Michael Hillel Milens passed away on May 28, 2023.
Michael Hillel Milens, 81, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on Feb. 11, 1942, to Rowena Rich Milens and Cyril Milens. He grew up in a warm, loving family that would serve as the model for his own family, of whom he was very proud.
He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. After graduating from Southwest High School in 1960, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri. After a short stint at Black & Veatch, Mike joined his father-in-law as an executive at King Louie International.
Around Thanksgiving of 1965, his sister, Barbara, set him up with one of her sorority sisters at Northwestern, Sharon Lerner. They married in January 1967, raised two daughters, and lived happily together for more than 56 years.
At the age of 46, he decided spending time with his family was more important than work, and he retired. Retirement allowed him time not only for his family but also to give back to his community, serving on the boards of Johnson County CASA, the United Way, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City. Along with Sharon, he brought Kids on the Block to local schools, which educates students about tolerance, diversity, and peers with different abilities. They also spent many years as volunteers at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Mike decided upon retirement that he would learn to cook. He took a cooking class, and Sharon bought him a pasta machine… which he used once. He is still most famous for his Sunday morning pancakes and waffles.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughters Andi and Vicki; his son-in-law Andrew; his grandchildren Reece and Will Widman; his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Richard Atlas; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and Bob Palan; nieces, nephews, his friend and birthday buddy Mary Beth Rohlf, and many other family and friends. He will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.
A funeral service was held on May 31 at Louis Memorial Chapel with interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Gift of Life (giftdonor.org), the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, or the charitable organization of your choice.
