Wallace Feldman

Wallace Feldman, 84, of Sterling Illinois, died January 15, 2012 at his home. He was born April 21st, 1927 to Emil and Ida (Andich) Feldman in Rock Island, Illinois and moved to Sterling in 1933. He was owner and operator of Emil's Toy Store, which was an icon in the Sterling area for over fifty years, and of the Sterling-Rock Falls News Agency, which is still operating today. He spent his youth helping out with the family businesses. Wally graduated from Sterling High School in 1945 and was a Sergeant in the 2nd Infantry Division just prior to the end of World War II. He received his law degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign, having started his studies at the Galesburg campus which was set up to accommodate the overflow of G.I.'s going to school on the G.I. Bill after the war. He practiced law in Sterling for over fifty years, was a member of the Sterling Police & Fire Commission for over two decades, sat on the board of directors of Self Help Enterprises, was a lifelong member of Lions Club and was active in the local Jewish community as a member and former president of Temple Sholom. He married Shirley (Leibovitz) in 1953 in Rock Island and is survived by her as well as by three children, Randy Feldman, Mpls; Kenny (Amy) Feldman, Sterling; Amy (Todd) Cytron, Mpls; nine grandchildren (Ethan & Toby Feldman; Libby, Rina, Miriam, & Ronit Feldman; Hanah, Dara & Mia Cytron), and a brother, Robert (Joy), Torrance, CA. He was a lifelong fan of both the Bears and the Cubs, and an avid tennis player until debilitating arthritis slowed him down. Even as arthritis crippled and robbed him of his mobility he remained upbeat and cheerful, a wonderful example of how to deal with adversity. He was a deeply devoted son and brother, a wonderful father and a loving, smiling grandfather, as well as a truly good and devoted friend to all those who knew him. A graveside service will be held at the Jewish section of Riverside Cemetery at 3pm on Tuesday, January 17th, followed by a gathering of family and friends at Temple Sholom, 510 East 10th Street, Sterling, from 4pm to 7pm. The family requests that In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Disabled American Veterans or to the Illinois Holocaust Museum or to any other worthy charity. Arrangements were made by Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.