Dr. Eli Gecht

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Eli Gecht of Glendale died February 4th in his home. He was 98.

Born in Chicago of Russian immigrant parents in 1919, Eli’s family moved to Milwaukee when he was 12. A diligent student, Eli graduated from Washington High School and then earned both Bachelor of Science and medical degrees from Marquette University. Eli was drafted toward the end of WWII and served in Europe with the 765th artillery battalion. After the army, he returned to Milwaukee to complete a residency in pediatrics. He had a private practice and routinely made house calls, no matter day or night. He was the health officer for the Village of Greendale through most of his career. Eli loved Medicine and was a dedicated lifelong learner who kept up with his field.

Family was at the center of Eli’s life. He became engaged to his wife of over 50 years, Rita Lea Kesselman, on May 15, 1948, the day that Israel became a state. Rita and Eli enjoyed life to the fullest. In their younger years, they traveled extensively and enjoyed, with their three daughters, many family adventures. A favorite family activity was camping in national parks. Later they enjoyed extended trips visiting their children and grandchildren in Israel, California, and Chicago and getaways to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Eli and Rita were always actively involved in their Milwaukee community, participating in book and investment clubs and taking classes such as cooking and music appreciation. When their children were young, Eli enjoyed gardening and together, he and Rita canned many of the vegetables they grew. Eli was very supportive of Rita’s return to work when their children grew up.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita Lea (Kesselman) Gecht. Survived by three daughters, Ellen Kay (Irwin Bornstein) Gecht of Laguna Hills, CA , Maureen (Randy) Gecht-Silver of Glenview, IL and Deborah (Efraim) Lev-Er of Santa Rosa, CA. Dear grandfather of Lindy (Mickey Adelman) Bornstein, David Bornstein, Daniel Silver, Shelly Lev-Er and Adi (Baruch Moscowitz) Lev-Er. Preceded in death by siblings David Gecht (Opal) and Jeanette (Dan) Sobel. Further survived by brother in law Marvin Silver (Ruth Silver) and sister in law Florence Slavick (Morton Kesselman) and nieces, nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to JCC Men’s Club or Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, preferred.

Funeral Services 2:30 PM Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, 6880 N. Green Bay Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53209 with internment following at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodel Cemetery.

Funeral Meal will follow the burial service at Laurel Oaks in the Florida Room, 1700 Bender Road, Glendale, WI 53209.

Shiva will be at Laurel Oaks, 1700 Bender Road, Glendale, WI 53209

Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in the Florida Room: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM, with Minyan Services at 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 and Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Room 213: 1:00PM – 4:00PM and 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM, with Minyan Services at 7:00 PM