Honoring Irving B. and Geri Epstein: A Legacy of Service, Family, and Community
Irving B. Epstein of Omaha passed away on December 25, 2022. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geri, and his son, Dr. Barry E. Epstein, for whom Irv and Geri established the Barry E. Epstein Memorial Healthcare Fund, a Scholarship Fund for medical students with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Irv is survived by his daughters, Leslie Epstein and Cynthia Epstein; his son-in-law, David Wiesman; and his cherished grandsons, Harison and Mathew.
A Fellow of the Nebraska Bar Association, Irv had a remarkable legal career spanning over 75 years. He graduated early from Creighton University Law School at the age of 21 and served with distinction in the JAG Corps during the Korean War. Irv began his legal career as an Omaha City Attorney and served on the Omaha Airport Authority, negotiating air space and slips for airlines at Eppley airfield, before transitioning to private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal community.
In 1994, Irv and his daughter, Cynthia Epstein, founded Epstein and Epstein Attorneys at Law. Their firm specializes in corporate, real estate, and estate planning services, with a combined experience of over 50 years, offering tailored legal solutions to meet their clients' needs.
Geri was an artist. After teaching art for a number of years, Geri opened and ran Geri’s Art & Sculpture, a well-known art gallery in Omaha, for over 20 years. She also provided charitable work with Beth Israel Synagogue, Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska, Inc., and she served as girl scout and cub scout leaders, as well as, serving as the President of Central High School PTA in the 1970’s.
To honor Irv's legacy, Cynthia established and contributed to two endowments, the Irving and Geri Epstein Chabad Life & Legacy Endowment and the Irving and Geri Epstein Beth Israel Endowment, upon his passing, in memory of Irv and Geri. These endowments fulfill Irv and Geri's Life & Legacy commitment, providing annual income to Chabad and Beth Israel Synagogue. Cynthia and Leslie have ensured that their parents' vision and commitment are carried out through their estate plan.
Cynthia reflects on her father's legacy with these words: "My father dedicated his life to serving others through his legal work and community involvement. His commitment to family, justice, and faith was unwavering, and these endowments will ensure that his values continue to benefit the community he loved. "
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leslie and Cynthia Epstein and family for establishing the Irving B. and Geri Epstein Life & Legacy Endowment Funds. These funds celebrate the lives and love that Irv and Geri shared with our community, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and support future generations.
