Milton Bass

Milton Bass died May 28 of complications of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 83.

The Milwaukee native graduated from Washington High School in 1937 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a teletype operator in France. After his discharge in 1946, he rejoined his father at Bass Brothers, Inc., a scrap metal and paper recycling firm that he operated until his retirement in 1988.

He was involved in numerous charitable endeavors and had belonged to Congregations Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and Anshe Sfard and Brynwood Country Club. He loved music and was a “by-ear” pianist, which he enjoyed throughout his life. He also enjoyed golf, reading, bridge and backgammon.

According to his family, he was “a kind, compassionate, generous person who was the consummate family man…. He will be remembered for his gentle nature and for his grace during his long bout with Parkinson’s.”

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Bass (nee Kahn) of Milwaukee; daughters Liz Bass of Milwaukee and Sue Bass of Scottsdale. Ariz.; son Jon Bass of Milwaukee; and sister Geraldine (Arthur) Schmidman of Mequon.

Rabbi Marc Berkson officiated at graveside services on May 30 at Mound Zion Cemetery.

Memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163, would be appreciated by the family.