2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 90
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: life and public service of Martin F. Stein.
Whereas, Martin F. Stein came from a modest background, the son of immigrant parents who came to this country with little more than the clothes on their backs; and
Whereas, Marty Stein worked as a child to support his family's struggling grocery store; and
Whereas, Marty learned the value of hard work and was filled with the spirit of the American dream; and
Whereas, he started a small pharmacy with a friend, which grew into a large enterprise and then followed other business ventures like Stein Health Care Services Inc., which provided health services and included stores like Stein Optical, the leading provider of eye care in the Milwaukee area; and
Whereas, Marty never forgot his roots, playing a central role in the Jewish community, from his role as chairman for the United Jewish Appeal to his meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel in 1988, he earned an international reputation; and
Whereas, Marty Stein never forgot his background and understood the trials and difficulties of families trying to make ends meet; and
Whereas, Marty never missed the chance to help those in need, and wanted to help everyone achieve their potential, his belief in and love of humanity led him to actively help countless groups including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, America's Black Holocaust Museum, and the Milwaukee Jewish Home and Care Center; and
Whereas, Marty cofounded the Jewish Foundation for Economic Opportunity which established a revolving loan fund to support minority entrepreneurs and minority-controlled small businesses, and he is also considered responsible for the creation of the Betty Brinn Children's Museum; and
Whereas, Marty Stein was a modest man who saw his charitable deeds not as evidence of his personal greatness and generosity, but as the natural responsibility of one in his position; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the life of Martin F. Stein with the hope that by his work and generosity we all can continue his good deeds to enrich the lives of everyone in our communities. His memory will be preserved by our work together and for each other; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to his sons Dan and Larry, and his sister, Bonnie Kammer.
