Obituaries

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Builder.. Warrior And Mentst

A

lbert Rosenblum a World War II
pilot, home builder, synagogue
founder and committed mem-
ber of the Jewish community, died Oct. 8,
2010. Mr. Rosenblum, 87, was a resident
of Orchard Lake.
He was born in Detroit March 8, 1923,
and lived in the area all of his life — with
the exception of when he was in active
duty in the U.S. Army Air Forces, where
he served as a lieutenant and pilot dur-
ing World War II. He attended Wayne
University in Detroit prior to the war
and completed his degree in aeronautical
engineering in 1948.
During his time in the service, Albert
was shot down over Yugoslavia, parachut-
ing into the bushes. He was approached
by gun-bearing partisans, at which
time he recalled stating, "Ich been an
Americaner," to which a partisan replied,
"Dun't vorry, I been to Pittsburgh."
Rescued and hidden by the partisans for
29 days, Albert was retrieved by Randolph
Churchill, son of British Prime Minister
Winston Churchill. After only a week's rest,
he returned to active duty, continuing to fly
more missions in B24 bombers.
During his military service, Albert
received the Air Medal, a Purple Heart
and Battle Stars for combat over the
Balkans, Germany and the Arno River
region of Italy.
After the war, he returned to Wayne to
complete his education. Upon opening his
fraternity locker, he came to find that it
was filled with women's coats. His frater-
nity brother Max Dobrowitsky's sister Ida
knew the combination and, knowing the
men had gone off to war, she and her girl-
friends had decided to use Albert's locker.
Ida and Albert began "walking around

HELEN APSEL, 100, of
Oak Park, died Oct. 9,
2010.
She was a lifetime
member of Temple
Israel and sang in the
sisterhood choir over 30
years as well as being a
Apsel
sisterhood board mem-
ber. She volunteered for
the Parkinson's Foundation and belonged
to the eye support group. Mrs. Apsel was
also a member of the Temple Treasures.
She is survived by her sons and daugh-
ters-in-law, Peter and Linda Friedman of
Tucson, Ariz., Kenneth and Ellen Apsel
of Farmington Hills; daughter, Norma
Feldstein of Tucson, Ariz.; grandchildren,
Paul Steinberg, Laura Steinberg, Erik

were co-chairmen in the building of the
and talking" on Wayne's campus together.
first wing and social hall of their new shul,
They dated, fell in love and married on
Congregation Beth Shalom.
June 17, 1947.
Albert was also a member of B'nai
From that day forward, they became
B'rith. In May 2002, he and Ida were hon-
an inseparable team in home life, com-
ored by the Jewish Theological Seminary
munity life and family life. They had
three children, Diane, Stephen and Susan. of America with the Shin Award for their
lifelong commitment and contribution to
Joining the family were son-in-law
the Jewish community.
Mark Mitshkun (married to Diane), and
Albert was a past president of the
daughter-in-law Dr. Rosalyn Sarver (mar-
Institute of Aeronautical Engineering
ried to Stephen). He was also the proud
Society. He was president
grandparent of Aaron,
of Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Daniel and Sara Sarver
He was a member of the
Rosenblum.
Builders' Association
Albert was co-owner of
and never let his Realtor
Dobrowitsky-Rosenblum
license expire, going for a
Company. The firm devel-
course to renew it yearly.
oped and built homes,
Albert served as presi-
apartments and manufac-
dent as well as being a
tured housing communi-
founder of Congregation
ties.
Beth Shalom. He was
Albert and Ida had an
active in the community of
enduring commitment
Orchard Lake Woodlands
to the Jewish community.
Albert Rosenblum
and a board member of
They moved from Detroit
his condo association in
to Huntington Woods. In
1950, they were members of Congregation Longboat Key, Fla., his two residences.
Albert was an accomplished painter
Shaarey Zedek, which was then located
and sculptor. His artwork was exhibited in
on Chicago Boulevard in Detroit.
Southfield and Longboat Key. He enjoyed
At age 4, their eldest daughter Diane
fishing trips with his son, son-in-law, and
came home after playing with a neighbor
grandchildren. His sense of humor, his
and asked her parents, "Are we Jewish
laughter
and his sparkling eyes brought joy
or Gentle?" With the advice and help of
to
all
who
knew him. His respect for every-
Shaarey Zedek's late Rabbi Morris Adler,
one
he
met
was evident every day of his life.
a group was formed and plans began to
To
his
wife,
children, grandchildren,
build a shul in Oak Park.
nieces
and
nephews
he meant the world.
Ida formed and became first president
He
had
an
optimism
that was infectious.
of the new congregation's sisterhood —
Albert
had
the
rare
ability
to quietly listen
whose objective was to raise money for
and
make
others
feel
that
he
not only heard
the down payment for the land. Afterward,
their
joy
and
pain,
but
also
understood
Albert and his business partner and
without question. He was a compassionate
brother-in-law, the late Max Dobrowitsky,

(Likivi) Friedman, Carrie (Rabbi Josh)
Hearshen, Dayna (Isaac) Slutsky, Michael
(Pam) Feldstein; great-grandchildren,
Sean, Corey, Cedar and Ayelet.
Mrs. Apsel was the beloved wife of
the late Nathan Apsel and the late Paul
Friedman; mother-in-law of the late
Morton Feldstein.
Interment at White Chapel Cemetery
in Troy. Contributions may be made to a
charity of one's choice. Arrangements by
Dorfman Chapel.

Nathan; great-grandchildren, Will and
Drew; many loving nieces, nephews,
other family members and friends.
Mrs. Belinsky was the beloved wife
of the late Ben Belinsky; father of the
late Alan Belinsky and the late Cheryl
Nathan; sister-in-law of the late Roslyn
Weiner.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery in
Ferndale. Contributions may be made to
a charity of one's choice. Arrangements
by Dorfman Chapel.

SARA BELINSKY, 92, of Royal Oak, died
Oct. 7, 2010.
She is survived by her brother, David
Weiner of Oak Park; grandchildren,
Charles Belinsky, Stacy Belinsky, Benji
(Nancy) Nathan and Jason (Bethel)

EDWARD BENSTEIN, 94, former
Detroiter of California, died Oct. 6, 2010.
He was born June 18, 1916, in St.
Petersburg, Russia. He was a resident of
Windsor, Ontario, Detroit and Pittsburg,
Calif. Mr. Benstein was a World War II

Obituaries

man of great integrity and intellect. Anyone
who had the opportunity to know Albert,
found a lasting connection and a true
friend in him. He was a quiet and thought-
ful man who will be missed by many.
Albert's funeral was attended by hun-
dreds of people and was held Oct. 10 at
the synagogue he helped found. Longtime
Beth Shalom Rabbi David Nelson and
current Rabbi Robert Gamer officiated
along with Cantor Samuel Greenbaum.
Albert was buried at Machpelah
Cemetery with full military honors: He
was given a military escort; taps were
sounded; and the American flag, which
was placed on his casket, was officially
removed, folded and presented to his wife.
Albert Rosenblum is survived by his wife
of 63 years, Ida Rosenblum; daughter and
son-in-law, Diane Rosenblum and Mark
Mitshkun of Dexter; son and daughter-in-
law, Dr. Stephen Rosenblum and Dr. Rosalyn
Sarver of Ann Arbor; daughter, Susan
Rosenblum of New York; grandchildren,
Aaron, Daniel and Sara Sarver Rosenblum;
brothers, Lew Rose and Harry Rosenblum;
and many dear nieces and nephews.
Mr. Rosenblum was the loving son
of the late David and the late Anna
Rosenblum; dear brother-in-law of
the late Anne Rose, the late Anita
Rosenblum, the late Tillie Bloch, the
late Max Dobrowitsky and the late Ruth
Dobrowitsky; and the dear uncle of the
late Marc Dobrowits
Contributions may be made to Cong.
Beth Shalom, 14601 W. Lincoln, Oak Park,
MI 48237, www.congbethshalom.org;
Wings of Mercy of Eastern Michigan, 15057
Lindbergh Court, Linden, MI 48451, www.
wingseastmiorg; or a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

❑

veteran, serving with
the third Marine divi-
sion. He was the owner
of Ed Benstein Interiors
and House of Velvet for
many years in Detroit
and Concord, Calif.
Mr. Benstein is
Benstein
survived by his sons,
Joseph Benstein of
Northville, Harvey Benstein of Pittsburg,
Calif.; stepsons, Lewis Carroll of Berkeley,
Calif., and Allen Carroll of San Jose,
Calif.; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grand-
children.
He was the father of the late Martin
Benstein.
Interment at Oakmont Cemetery.

Obituaries on page 74

October 14 • 2010

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