BD’E — Dr. Yosef Walder, Z”l

By Hamodia Staff

Hamodia is saddened to report the passing of Dr. Yosef Walder, z”l, of Chicago, a philanthropic trailblazer who planted the seeds of chinuch with his vision and generosity. He was approximately 73 years old.

His pioneering ideas in support of the Kehillah Fund and the Walder Education Center of Chicago were the catalyst for other communities to emulate his initiatives which led to important advancements in Jewish education in communities worldwide.

Dr. Walder had a degree as an MD and PhD, and taught Biochemistry at the University of Iowa, where he did research into various blood components. In 1987, he founded Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), the world’s leading provider of synthetic RNA and DNA used in life sciences research, with operations worldwide.

Although he moved in the academic and secular business world, he remained a Torah Jew inward and outward, dressing like a typical ben Torah and conducting himself in a manner which created a kiddush Hashem which was lauded by all his students and colleagues.

In 2018, the Walders sold Integrated DNA Technologies and used the proceeds to establish the Walder Foundation through which he concentrated on his philanthropic activities.

The levayah is scheduled to be held on Wednesday morning, March 27, at 8 a.m. at Ateres Ayala located at 3412 W Touhy Avenue in Skokie, IL. Kevurah will be in Eretz Yisrael.

Yehi zichro baruch.