referred to her as ‘Baby’ well into adulthood. She helped her father run a grocery store and later met her future husband, Sidney, by asking him on a blind date to a local dance. Sid would only agree to go after he saw her, and from that day on he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Sid and his beloved ‘Shooly’ were married for 68 years until Sid’s passing in 2016. Edith loved spending time with her family, traveling the world, hosting and entertaining guests, making delicious meals, eating ice cream, watching game shows, and playing (winning) games with friends. Mahjong was her first game of choice, with Rummikub taking the lead in her later years. Edith was an avid knitter and needlepointer, and took great pride in her extensive perfume bottle collection. She especially enjoyed spending time with her 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She had a huge heart, always put her loved ones first, and served as the family’s matriarch and role model. She spread strength, perseverance, love, and so much more to everyone who had the pleasure of being in her presence. Edith’s loving actions spoke volumes and her words of wisdom will always be fondly remembered – it is what it is. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery, 326 South Hawley Road, Milwaukee. Following the service, condolences will be received at 448 W. Ellsworth Lane in Bayside until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sherry Kohlenberg fund* at https://www.support.vcu.edu/give. *Select Search → Unit Category → College of Health Professions → Keyword search for Sherry Kohlenberg Fund

Edith Kohlenberg

August 13, 1926 - February 24, 2025