Sol "Poppi" Blumenfeld

Sol "Poppi" Blumenfeld, a cherished member of the Madison, Wisconsin community, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024. Born on May 28, 1925, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sol grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. His family owned and operated a fruit and vegetable market there, and Sol grew up understanding the values of hard work and responsibility. Like many of his peers in the "Greatest Generation," he answered the call to serve after graduating high school. He proudly served in the Navy Seabees during World War II with the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion, stationed in Saipan and Guam. Sol survived numerous air raids, including the 1944 Christmas bombing of Saipan and a devastating typhoon in August 1945.

Sol was the longtime owner of Uptown Liquor, originally located near the Capitol Square before moving to the University of Wisconsin campus area in the 1970s. He became a father figure to many during his time there. After selling the store, Sol enjoyed a second career in sales with Blieds and Rowley-Schlimgen office supply and furniture. He was a devoted member of Temple Beth El and a proud Downtown Rotarian.

Known for his integrity, compassion, and warmth, Sol was always willing to lend a helping hand to both friends and strangers. He was also a kind, wise, and gentle listener. A respected Downtown Madison businessman for over 50 years, he was passionate about running and collecting coins and stamps. Sol was an avid Packer and Badger fan. On his 90th birthday, his grandchildren honored him with a middle name, something he did not receive at birth and always wanted – “Poppi”. Above all, Sol was devoted to his wife Corlie, of 71 years and his beloved family. 

Sol is survived by the love of his life, Corlie (nee Melnik), and their children: Mark (Lora Wiggins), Michael (Kathy), Ruth (David Dobrofsky), and Amy Bogost (Gregg). He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Rachael Blumenfeld (Barry Sherman), Andrew Blumenfeld, Allison Blumenfeld (Nick Nielson), Zachary Blumenfeld (Carly), Joshua Blumenfeld, Rebekah Blumenfeld, Daniel Fogliani, Steven Fogliani, Max Bogost, Jacob Bogost, and Elliana Bogost, as well as great-granddaughter Ariella Sherman. Sol is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Anna (née Mandel), his brothers Alex (Anne) and Leo (Natalie), and his sister Rose Michels (Julius).

Sol will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, generosity, and service will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Blumenfeld family extends their heartfelt thanks to all of Sol's dedicated healthcare providers, including Dr. Orest Kostelyna, Dr. Barb Blodi, the amazing Agrace Hospice nurses, especially Mallory, and his main caregivers Willma, Salomey and Mark. They are family and will always remain in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth El, 2707 Arbor Drive, Madison. You may live stream at: http://www.tinyurl.com/TBEYTLivestream. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sol’s memory to Temple Beth El, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund or Larry Kohn Chair of Jewish Learning Fund at https://www.tbemadison.org/payment.php; UW Hillel at https://www.uwhillel.org/support-uw-hillel; Agrace at https://www.agrace.org/donate/donate-today/?refer=71, or to a charity of your choice.