Laura Michelle Holzinger, 58, beloved wife of Michael Levin, happily married for over 21 wonderful years; adored daughter of Martin and Joan Holzinger; much loved sister of Debbie (Kevin) Mattis; dear sister in-law of Robin Levin, Andrew (Ruchel) Levin and Ellen (Jeffery) Rasof; cherished aunt of Julia and Joey Mattis, Joshua, Jordan and Jacob Rasof and Sonya Haber-Levin; and treasured friend to many — passed away June 7. Laura was the brightest ray of light in so many lives. She dedicated her 30-plus-year career as a medical social worker at UChicago Medicine to serving others at the most critical moments of their lives. She was an endless delight to her family and friends, always filled with love and generosity — and sometimes a little bit of mischief. When Laura wasn’t bringing people together in her beautiful home or the latest restaurant, she traveled the world, always seeking new adventures and experiences. Donations may be made to The UChicago Medicine Transplant Patient and Family Assistance Fund, inspired directly by Laura’s decades of service as a medical social worker. Laura helped create this fund, hoping to establish a legacy of continued support for patients and their families in need, and/or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by bile duct cancer. Interment was at Shalom Memorial Park, Arlington Heights, Ill.

With deep sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Julie Elizabeth Ruchman. Born on July 12, 1965, Julie passed away on May 20, 2026, leaving her family and friends heartbroken. Julie is remembered for her quick wit, warm humor, and remarkable gift for storytelling. She had a special way of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories that brought laughter and joy to everyone around her. Julie embraced life with passion and joy. She was especially proud of her nephews — Brad, Bryce, and Heath — and loved sharing their accomplishments and adventures with family and friends. She also treasured time with her 21-month-old niece, Logan. Julie was a devoted fan of The Ohio State University, and on game days she could always be found in her OSU sweatshirt or T-shirt, enthusiastically cheering on the Buckeyes, whether on TV or on her phone. Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Wasserman Ruchman. She is survived by her father, Marshall (Judy Aronoff) Ruchman, and her brothers, John (Bibsy) and Todd (Cindy) Ruchman. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for July 12 in Atlanta, with details to follow. Donations in Julie’s memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund. Those interested in participating in the Celebration of Life may contact Judy Eichel at judyeichel6@gmail.com. Julie’s memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Peter Wells, 86, a dedicated community leader and champion of Jewish causes worldwide, passed away peacefully June 3 in Indiana. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Oct. 16, 1939 to Herta and Egon Werberg, Peter’s life began amid his parents’ courageous flight from Vienna to escape Nazi persecution. Several months after his birth, the family reached the United States, changed their surname to Wells, and settled in Queens, N.Y., where Peter grew up in Sunnyside and later Rego Park. Peter attended Hunter College in the Bronx and continued his studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati until the passing of his father led him to take over the family insurance business. On Aug. 25, 1968, he married the love of his life, Joan Levitt Wells, and the very next day they embarked on a new adventure together in northwest Indiana. Peter’s career was marked by tireless service to Jewish communities across the Midwest. He served as regional director for BBYO, first covering Indiana, Kentucky and southern Ohio, then the northern Ohio territory based in Cleveland. In 1973, the family moved to Dayton, where Peter worked in community relations and campaigning before becoming executive director of the Jewish Federation in 1978, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2005. A passionate advocate for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, Peter traveled extensively throughout his life, making over 40 visits to Israel, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet republics. He and Joan shared a love of travel, exploring destinations from Europe to Alaska to Southeast Asia during their 57 years of marriage. In retirement, Peter continued his life’s work through consulting for various Jewish and Israeli organizations. He served on the boards of Save A Child’s Heart, The Western Galilee Health Center, and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. In 2010, Peter and Joan moved to Sarasota, Fla., before returning to Indiana in early 2026. Peter is remembered by all who knew him as smart, kind, caring, thoughtful, and generous — a true friend to everyone he met. His radiant smile could light up even the darkest of places. Countless people whose lives he touched along his magnificent journey referred to him as a precious gift. The world was undoubtedly a better place for having him in it. Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan Levitt Wells; his daughter, Jennifer Ramos, and sons-in-law, Jose Ramos and Kyle Linville; his granddaughters, Madeline and Lauren Linville. His daughter, Rebecca Linville, preceded him in death. Interment was at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation North Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in Dayton in the coming weeks. Arrangements are still pending. Memorial contributions may be made to Save a Child’s Heart or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. May his memory be for blessing.

To read the complete July 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.