Norman Brodkey 1917-2011

BRODKEY CHERTOFF SCHWARTZ

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 7/6/2011 at 13:58:21

Sioux City Journal
29 March 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Norman Brodkey, 93, lifelong resident of Sioux City, passed away Monday, March 28, 2011, at a local hospital.

Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Congregation Beth Shalom, with Rabbi Guy Greene officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Norman was born June 16, 1917, in Sioux City, the son of John and Molly (Chertoff) Brodkey. He graduated from Central High School and Northern Illinois School of Optometry. Norman married Lillian Schwartz on Nov. 24, 1946 in Chicago.

In addition to his successful 61 years of optometric practice, Norman provided free examinations to more than 2,200 adults and children as part of the Sioux City Noon Lions Club Program. He was the former president of the Toastmasters, the former president and long- time member of the Sioux City Noon Lions Club, former chair of the United Jewish Appeal Men's Campaign, and former president of Shaare Zion Synagogue and an active member of Congregational Beth Shalom.

Norman studied for and observed his Bar Mitzvah at the age of 70. For more than 30 years, Norman organized daily minyans and gatherings for prayer at the Shaare Zion Synagogue and then later Beth Shalom Synagogue. He gave thousands of rides to people attending religious services and enjoyed taping community events to give to people celebrating wedding, Bar Mitzvahs, and other events. Norman also volunteered at the Sioux City Soup Kitchen. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved connecting with adults and children. Norman always had a creative idea for making the world a better place. He had unwavering commitment to Judaism, the Jewish community, community service and family. Norman loved baseball, giving great speeches and traveling to Israel and on Elderhostels.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian Brodkey of Sioux City; sons, Daniel Brodkey of Sioux City and Jerry and wife, Pat Brodkey of Los Altos, Calif.; daughter, Judy Brodkey of Portland, Ore.; and grandchildren, David Brodkey and Anna Maria Brodkey of Los Altos.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to the Congregation Beth Shalom, 815 38th Street Sioux City, IA. 51104.