Ben Schanzer

February 8, 1919 - June 4, 2012

Ben Schanzer, 93, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Monday, June 4, 2012 at Village Shalom. Graveside services will be at 11:30am Wednesday, June 6, at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Village Shalom, 5500 W. 123rd St., Overland Park, KS 66209 or The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall, Overland Park, KS 66209. Mr. Schanzer was born in Kansas City, MO, the son of Morris and Margaret (Ringowitz) Schanzer, and was a lifelong area resident. He attended Kansas City schools, graduating from East High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a Drill Instructor in Alaska and the European Theatre. Mr. Schanzer was a successful businessman, owning several grocery stores and “Big Ben’s Bargain Barn” in Kansas City, KS. He was an award winning grocery salesman. He joined Lady Baltimore Foods as a sales representative until his retirement in 1989 after approximately 20 years of service. He was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and a former member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue. Mr. Schanzer married his late wife Blanche in 1944 and they were married for 68 years. He loved to play golf and tennis and was an avid enthusiast race walker, walking 5 miles a day. Mr. Schanzer was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Blanche Schanzer and a daughter, Jacqie Leviton. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Gary and Mary Schanzer, Overland Park, KS; grandchildren: Jakob Schanzer, Kyle Schanzer, Lindsay Leviton and Zachary Leviton. Mr. Schanzer was a loving husband, father and grandfather who had many friends. He was a man who had a great sense of humor who will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Village Shalom for their excellent care of our father.