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Morris Luck

November 23rd, 2001

Jewish War Veteran activist Morris Luck of Glendale died Oct. 14 of complications of a stroke. He was 79.

He was born in Russia and came to Milwaukee in 1934 from Ontario, Canada. He graduated from Washington High School in 1940, attended Marquette University from 1940-42 and earned his degree in 1946 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

During World War II, he served in the Pacific theater for three years as a cryptographer. After his discharge, he joined the Guten Post of the Jewish War Veterans and became a life member. Active in the organization for the rest of his life, he served as commander of the local post and then became Department Commander of the State of Wisconsin. He then rose to the position of commander of the Fifth Region (JWV), comprising 15 states. This position elevated him to the national level, and eventually he became president of “The Shrine,” which later became the National Museum of American Jewish Military History.

A devoted life member of the JWV, he dedicated much of his energy to the organization to uphold its basic beliefs. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Horenstein-Katz Post 701, Jewish War Veterans of the USA.

Also, he was instrumental in initiating bingo as a JWV fundraiser 25 years ago. Originally, it was held at the Jewish Community Center on Prospect Ave.

In addition, he was a member of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and a past president of its Brotherhood, and a member of the Milwaukee Harmony Masonic Lodge.

north and south yards. His family said that he was admired by the tradesmen who frequented the yards and by the personnel in the store.

After his retirement in 1987, he resumed his old hobby of stamp collecting. He was president of the North Shore Philatelic Society and enjoyed giving out stamp packets at schools and encouraging new, young collectors.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Luck (nee Kosten); son William (Nancy) Luck of Northbrook, Ill; daughter Barbara (Charlie) Luck-Aquilina of Vallejo, Calif.; and two grandchildren.

Rabbi Gideon Goldenholz officiated at the funeral on Oct. 16. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials to the Jewish War Veterans were suggested by the family.