Jules Rosenthal

Jules Maccabee Rosenthal, age 93, died on March 12, 2018. Jules was a gregarious misanthrope. He loved being around people but he was always aware of lessons learned from the holocaust, the evils of fascism, and anti-Semitism. Jules fought to make this world a better place politically, socially, and by the way he lived his life. Although Jules experienced the progression of some dementia, his personality did not leave us until the moment of his death. His humor, compassion, love of family, and respect for all people shined through to his last moments. Jules was very thoughtful and friendly when interacting with individuals from all walks of life. He was a role model to all of us, engaging in friendly discussions with those he encountered, always referring to people by their names, and truly having interest in their lives.

Jules was born on May 21, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Irving Rosenthal and Shulamite Rosenthal. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Schurz High School in 1942. After graduating from High School, Jules served in the US Navy as crew on the oil supply ship, the USS Patoka, stationed in the North Atlantic Ocean during WWII.

Jules earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in English and Education at DeKalb University. While at DeKalb University, Jules met the love of his life, Margaret (Marge) Gillison. Marge invited Jules out for a cup of coffee and soon after became a permanent fixture in his powder blue 1948 Buick convertible.

Jules worked as an English and Drama teacher in Wisconsin Dells WI and at East High School in Madison WI. Jules had a passion for acting and directing plays. Jules was also a professional photographer and an author. He was a syndicated newspaper columnist and photographer. Jules' "Rockwellian" photographic images in the syndicated column "Words and Worlds" reviewed new children's books with photographs depicting characters and story-lines from the books. Rosenthal family members were the usual suspects in the many cherished photos. At art fairs, his photography typically depicted the natural beauty of southern Wisconsin. Jules developed the photographs and prints himself while he and his father Irving made beautiful natural wood frames. Jules wrote and published several mystery novels as a young man. He wrote a children's book titled "Alice the Cat Who was Hounded" (1965) which won critical acclaim and several children's book awards.

Jules attained a PhD in Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1974. After attaining his PhD, Jules served as the Assistant Director of the Waisman Center from 1974-1984. As Assistant Director of the Waisman Center Jules was involved in many of the early initiatives at the Center. He wrote articles and developed promotional media that were instrumental in launching the Center to international prominence. Jules created the logo that is still used to represent the Waisman Center to this day.

After retiring from the Waisman Center, Jules became a professional pianist playing in Door County WI and Jekyll Island GA. These locations became the family's favorite vacation destinations. As a pianist, Jules developed a repertoire of over 1,700 songs, mostly standards from eras gone by. His performances known as "Golden Oldies with Jules" brought the joy of these standards to many.

Jules believed he was in heaven while here on earth; when listening to the wind in the pines at the family's Mirror Lake cottage, photographing natural beauty, spending time with his sons and their families, and most of all, when he was with his wife Marge.

Jules was preceded in death by his parents; Irving and Shulamite Rosenthal. He is survived by his wife, Marge, and sons Marc (Julie Derwinski) and David (Margaret Rosenthal), all of Madison WI. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Gabriel, Verah, David, Kaya, Ari, Eve, and Jule; one great grandchild, Bailey, his sister, Judith Lippold of Eau Claire, WI, in addition to many other relatives and friends.

Jules was a very special and giving person with a bright and sometimes unusual sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend, dearly loved by many. Marge, Marc, and David are so grateful for the caring and support of family and friends. We, as a family, are particularly appreciative of the support of the staff at Capitol Lakes Assisted Living and Agrace Hospice Care. They were extraordinarily kind and helpful to Jules and family in his last months of life.

A memorial service will be held in Jules' memory April 8, 2018, 11:00-2:00 at the Capitol Lakes Grand Hall, 333 W. Main St, Madison.

Jules was an enormously positive presence in the lives of many, and he will be greatly missed. His presence will remain in the hearts of Marge, Marc (Julie), David (Margaret), and many other family and friends.