In Memorium: Manfred Steinfeld

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Manfred Steinfeld. Manfred Steinfeld of blessed memory, who along with his wife Fern who survives him, is a namesake of the Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies. Manfred, who passed away at the age of 95 June 30, 2019, lived an extraordinary life. Born on April 29, 1924, he escaped Nazi Germany at age 14 and arrived in the United States with $10. Manny served in the US Army during World War II as a military intelligence specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division. Manfred was not only a Holocaust survivor, he was a Nazi concentration camp liberator of Woebbelin Concentration camp. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He returned to army service during the Korean War. After serving in Korea, Manny founded Shelby Williams Industries which grew to become the largest producer of hotel and restaurant seating. He sold the company in 1999. Manfred and Fern Steinfeld were extremely generous philanthropists supporting many organizations including the Art Institute of Chicago, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. He was major donor to the University of Tennessee Judaic Studies Program, establishing scholarships and endowing a Chair of Judaic Studies and a Professorship in Jewish History.