Marvin Isenstein

1927 - 2018

Marvin Isenstein, age 91, passed away surrounded by his family on August 30, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Sandra June Isenstein; parents, Morris and Eva Isenstein; sister Miriam Hirsh; granddaughter, Anna Isenstein, and; nephew John Gross. He is survived by daughter, Betsy Isenstein (favorite son-in-law Danny Wong); sons, Mark Isenstein (Nancy Gelman), Burton Isenstein (Nancy Gardner), and Joel Isenstein (Linda Nathenson); grandchildren, Molly Wong (David Wright), Jesse and Zoe Wong, Libby and Josh Isenstein, Sam and Jonah Isenstein, and Ben, Evan and Noah Isenstein; sister and brother-in-law Audrey and Sherwin Zimmerman, and several nieces and nephews. Marvin was born on February 17, 1927 in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois and served in the United States Navy. In 1951, Marvin founded Business Card, Inc. in North Chicago. In 1971, the printing company (now TriBci Wholesale Printing) moved to Tullahoma, TN. In 1988, he became a trusted advisor and Board member as his son Joel assumed the position of company president. Marvin was fascinated with the evolution of the printing industry as it transitioned from hot lead type to digital technology. He was an early adopter of the Mac operating system, graphic design software, and just about every other new technology. He was working with computers before many of his peers in the printing industry realized the inevitability of this technical revolution. A natural storyteller, Marvin shared tales from his youth, travels, and adventures. His stories described a cast of characters and hilarious situations; he always left his audience laughing. His family and friends will be remembering and deliberating what was fact and fiction for many years to come. Marvin loved and appreciated beauty in nature and design. He spent endless hours overseeing multiple hydrangeas in full bloom and pondering ways to expand his gardens in Highland Park as well as Martha's Vineyard. He cherished the time spent on the Vineyard surrounded by nature, a view of the pond, and a cadre of new found friends. He collected quirky and expressive folk art, never met a walking stick that he didn't like, and crafted a beautiful home, a testament to his warmth and welcoming nature. He truly enjoyed a project where he was able to grow something or bring something beautiful to fruition. Marvin was kind without effort and enjoyed a wide circle of friends. His family was the center of his life. He was devoted to Sandy in pursuing her interests, philanthropies, and their travels around the world. His grandchildren made him immensely proud. He loved them all, and he knew they loved him deeply. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, 3:00 pm at Waldheim Jewish Cemetery, (Gate 47) on Des Plaines Avenue, south of Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital Annual Fund, 1 Hospital Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, the Anna Isenstein Teacher's Aide Fund, West End Synagogue, 3810 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205, or ORT America, 3701 Commercial Ave, Ste. 13, Northbrook, IL 60062. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com