Robert Armin Buerki, Springfield resident, passed away June 7 in Dayton. He was born in Madison, Wisc. to the late Robert and Gail (Banks) Buerki and was preceded in death by his in-laws, Lester and Pearl (Farber) Stein and brother-in-law, Eric Stein. His blessed memory is now cherished by his wife, Leslie (Stein) Buerki; son and daughter-in-law, Robin (Amy Gilbert) Buerki; beloved granddaughters, Lenox, Zadie and Marni; cousin, Mark Rider; sister-in-law, Sherri Stein; nieces, Erin and Jillian (Max) Lipset; brother-in-law, Michael (Maureen) Stein; nephews, Kevin and Mark; and dear colleagues, friends, and former students. He was an intrepid USAF spouse of 46 years, a pharmacist, educator, author, editor, and professor emeritus at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. He was recognized nationally and internationally in health care ethics, continuing education, and pharmacy history writing and research. He was an active leader with the American Institute of History of Pharmacy (University of Wisconsin-Madison) for over 60 years, where he endowed the academic George Urdang Chair and graduate fellowships. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery. If desired, please consider a memorial gift in Bob’s memory to the Colonial Williamsburg Apothecary, the University of Wisconsin, Ohio State University Foundations, Temple Beth Or, or Springfield’s Temple Sholom.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mark Chesler at the age of 88. Mark was the beloved father of Deborah Char (the late David) and Naomi Chesler (Dan Sidney), husband of the late Joan Chesler, grandfather of Benjamin Char, Jonathan Simmons (Ashley), Josephine, Amelia, and Ruby Sidney, and great-grandfather of Mayson, Lily, and Lawren Simmons. Mark Chesler was a professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Michigan and a founding faculty member of The Program on Intergroup Relations, conducting research, teaching, consulting and organizing on issues of social justice and personal/organizational change around race and gender equity, and of the psychosocial impact of childhood cancer. Professionally and personally, he was a friend and mentor to many, connecting with his empathy, intelligence, and wry sense of humor. He created and arbitrated the “Chesler humor rules,” which state: 1. If you have to explain it, it wasn’t funny, and 2. It doesn’t have to be funny as long as it was quick. He was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, and will be sorely missed. Please consider a donation to Guiding Eyes For The Blind, The Corner Health Center, Temple Beth Or, or your preferred charity.

Natalie J. Katz, age 82 of Dayton, passed away on June 5 with her daughter and husband at her bedside at Cypress Pointe Health Center in Englewood. Natalie graduated from Colonel White High School in 1960. She was a lifelong resident of Dayton who enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and her cats. She had a huge heart and never met a stranger. She was always doing for and helping others all of her life. She married her husband, Larry, on Jan. 7, 1968 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage together this year. Natalie was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan Jack and Tyna Rosenthal, son, David A. Katz, and sister in law, Terri (Gary) Rosenthal. She is survived by her husband, Larry L. Katz, and her daughter, Michelle R. Katz (John P.) McCarthy, grandson Jonah S. Werbelow, brother Gary Rosenthal, nieces and nephews, Christina Rosenthal (Rodney) Ball, and Brett and Melissa Rosenthal. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Day City Hospice, daycityhospice.com with special thanks to those from the organization who helped care for Natalie in the final weeks and days of her life. Thank you to the professionals at Cypress Pointe Health Center for her care. Our family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during our time of sorrow.

To read the complete July 2025 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.