Ludwig Kahn, of Glendale, died of leukemia on May 23. He was 87.
Born in Germany in 1920, he was unable to complete high school because of the Nazi regime’s growing restrictions on Jews. In 1936, he immigrated to Wisconsin.
During World War II, he served in the 37th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in the South Pacific and was awarded a Purple Heart.
He eventually founded U.S. Surplus Stores and became a real estate developer during his retirement.
An active member of the Jewish community, he served as chairman of the ritual and welfare committees at Beth Israel Sinai Congregation in Racine. He was also on the board of Israel Bonds and a member of the Jewish National Fund and Jewish American Veterans, among other organizations. Prior to his death, he belonged to Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue.
According to his family, he was interested in humanitarian issues, Israel, and the resettlement of Russian and Ethiopian Jews. He also enjoyed soccer and horseback riding.
He is survived by wife Blanche Kahn (nee Bein); brother Theodore Kahn of Milwaukee; daughters Diana Kahn of Glendale and Heidi (Reuven) Elson of Passaic, N.J.; and four grandchildren.
Rabbi Martyn Adelberg officiated at services held on May 27. Burial, with military honors, was in Second Home Cemetery.
The family appreciates memorial contributions to Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue.
