Longtime Milwaukee resident Leon Pelc died March 15 of congestive heart failure. He was 91.
Born in Izbica, Poland, in 1913, he moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1939. He was active in the Jewish community there and helped establish a Yiddish grade school, according to his son Claudio (Sheryl) Pelc of Mequon. In 1964, he immigrated with his family to Milwaukee and opened Milwaukee Salvage and Car Wrecking Co. with his brother Morris. He retired in 1976.
He was a member of Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Agudas Achim Chabad, Magen David Adom, Jewish National Fund and New Americans Club.
According to his son, he helped found the Jerusalem chapter of Magen David Adom (ARMDI). He helped raise the funds needed to purchase a bloodmobile and several ambulances. He also volunteered at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center for many years and was awarded the Kesselman Senior Service Award.
“He loved family gatherings, especially cooking for his children and grandchildren,” his son added.
In addition to his son, he is survived by his wife of 61 years, Catalina Pelc (nee Lewin) of Milwaukee; sons Rafael (Joanne) Pelc of Austin, Texas, Avi (Linda) Pelc of Minneapolis and Dr. Norbert (Dr. Lorie) Pelc of Los Altos, Calif.; sister Lola Peltz of New York City; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Rabbi Jacob Herber officiated at funeral services at Congregation Beth Israel March 17. Burial was in Agudas Achim Cemetery.
The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Magen David Adom or the charity of the donor’s choice.
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