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Historical records matching Martha Kohlberg (Neu)
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About Martha Kohlberg (Neu)
Business Innovator Martha Kohlberg, 88 December 26, 2000|By Elizabeth Neff, Tribune Staff Writer.
Martha Kohlberg loved to challenge herself.
Described as a forward-thinking, successful businesswoman and loving mother, the key to her success was a winning personality.
"She was a very friendly, charismatic, matter-of-fact person who came across as very genuine," said her grandson Charles Krawitz of Buffalo Grove. "She never once would try to impose her values or morals on anyone else. She accepted people for who and what they were."
Mrs. Kohlberg, 88, died of leukemia Saturday, Dec. 23, in Evanston Hospital.
Born in New York, Mrs. Kohlberg's father was a button salesman. She fell in love with and married her childhood sweetheart, the late Manfred Kohlberg, in 1934. A traveling salesman, Manfred Kohlberg told his wife she could come out on the road with him if she found a line of goods to sell.
Mrs. Kohlberg began selling women's accessories, making a name for herself in the male-dominated profession. The couple moved to Cleveland in 1938 and Highland Park in 1953.
In the 1950s, Mrs. Kohlberg opened Uptown Interiors in Highland Park, a store that carried upscale gifts and china. She started a wedding registry at a time when such registries were uncommon, said her grandson.
Mrs. Kohlberg later opened Associated Rentals in Highland Park, a store that rented party items. And at one time she tried running a health club called Inch By Inch years before health clubs became popular.
Her husband died in 1958. When she was in her 60s, Mrs. Kohlberg opened Martha Kohlberg Party Specialists, which manufactured and distributed high-end disposable party goods. The business grew quickly and Mrs. Kohlberg came up with the idea to line paper tablecloths with a thin plastic lining.
"We finally convinced her to retire, but she was always scheming to begin new businesses. You name it and she probably dabbled in it. She didn't want to get bored," said Charles Krawitz.
In the 1980s, Mrs. Kohlberg moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., to assist an ailing family member. She stayed there for 12 years before moving back to the Chicago area about 18 months ago, living in Lincolnwood.
In her later years, Mrs. Kohlberg became an investor, most recently involved in technology stocks. She was also an avid bridge player.
Mrs. Kohlberg was a founding member and former sisterhood president of Congregation B'nai Torah of Highland Park, a lifetime member and former officer of Women's American ORT and a lifetime member of Hadassah.
Other survivors include a daughter, Barbara Krawitz; a son, William Kohlberg; five grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights.
Martha Kohlberg, nee Neu, beloved wife of the late Manfred; loving mother and best friend of Barbara (Arnold) Krawitz and William Kohlberg; adored grandma of Michael (Michelle) Krawitz, Charles (Laiyew) Krawitz, Susan (Michael) Durlacher, Eric (Jean) Kohlberg, Neil (Michelle) Kohlberg and proud great-grandmother of 12; dear sister of Harold (Lee) Kohlberg and the late Corrine (Merlin) Rosenbaum; cherished aunt and friend of Susan Rosenbaum and Paul (Carol) Rosenbaum. Services Tuesday, 1 p.m., at Shalom Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Manfred and Martha Kohlberg Geriatric Assistance Fund, Congregation B'nai Torah, 2789 Oak, Highland Park, IL 60035, or Women's American ORT, 3701 Commercial Avenue - Ste. 13, Northbrook, IL 60035. For info: The Piser Chapel, 847-679-4740.
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Martha Kohlberg (Neu)'s Timeline
| 1912 |
February 16, 1912
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New York, New York, United States
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| 1941 |
September 30, 1941
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Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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| 2000 |
December 23, 2000
Age 88
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Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States
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December 25, 2000
Age 88
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Shalom Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Arlington Heights, Cook, Illinois, United States
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