Allen Greenstein, kosher butcher, WWII vet

Allen Greenstein of Golden Valley was a kosher butcher, schooled in ancient and modern ways.

Greenstein, who learned to be a kosher butcher in his family's shop in the Twin Cities and studied animal husbandry at the University of Minnesota, died of complications from Parkinson's disease on April 8 in St. Louis Park. He was 86.

In the mid-1950s, he joined his father, Morris, and brother, Howard, at Greenstein and Sons' butcher shop, located in north Minneapolis until it moved to St. Louis Park in the late 1960s.

That business closed in 1980, and Greenstein worked for various kosher shops until a few years ago, including Fishman's Kosher Market and Deli in St. Louis Park.

Howard Israelson of St. Louis Park, a former kosher butcher, said he learned "everything" from Greenstein in the 1990s and 2000s, when they worked at Fishman's.

"He was the last of the old-time kosher butchers," said Israelson, because Greenstein bought cattle directly from farmers or stockyards.

On the nuances of kosher law surrounding meat, Orthodox rabbis deferred to Greenstein, a member of a Conservative congregation, said Israelson.

When he was a new butcher under Greenstein's wing, an irate customer yelled at him, he said. It was the Passover season and the shop was packed with customers. Greenstein told the customer to apologize to Israelson, or he would not get his order.

Greenstein, a graduate of Minneapolis North High School, served as a bombardier, first lieutenant, with the Army Air Forces during World War II, flying missions over the Philippine Islands. "He was really proud of his service," said his daughter, Amy Alch of St. Paul.

He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota in 1948, studying art and advertising, as well as animal husbandry.

He was a leader at St. Louis Park's B'nai Emet Synagogue, helping the rabbi at services and gathering congregants for daily prayer.

He supported many causes, and in the 1990s, taught a driver safety course for seniors at Minneapolis' Jewish Community Center. "He really felt for other people," said his daughter.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his brother, Marvin of Minnetonka, and two granddaughters.