Corlie Melnik Blumenfeld

Corlie Melnik Blumenfeld, age 92, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Corlie Melnik Blumenfeld, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 17, 1933, in Madison Wisconsin, Corlie lived a life rooted in devotion to family, a deep connection to her Jewish heritage, a strong commitment to service and a passion for teaching. She brought warmth, wisdom, and a sense of joy to all who knew her.

Corlie began her life in the Greenbush neighborhood, where she formed lifelong friendships and took great pride in the integrated and vibrant spirit of “the Bush.” Living near Vilas Zoo, she fondly recalled falling asleep to the sounds of lions and bears in the distance.

Corlie attended Longfellow School, West High School and the University of Wisconsin, remaining deeply connected to her classmates and helping to organize West High reunions well into recent years. While in high school, her family moved to Sherman Avenue near Tenney Park, where her home was a hub for large family gatherings. During World War II, her family regularly hosted soldiers from Truax Field for dinner.

In May 1950, Corlie had the memorable experience of meeting President Harry Truman, First Lady Bess Truman, and their daughter Margaret during their visit to Madison for the dedication of the Filene House, headquarters of the Credit Union National Association. She also worked in her father’s downtown liquor store, where one notable customer was Frank Lloyd Wright. She enjoyed recounting how she would have to decline his checks as her father’s rule was no checks accepted, not even Mr. Wright’s.

At her mother’s insistence, Corlie agreed to go on a blind date with a young man from Wausau. She was not pleased and planned to take him to one of Madison’s most expensive restaurants, the Edgewater. But as she later recalled, when she walked down the stairs to meet him, his blue eyes sparkled. She ordered only a Coke at dinner, and six months later, they were married. A love story that lasted for more than 71 years. After a short time in Wausau, they made their home in Madison.

With four young children at home, Corlie returned to UW Madison full-time to complete her teaching degree, demonstrating the determination and resilience that would define her life. She went on to teach third through fifth grades at Huegel Elementary School for 17 years, a role she loved deeply. A dedicated educator, she wrote an award-winning national radio script with her fifth-grade class.

Teaching was not just her profession, but her calling. She believed deeply in nurturing confidence, creativity, and curiosity in every child she worked with. Corlie was also a gifted piano teacher who shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren.

Corlie became a passionate advocate with the Arthritis Foundation, representing Wisconsin and traveling annually to Washington, D.C. She also founded a fibromyalgia support group, offering comfort and community to many. Ever civically engaged, she was involved in several political campaigns and served as the founder and chair of the Nakoma Neighborhood Watch program.

Corlie was a devoted member of Temple Beth El, a life member of Hadassah and active in Jewish Women International, Jewish Social Services, Jewish Federation of Madison, and Technion. She also led the B’nai B’rith Dolls for Democracy program, speaking to children about important historical figures. Service and volunteerism were among her core values, and she taught us by example the true meaning of tikkun olam—repairing the world.

Above all, Corlie was devoted to her beloved husband Sol, and to her family. She created a home filled with kindness, laughter, and tradition. She instilled in them the belief that anything is possible with determination and encouraged them always to “shoot for the stars.”

She took immense pride in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, and was a constant and enthusiastic presence in their lives, never missing a recital, concert, game and milestones, always cheering them on, except when loyalty to her alma mater, West High School, required her to sit quietly.

Corlie had a love for travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new places, often weaving her curiosity about the world into her teaching and storytelling. Her life experiences enriched not only her own family, but also the many students and friends fortunate enough to learn from her.

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering support of those she loved, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the children she taught, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her children: Mark (Lora Wiggins), Michael (Kathy), Ruth (David Dobrofsky), and Amy Bogost (Gregg); her 11 grandchildren: Rachael Blumenfeld (Barry Sherman), Andrew Blumenfeld, Allison Blumenfeld (Nick Nielson), Zachary Blumenfeld (Carly), Joshua Blumenfeld (Zoe), Rebekah Blumenfeld, Daniel Fogliani, Steven Fogliani, Max Bogost, Jacob Bogost, and Elliana Bogost; and her great-grandchildren, Ariella and Solomon Sherman and Harvey Nielson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sol; her parents, Frank and Frieda Melnik (née Weinstein); her brother Morton (Betty); and her sisters Margaret Weller (Leo), Elaine Melnik Bongar, and Beverly Saltoun Bernstein (Burt).

Corlie will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her perseverance, kindness, generosity, and service will live on in the hearts of those she touched. May her memory be for a blessing and a source of strength to all who knew her.

The Blumenfeld family extends heartfelt thanks to Corlie’s dedicated healthcare providers, including the compassionate Agrace Hospice nurses and CNAs, especially Mallory, and her devoted caregivers Willma, Salomey, and Jackie, who became like family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth El, 2707 Arbor Drive, Madison, Wisconsin. Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery will follow immediately after the service. Family and friends are invited to return to Temple Beth El afterward for a meal of condolence. A livestream will be available at: Live Stream

In lieu of flowers, donations in Corlie’s memory may be made to Temple Beth El Music Fund, UW Hillel, the Arthritis Foundation, Agrace Hospice, or to a charity of your choice.

Please share your memories of Corlie by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434