Stuart Lewis Wien (93) of Leawood, Kansas, passed away on May 29, 2017. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Sept. 11, 1923, to Julius and Mildred Wien. In 1926, the family moved to Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Dorsey High School, he entered the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at UCLA.
He was sworn into service as a V-1 cadet in 1942, received his commission as an ensign, and reported for amphibious training at Solomons, Maryland. During World War II, he was an executive officer aboard L.C.I. 604 and was in action in the Admiralty Islands, Caroline Islands and the Philippines, attaining the rank of lieutenant. Love of country was a core value and during his life he displayed his patriotism in many ways.
In 1947, Stuart received his degree in business administration from UCLA. In January 1949, he was introduced to Charlotte Milgram, a Kansas Citian who was attending UCLA summer school. Stuart and Charlotte were married in June 1949 and the following year moved to Kansas City, where they raised four sons and he began his career in the food business. He rose through the ranks to become chairman of Milgram Food Stores and president of its Meyer Dairy subsidiary.
He was president of the Dairy Council of Greater Kansas City, vice chairman of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City, and a board member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of Mid-America, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, Menorah Medical Center, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and The Jewish Federation. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Club 13, a Rockhurst Regent, and an Honorary Fellow of the Truman Library.
After Charlotte passed away in 1981 he found a new life with Sheila Davis, whom he married in 1982. The two traveled at home and abroad and returned whenever possible to the Los Angeles area to visit children, grandchildren, and friends.
He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed Sunday golf outings with his regular foursome at Oakwood Country Club, playing bridge and, in later years, joining his Friday lunch group. He and Sheila also adopted a Portuguese Podengo named Riley, who was a source of joy and entertainment.
Stuart was an only child and a devoted husband, father and son. He had a quick wit and a generous spirit, characteristically putting the needs of others above his own.
After the armistice was signed in September 1945, he and his crew began their return journey to the United States. Years later, he would recall sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco harbor: “We pulled into dock on a beautiful sunny day. We were home.” He will remain at home in our hearts, much loved, deeply missed, and fondly remembered.
Stuart leaves behind his wife Sheila, children Steve (Diane); John; Bill (Gail); Tom (Marcy); and stepsons Andy (Stephanie); Steve (Peggy); Larry (Nicole); and Geoff (Silvia); as well as 14 grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017, at The New Reform Temple, 7100 Main, Kansas City, Missouri. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery.
The family is extremely grateful for the loving compassion of caregivers Jason Hayes (Stuart’s “pal” and “friend”) and Harriet Sore.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name be made to The New Reform Temple, Wayside Waifs, St. Luke’s Hospice or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.