Milwaukee naval officer, attorney, real estate developer, and Jewish community activist Julius Atkins died on May 8 from heart failure. He was 94.
He graduated from North Division High School and earned a social work degree at Marquette University in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II in the Pacific theater, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander.
After the war, he earned his law degree from Marquette. During law school, he met and married Mildred (nee Smith) and they had five children.
He founded Atkins-Wahlberg Real Estate with Nate Wahlberg. The firm developed subdivisions in Glendale, Fox Point, Bayside, and Wauwatosa. He also partnered with several people to purchase Jake’s Delicatessen in the 1960s in order to keep it in operation.
In the Milwaukee Jewish community, he was president of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation — then called the Milwaukee Jewish Welfare Fund — in the 1960s. He also served as a president of the Jewish Community Center, where he was instrumental in the creation of its summer camps programs in Fredonia and Eagle River. He also helped in the purchase of B’nai B’rith Beber Camp in Mukwonago.
A long-time member of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, he also served on its board and was the general contractor for the synagogue’s expansion in the 1960s.
He was a founding member of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and later served as its national vice-president. He also served on the board of Mt. Sinai Hospital.
He was also active in the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and attended the infamous Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968.
He enjoyed playing tennis, and did so well into his 80s.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Dr. Maura (Art) Keene, Dr. Michael (Susan Crockin) Atkins, Dr. Edward (Cathy) Atkins, Susan (Eben Shapiro) Atkins, and Carol (David Gottlieb) Atkins; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services were held May 13 at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. Burial was in Second Home Cemetery.
The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Milwaukee charities.
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