2001 Assembly Joint Resolution 21
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Ben Marcus.
Whereas, Ben Marcus was born in Stolpce, Poland, on August 10, 1911, and died in Fox Point, Wisconsin, on December 25, 2000; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus immigrated to America in 1925, quickly learned the English language, finished high school in just one and one-half year, and began his career at the Minneapolis Journal working in the circulation and advertising departments; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus at age 24 opened his first theater, the Campus Theater, in Ripon, Wisconsin, on November 1, 1935; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus, founder of the Marcus Corporation, through hard work, effort, and determination expanded the business from its humble beginnings to become the 15th largest theater chain in the United States, as well as the owner and operator of over 200 motels, restaurants, and resorts throughout the nation; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus' commitment to his family and business were matched only by his caring generosity towards the people of Milwaukee and to his faith and heritage; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus gave freely of his time and talents to serve as the chairman of the board of Mount Sinai Hospital, playing a critical role in its growth and development into the Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, and founded the Variety Club Children's Charities of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus has shown a strong commitment to the performing arts through his philanthropic support for construction of the Marcus Amphitheater and the renovation of the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, subsequently named the Ben and Celia Marcus Center for the Performing Arts; and
Whereas, these 2 venues for the fine arts will serve as lasting memories and tributes to Ben Marcus' dedication to the cultural and artistic needs of the community; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus' love for America led him to join with other civic and business leaders throughout this great nation to restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; and
Whereas, Ben Marcus' support and commitment to his Jewish faith and heritage both here and abroad earned him Israel's Prime Minister Medal, the highest honor awarded to foreigners, and the State of Israel Humanitarian Award; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature salute the life and public service of Ben Marcus and mourn his passing; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Ben's son, Stephen, and daughter, Diane.
