Judith Axelrad
Denver native Judith Ann Axelrad died on April 26, 2025. She was 90. A service was held on April 30 at Feldman Mortuary, which handled the arrangements.
Mrs. Axelrad (née Mandell) was born on March 27, 1935. She graduated from East High School in 1953. In 1955 she married Saul Axelrad; they were married over 50 years before Mr. Axelrad’s passing. In 1971, while raising her family, she graduated from CU and earned a master’s in library science from DU in 1972.
Mrs. Axelrad worked as a librarian at the Denver Public Library for over 30 years. She was part of the committee to select the architect for the central branch.
“Judith was a talented seamstress, Gold Master bridge player, phenomenal baker, excellent cook (and published a cookbook with her mother and sister-in-law), talented gardener and an avid reader,” her family said.
“Her laugh was infectious and all encompassing. She was devoted to family and friends, and them to her.”
Survivors are children Linda Katzeff, Michael Axelrad and Daniel Axelrad; brothers Michael Mandell and Gary Berkowitz; grandchildren Eli, Jesse and Noah Axelrad and Lily and Jacob Katzeff; niece Chava (Eric) Riemer and great-nephew Zeke.
Contributions may be made to the JFS Emergency Fund.
Ira Brenner
Longtime Denver resident Ira Brenner passed away on April 9, 2025, at the age of 83. A service was held on April 11 at Mt. Nebo Memorial Park, officiated by Rabbi Avraham Mintz. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born in Chicago, Ill. on Jan. 31, 1942, Ira Brenner married Faye in 1967. They moved to the Denver area in 1976 and remained a couple for 58 years before Mr. Brenner’s passing.
Mr. Brenner was a certified public accountant for 58 years.
“Ira loved his work, enjoying, helping people through the mire of taxation,” his family said.
“Ira had a great passion for the Denver Broncos and loved attending home games,” his family said. Mr. Brenner was a Shriner and a Mason.
Survivors are Mr. Brenner’s wife Fay; children Lisa (Michael) Freimann, David (Amy) Brenner and Jennifer (Neil Mothew) Brenner; grandchildren Jack and Samuel Freimann, Samantha and Alexandra Brenner, and Joshua and Anderson Mothew; brother Edward (Anne) Brenner and sister Phyllis Shabsin.
Contributions may be made to the American Heart Assn.
Sylvia Jacobs
Sylvia Jacobs died on April 20, 2025. She was 98. A service was held on April 23 at Temple Emanuel, with interment at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Joseph Black and Cantor Daniel Neiden, Mrs. Jacobs’ nephew.
Mrs. Jacobs, born on February 22, 1927, was a native of Lincoln, Neb. Sylvia and Robert Jacobs were married in 1948. They moved to Columbus, Neb., in 1960.
Mrs. Jacobs worked for the State of Nebraska Board of Education. She also volunteered and was president of six community service organizations.
In 2016, the couple moved to Denver to be closer to family. Mr. Jacobs passed away in 2018.
“Her positive attitude and warm smile helped her and anyone around her feel loved,” Mrs. Jacobs’ family said.
Survivors are children Ivan (Valerie) Jacobs, Mike Jacobs, Elayne (Jim) Campbell, Sam (Mary) Jacobs and Larry (Lisa) Jacobs; grandchildren Aaron Jacobs, David (Shana) Jacobs, Mindy (David) Parmet, Joe Jacobs, Robin (Seth) Frieden, Ben (April) Campbell, Suzanne Campbell, Joe (Brooke) Campbell, Austin (Jules) Jacobs and Olivia (Kevin Rosenthal) Jacobs; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel, Masonic Lodge Center #323 of Columbus, Neb., or the American Red Cross in Boone, Iowa.
© IJN 2025
