Remembering Old Friends
Andrew “Mud River” Lee Modder
Coffee House friend and Board member, Mud River Lee Modder, passed away on June 28 of natural causes. Our deepest condolences to all of you who worked, played, and just enjoyed life with Lee over the years.
As The Coffee House evolved and went through some tough changes, Lee hung in there and contributed his precious time and ideas to keep the spirit alive. His involvement and commitment started early in our history and never let up. We were lucky to have him in our community
John King
Our dear friend, John King, left us November 9, 2023. He was kind, funny, generous hearted, with a wicked sense of humor and a killer baritone voice! He was part of our music community for decades. He shared his music, sense of humor and lovely voice with his family, church and our music jams. He was in several bands, City Folk, Cadence, and the Dubious Brothers; and played with many friends for Coffee House concerts. He attended the Make Our Own Music jams for years.
John, may you continue to smile on our music and sing along. we all miss you. and we’re so fortunate to have known you.
Cheryl Eizen
Cheryl Leslie Eizen, good friend and Coffeehouse Board member for two decades, passed away this March 5 at a young 76 years old. Cheryl was born on 06/08/1948. Cheryl took care of people, who needed a little help including: Coffee House members, her godmothers in Mexico, and many public causes. While Cheryl was a quiet woman, she lived a full life with great dignity and grace, and stood up for fairness and peace. What an adventure! In the 1970s she was a singer-songwriter flower-child with two bands in north-west Canada and California. As a teenager Cheryl won a Milwaukee radio contest to meet the Beach Boys band during their first Milwaukee tour. She met and studied yoga with the controversial Raj Neesh in India in the earliest days, and her husband, Dr. Johnson, was a co-founder of Hindu studies at UW-Madison and Southern California. Cheryl also lived in Mexico and raised birds. She returned to Wisconsin to help her mother, lived in Glendale and was an active member of the Bayside Shul. Cheryl’s poetry and song performance at The Coffeehouse were liked. Her sudden passing was due to ongoing health issues. Cheryl and her cousin, Marilyn Libman were born a week apart and they both died within the same month. She is survived by her sister Bonnie; a nephew; her cousin-in-law, Marshal; and many beloved friends. She will be missed at The Coffeehouse. Rest in Peace dear Cheryl, and thank you for your many good contributions. There was a private burial in March and a Remembrance at the Bayside Shul where you can send donations.
Jahmes Tony Finlayson
Our community lost Jahmés "Tony" Finlayson, a wonderful friend on June 27, 2023. Tony worked as a performing artist, teacher, and Reiki practitioner for over 30 years. He was a well-known performer and community activist who could be seen playing all over Southeastern Wisconsin. He earned a B.A. in graphic design and photography from Yale University and his work has been described by many as both spiritual and healing.
Tony was a well-known performer to The Coffee House audiences, collaborating with many musicians in our musical community. For many years, he brought his powerful music and lyrical gifts to our stage with the Earth Poets. We’re deeply thankful for his inspiration.
Janine Arsenau
On October 12, 2023 The Coffee House lost a dear friend with the passing of Janine Arseneau. Janine was an active member and leader-in-service with many organizations including The Coffee House, Woodland Pattern Book Center, Grandmothers Beyond Borders and l’Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee. At The Coffee House she organized the Living Activism benefit concert series for a number of years, connecting our organization with many fine causes and many fine musicians. This season she connected The Coffee House with an organization she co-founded, Grandmothers Beyond Borders, and in early October The Coffee House held a benefit for that organization. In recent years she worked to coordinate a farmers market at Hartung Park in Wauwatosa and brought a number of Coffee House regulars in to provide musical entertainment. Janine’s energy and spirit will always be remembered.
Rich Klein
Our long-time friend and Board member, Rich Klein, passed on in October 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family. Rich was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the rambunctious middle-child who grew to love the outdoors. He graduated from South Division High School in 1968 where he played football and trumpet. At age 19, Rich enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War. He served in active duty for nearly 3 years before being honorably discharged. He then led an active life as an anti-war protester and continued to serve his community.
Rich was a talented musician and a great showman on accordion and penny whistle. He was a true Mr. Fix It, and expertly handled family plumbing, electrical, and car maintenance. He spent many hours happily restoring old or damaged instruments to their former glory, and kept the Coffee House equipment working year after year. Rich was a master cribbage player and enjoyed poking fun when he was in the lead. He had a passion for maps, atlases, history books, and art, and always wanted to learn more. He was a loving husband, father, and friend.