Ben Rifken Obituary

Ben Rifken, 91, attorney, beloved father of Rita (Mel)

Libman, Jeff (Sandy) Rifken, Laura (Howard) Waitzman,

Linda (Robert) Oestmann, Ned Rifken (Charlene Garrison); loving grandfather of Sam, David, Jennifer, Jake, Tony, Walter and Heather; dear brother in law of Lenny (Laurie Winner). Funeral service will be Monday 10 a.m. at Congregational

Kneseth Israel Synagogue. Interment Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin. Memorials made be made to Provena St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. Arrangements by Madison Funeral Home, Elgin. 847-741-1128.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ben Rifken

12 Entries

Barbara Brimm

May 20, 2008

My deepest condolences to the entire Rifken family. I just learned of your father's passing today through the Illinois Bar Journal. I had the honor of serving as your father's secretary from 1966 - 1974 when I relocated to Marion. He was the greatest man I ever knew, and I shall never forget 8 years of wonderful memories during my association with him. He taught me everything I know about being a legal secretary, but he also instilled in me the importance of helping those less fortunate than we. He was a man of honor and integrity, and I shall be forever indebted to him for all that he did for me during those years. I admired and respected him more than anyone I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I will miss him terribly. He and your mother were always so kind to me and I will treasure their memories always. I share your sorrow.

Shelley Gersick Stangle

May 1, 2008

Dear Laura and Linda,
I was very sorry to see that your father had passed away. I have many fond memories of BBYO days and staying at your house--your parents were always so nice. A lot of years have gone by since then, but all the fun times are not forgotten.

Elliot Cohen

May 1, 2008

Dear Rita, Jeff, Laura, Linda, and Ned:

Sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I always had great respect and admiration for him while I was growing up in Elgin.

It was very special of him to come every morning to davening at our house when we were sitting Shiva for our Father.

Art Susman

April 29, 2008

Dear Jeff & Sandy,
My condolences to the whole Rifken family. Ben was a great fellow and although I haven't seen him in many years, every once in a while I think back to the hulk lying on the sofa dozing off to the TV baseball game. Again, my condolences.
Sincerely,

Susan Paulding

April 28, 2008

Dear Linda and Laura and family,

I was sorry to read of your Dad's passing. You may not have realized, but your Dad helped me to get the student loan that enabled me to finish college. I have very fond memories of him and feel for your loss.

Susan Traub Paulding

Debbie Ulsaver-Rossmann

April 28, 2008

My prayers are with you and your family. My grandmother worked for your family for many years and always spoke about your family as her own. (Frances Schmollinger)
She also spoke of a bird that used to keep her company during the day.

Robert Hyman

April 27, 2008

Dear Family..I knew Ben since the 50's, worked with him at the Synagogue and in the Elgin community. I was saddened by his passing. Shalom.

Glen and Patsy Lose

April 26, 2008

Dear Jeff and Sandy, Patsy and I were sad to read of the passing of Ben. He was a great man and did a lot for the city of Elgin as well as helping countless individuals over his many years. He will be missed by all of us who were honored to know him.

Lynn Slater

April 26, 2008

Ned, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Much love to you, my dear friend.
Lynn

Doug Gromer

April 26, 2008

Dear Rifkin Family,
My thoughts are with all of you at this very sad time. Life on Oakhill Rd. as nieghbors was the best of times! When did we get old? I mean oldER!
Your parents were such wonderful people. It is hard to see them go. Your mom and dad will be together again. I hope you find comfort in that thought during this most difficult time.
Ben was an extraordinary man. He touched so many people in so many wonderful ways. He will be missed and remembered.
Love and blessings to all of you,
Doug Gromer (and family).

Michael Zierk

April 26, 2008

Sandy and Jeff: We are thinking of you, and your family during this sad time. May wonderful and happy memories be with you forever. Love, Michael and Linda Zierk

Sara Risley

April 26, 2008

I am saddened to hear of Ben's passing. I so enjoyed the years of family portraits I did for your family at your Hanukkah party. One of my most favorite days was the year your Hanukkah party was on Christmas Day. It was the best of both worlds and your father was a warm and welcoming host. Having just lost both of my parents this year I know how you are feeling at this time. Know that there are those who cared and were touched by your father and find comfort in that. He was a great man.

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