Stanley Salzenstein

PEORIA - Stanley Salzenstein, 88, longtime Peoria resident and businessman, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Proctor Place in Peoria, Ill.

He was born on June 17, 1925, and was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Leontine Salzenstein; his sister, Doris Reuling; and his wives, Dorothy (Livingston), Jackie (Lister) and Marilyn (Schafer).

He is survived by his daughters, Christie (Douglas) Hayden and Debra (David) Bradley; his grandchildren, Bryan, Jason (Erin), Jenna, Rachael, Hannah and Isabel; and his great-grandchildren, Emmalee, Olivia and Mallory.

Stanley attended Peoria High School. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BS in public administration and business. He then went on to enlist in the United States Army, where his enlistment was denied due to "short stature." A dedicated patriot, he repeatedly petitioned President Roosevelt himself until he was finally granted a presidential waiver and was allowed to enlist. He then went on to proudly serve in the United States Army as a private first class during World War II. He served as a sharpshooter, a tank leader and a medic.

Most notably, Stanley is remembered as the owner and president of Schradzki's Company in Peoria, Ill., and Max Adler's in South Bend, Ind.

He served as president and a board member of Clothiers Corporation in New York, Wickbury clothing buyers company in New York, Peoria City Beautiful, Peoria Chamber of Commerce, Peoria Airport Authority, Youth Farm Board and the Midwest chapter of the Snipe Class International Racing Association (SCIRA). In his later years, he served as the vice president of Cohen Development Company.

Stanley had a great love for fishing, hunting, gardening and sailing, all of which he shared with his grandchildren. Some of his favorite days were spent at Diamond Lake in Michigan with family and friends.

A lifelong advocate of philanthropy, he gave to many local and national organizations. He was especially concerned about establishing low-cost educational opportunities for inner-city children and adults.

A memorial service honoring Stanley will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2014, at 1 p.m. at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria, with the Reverend Howard Love officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the Children's Home Association of Illinois or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.