Sarabel Florsheim

Chicago Tribune Florsheim, Sue May 06, 2004

Sue Florsheim, widow of the late chairman, Harold Florsheim, of The Florsheim Shoe Company, has died at the age of 91. Longtime resident of Highland Park, IL, who wintered in Palm Springs, CA, Mrs. Florsheim was active in several philanthropic enterprises. Her achievements included conceiving and co-chairing the very first Crystal Ball, a gala benefit for the Medical Research Center of then Michael Reese Hospital, which set the standard for raising record funds with an elegant black-tie dinner dance, serving United Charities in a variety of capacities including chairing the Riverview Ramble, and perhaps her proudest accomplishment, funding and refurbishing the USO facility at O'Hare Airport, which hosts several hundred service personnel a day, 365 days a year. This facility honors the memory of her husband, Harold, who served in the Navy in WWI and as a Colonel in the Army in WWII in the European Theater under Dwight Eisenhower. Among other interests were the Desert Museum in Palm Springs, Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the drama school at Carnegie Mellon University, her alma mater. Mrs. Florsheim is survived by her daughter, Sallyan Windt; her grandchildren, Anny Rusk and Peter (Dani) Rusnak; and three great-grandchildren. According to her wishes, private services were held. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made to the USO of Illinois at Navy Pier, Attn. Megan, 700 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60611, earmarked specially for the Harold Florsheim facility at O'Hare Airport (phone 312-923-7070). For any questions concerning contacting the family please call 847-831-4260 or www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com