Milwaukee shoe salesman David Rellin died July 1 of complications of age. He was 102.
He was born in Milwaukee, graduated from North Division High School and earned a degree in accounting from New York University. He returned to Milwaukee, where he teamed up with a partner to open Packard-Rellin, a women’s shoe store.
In 1929, he opened his own store, which he called Peacock Shoe Shop, in the old Schroeder Hotel downtown. Though he retired in 1983 at the age of 82, the family continued to operate the business until 1999, when the last store, in Mequon, was closed.
A self-made man, his family said he was known for wearing bow ties and “keeping his customers happy.” According to his son-in-law, Donald Siegel of Mequon, who joined the business in 1955, “His philosophy was that the customer was always right, even when they’re wrong.”
He was a member of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun.
In addition to his son-in-law, he is survived by daughter-in-law Rosalie Rellin of Mequon; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Rellin (nee Boruszak) in 1992; his son, Robert Rellin, and his daughter, Dianne Siegel.
Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated at graveside services at Greenwood Cemetery on July 3.
The family would appreciate memorials to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun or the Jewish Home and Care Center.
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