Jon Franklin Isenberg

Jon Franklin Isenberg, 68, passed away on August 4, 2024, in Chicago, IL. Born on December 4, 1955, in Glens Falls, NY, Jon dedicated much of his life to the service of others through his extensive career in social work.

After completing his higher education at UW-Madison, where he earned a B.A. in Economics and a Master of Science in Social Work, Jon embarked on a distinguished career. Until his retirement in 2019, he served as a social worker at NorthShore University Health System. His work primarily involved psychiatric assessments in the Emergency Department. A licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois, Jon was a diligent mandated reporter for both the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services and the Illinois Department on Aging. His commitment to his profession was further evidenced by his membership in the National Association of Social Workers and his certification with the Academy of Certified Social Workers.

Jon loved to travel. He traveled extensively throughout the years with his true love, Linda Neustadt. Together they visited national and state parks and also to his home town of Saratoga Springs in Upstate NY. In addition to filling his life with his family and enjoying the holidays, he had many rich and varied interests. Jon was an avid investor, he enjoyed listening to music—especially Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, and Elvis—he cherished his childhood friends, and he was always drawn to the outdoors where he found peace in hiking in nature.

His intellectual pursuits included studying European, Jewish, and American history, and he maintained a keen interest in American politics.

Jon fought hard for many years after being diagnosed with ALS in 2019. With the extensive and loving care he received from Linda, which included many alternative therapies, he was able to remain at home throughout his illness.

Jon is also survived by his daughter, Maelee Chen; brothers, Ralph and Mark Isenberg; and sister, Lori Stargrove. Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Edith Isenberg.

Graveside services will be held at Racine Jewish Memorial Cemetery, 612 Lathrop Avenue, on Wednesday, August 14 at 11am.

Contributions in Jon's memory can be made to several organizations that reflect his values and interests: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, The ALS Association, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Parks and Recreation, and the Society for Humanistic Judaism.