Milton Reisman, Od

Milton Reisman, OD, born 97 years ago, joins Beatrice, his wife of 69 years, on August 7, 2017.
Milt, the son of the late Louis and Pauline (Boxer) Reisman, was born on June 16, 1920, in South Bend, Indiana. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Luftman (late husband Jeffrey) of Columbus, OH; his daughter, Esta Nickinson (husband David) of Sharon, MA; and his son, Ronald Reisman (wife Sue Ellen Braunlin) of Indianapolis, IN. He also leaves his six loving grandchildren and their spouses: Ben Luftman of Columbus, OH, Joel Luftman (wife Leah) and their son Jeffrey Ian of Los Angeles, CA, Seth Nickinson (wife Joy) and their daughter Robin of San Francisco, CA, Abbey Nickinson Soclof (husband Adam) of NYC, NY and their daughter Sova Bea, Elias Reisman of Indianapolis, IN, and Marta Reisman of Bloomington, IN. His grandchildren brought many years of joy and happiness to his life.
Milton is also survived by his brother, Seymour, who resides in Seattle, WA; and his sister, Pepper (Sophie) Kammen (late husband Robert), of Fresno, CA; along with many nieces and nephews; and wonderful neighbors and friends.
After graduating South Bend Central High School, Milton joined Phil Foxwell, a magician, as his assistant. They travelled over 4,000 miles in the western United States and Canada, staging daily shows for one year. It was the ultimate life experience. Upon his return, Milt enrolled at Purdue University for three years as a pre-med student. He left to serve in the Army during World War II where he became a 1st Lieutenant and was an Assistant Battalion Surgeon in the 326th Glider Infantry, 13th Airborne Division.
On September 10, 1943, Milton married the love of his life, Beatrice Averbuck at a ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts. After the war, they started a family and he travelled Northern Indiana as a pharmaceutical salesman for ten years. Becoming curious about poor vision in children, Milt decided to go back to college for an optometric degree at the age of 40. He attended Massachusetts College of Optometry in Boston for a year and then transferred to Indiana University for the remaining three years, earning his OD degree. Milton opened a private practice in River Park and practiced optometry for over 40 years. During that time, he served terms as president of the North Central Optometric Society and the Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry. He also taught zoology at IUSB for ten years.
Milton was active in Kiwanis International/South Bend as well as in Toastmasters International. He participated in many local charities and events. For years, he volunteered his optometric services once a week through St. Joseph County Schools, visiting all schools to give vision screening to students, referring them for further treatment when indicated. He was a member of Temple Beth-El in South Bend for over sixty years. A South Bend Hoosier, born and bred, Milton reveled in his weekly trips to the Farmer's Market and in attending parades and festivals throughout the city.
Milton was a man with a generous spirit, a curious mind, and an active disposition. He loved traveling the world with Bea and sharing his photos or their excursions with friends and family. He and Bea visited their children often and were huge supporters of their grandchildren and their activities. He enjoyed playing golf, cross country skiing, working out at the gym until three weeks ago, and attending art class, where he became an accomplished water colorist. Milton had many friends and acquaintances and was a role model for how to live a long and positive life- a life well lived.
Milton will be buried in Sharon, MA, beside his wife, Bea. Contributions in his memory may be made to Temple Beth El, 305 W Madison St, South Bend, IN 46601 or to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637, where he received compassionate care in his final days.To send condolences or for directions log onto: www.McGannHay.com.