Minneapolis, Minnesota
Eisenberg, Rori Wilensky 54, of Plymouth, passed away on 10 April 2012, surrounded by her family after a long battle with diffuse scleroderma. She is preceded in death by parents Joan & Shale Wilensky, sister Pami; in-laws Robert & Harriet Eisenberg; beloved dogs Cotton, Andrew, Keesee, Muffin, Biscuit and Brownie. Rori is survived by her husband Jeffrey; children Trent of Minneapolis & Jaci of Geneva, Switzerland; dogs Cupcake & Snoball; sister Heidi Wilensky & John Martin; sister-in-law Vicki and husband Howie Londer; niece Amie Londer; nephew Tony Londer and fiancée Samantha Nelson; dear cousin Scott Bader; dear friend Dr. Tanni Stone-Dorshow; numerous aunts & uncles, cousins, friends, employees, and neighbors. Rori and the family would like pay tribute to the excellent care provided her close friend and physician Dr. Ralph Shapiro, as well as by Dr. Allen van Beek, Cathy Mager R.N., and the team at NMHC. Their superb management of Rori's devastating and debilitating illness gave Rori several years on borrowed time. Rori was raised in St. Louis Park, where she enjoyed being a Parkette, particularly on the Panama trip and as an original Minnesota Vikings cheerleader at Met Stadium. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry from the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota in 1986 under Dr. Willard Koukkari, in whose lab she spent many enjoyable hours. On the eve of 1976 Rori's life was forever changed when she met Jeff - the two fell head over heels in love with each other. Married in 1979, they had Trent and Jaci in the following few years. Family was paramount to Rori - as a bookkeeper at Twin City Auto & Military Parts, the family business, she juggled the complicated schedules of her teenage son's fledgling computer business and her daughter's dance lessons, and still had dinner on the table. In December 2002, Rori was instrumental in helping Jeff found Libson Twin City Auto and in the succeeding years, building it into one of the largest automotive drivetrain rebuilding companies in the country, Rori loved her dogs very much - many remarked how they would love to be reincarnated as one of her pets! She also loved workplace cats Tom and Dolly, skiing, classic cars, the Scottsdale Valley, reading Torah, traveling, speaking French, the domestic arts, her spotless home, and spoiling her family rotten with her time and energy. Rori faced her diagnosis bravely, with her head high, and more concerned about others than herself. She is terribly missed and will be remembered fondly for her selflessness and iron will. Funeral service 3:30 pm, THURSDAY (TODAY) at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2324 Emerson Ave. So., Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Eisenberg Family Scholarship Fund (#5663) at the UMN Veterinary School or the Scleroderma Research Foundation (srfcure.org). SHIVA, 7 pm Saturday and Sunday at Oak Ridge Country Club, 700 Oak Ridge Rd. Hodroff-Epstein 612-871-1234 www.hodroffepstein.com
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Dear Cousin Heidi,
I am so sorry for your loss. We haven't seen each other for many years, but I still smile when I remember you and Rori as happy little kids. My grandmother, Shula addored your mom and loved your family, and I believe that Rori is in good company.
Take care of yourself.
Love,
Julie Bennett Rich
April 26, 2012
Although I havent seen much of Rori in my adulthood, she was a large memory to me from my childhood. I remember her green bedroom and her sauntering out of it with the grace that she seemed to live her life with. It doesnt seem like long ago when I heard Joanie saying, "Ro Ro". Heidi, my thoughts are with you during this very sad time. I know what a blessing a big sister is to have.
Stacy Braverman Richman
April 17, 2012 | Plymouth, MN
Jeff and family. Rori's kindness, generosity, and brave spirit showed me and my family what it means to live with true charachter. I am very sad to hear of her passing, and will say that she truly did leave a mark of love and kindness on this earth!! Love you all, and God bless.
Todd Bauer
April 17, 2012 | Center City, MN
Heidi-My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you look for the strength to suffer through such a terrible loss.
Alice (Comcast)
April 16, 2012
Heidi, my condolences to you and your famliy. We love you and we will continue to pray for you and your famliy. If you need anything, please reach out to me. We are here for you!
Willie Cooper
April 16, 2012 | Washington, DC
Dear Jeff and Family,
Every time I had the pleasure of spending time with Rori, she had the warmest smile and the most uplifting spirit. She truly was so special.
She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Jane Liss
Mary Jane Liss
April 15, 2012 | Minnetonka, MN
Heidi, Jeff and family,
So sorry to hear of Rori's passing. I have so many fond memories of her during our high school years. I loved being at the Wilensky house with Joni, Shale, Rori and Heidi. Rori was a sweet, wonderful girl with her own individuality (remember the short, short hair?!) We lost touch over the years, but it seems she grew to be a remarkable woman. My thoughts are with you today.
Nancy Braverman Stern
April 15, 2012 | Buffalo Grove, IL
I was seven years old when Rori was lovingly brought into the Wilensky family, and have so many fond memories of our family times together. I'm so sorry for her struggle, and hope that she is now at peace. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family. With much love, cousin Sue Savitt
Sue Savitt
April 13, 2012 | Hopkins, MN
Jeff: I don't know if you will remember me, but we worked together when you were the risk manager at the Metrodome a number of years back. I saw your wife's notice and wanted to offer my sympathy and condolences for your loss. I remember talking with you about your family many times and I was always taken by your devotion, dedication and obvious love for them. I am truly sorry for your loss. Tamra Sharp, Minneapolis.
April 13, 2012
