Julius Lauer

Jay is survived by his children: Monica and Michael (Lauren Weissman), his granddaughter Danika Kohler (Mark Doman) and his great-grandson Oscar Fox Kohler Doman. He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys, his father, Meyer, his mother, Sara, his siblings Roz and Frank.

Jay was born in Chicago, IL on January 6, 1918. In his teens he worked for his father at the Palmer and Lauer Funeral Chapel, where he drove Al Capone in a procession in a funeral. After graduating from Marshall High School, he was drafted into the US Army in 1940, he served with distinction throughout World War II, being discharged as a Lieutenant.

Deciding not to join the family business, he started the Brazil Nut Company which placed “hot nut,” gumball and other vending machines at all of the Balaban & Katz Theaters in the greater Chicago area.

In 1965, the family moved to Los Angeles so that Jay and Gladys could join his in-laws’ business, The Merchandise Center; which offered retail uniforms for security guards and others, but specialized in mail order “same day” service for van-line drivers of Allied, United, Bekins and others. The operation expanded to its current facility on Lankershim Blvd, near Saticoy Street.

In spite of the move to Los Angeles, Jay continued to be a “die-hard” Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, enjoying eating 'Chicago Dogs' while watching them on satellite television for many years. Jay attended some games at Dodger Stadium as recently as 2009.

Gifts in Jay’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Announcements will be made regarding Shiva services following the funeral and graveside services.