Nathan Norman Birnberg

Dr. Nathan Norman Birnberg passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026.  During his final days, he was surrounded by family, their love and shared memories. Nathan was born in a Displaced Persons camp in Salzburg, Austria to Holocaust survivors Mania and Joseph Birnberg.  At five months old, Nathan and his parents immigrated to the US and began a new life first on Chicago’s West Side and then in Albany Park. When the family moved to Lincolnwood, Nathan transferred to Niles West High School and became a valued member of the school’s Debate team. Nathan was a true intellect. He attended the University of Chicago and completed medical school in three years at the University of Illinois.

Having been a fan of Sigmund Freud’s work, Nathan chose to practice Psychiatry. He completed his residency at Michael Reese Hospital and trained at the Institute for Psychoanalysis in Chicago. Along with leading a successful private practice, Nathan taught residents at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and was a member of the Hospital’s Consultation and Liaison Program.

Nathan was an avid reader, music and film fan and appreciated the fine arts. He was funny, always having a smart joke to lighten or enlighten any discussion. He was also a great speaker, conversationalist, storyteller and historian.

Nathan adored his wife Barbara (nee Harris) and was so proud of all his children and grandchildren. He also had a special relationship with his daughters-in-law and their parents. He is survived by Barbara, Dr Jonathan (Susan), Rob (Marissa), Dan, and grandchildren Micah, Lyla and Colby.  Nathan is also survived by his adored and adoring sisters Estella Levin and Renee Silberman, loving brothers and sisters-in- law and their children and grandchildren. Nathan will be missed by many.

Funeral services Wednesday, March 18, 12:00 PM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment at Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made in Nathan’s memory to JUF, JCFS’s Heichal House, or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.