Nathan Perlstein, died October 12, 2014. Beloved husband of the late Estelle Kutten Perlstein and the late Janet Alper Perlstein; dear father and father-in-law of the late Gregory Perlstein of Kansas City, Kan., Madelon (the late Andrew) Scallet of Little Rock, Ark. and Richard Perlstein of Scott City, Mo.; dear grandfather of Rebekah (Joseph Stafford) Scallet, Mitchell (Elisabeth) Scallet, Dori Scallet, Sara (Jason) Gordon and Emily Perlstein; dear great-grandfather of Bennett Gordon, Luciella Gordon and Andrew Stafford; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Julius (the late Bess) Perlstein, the late Nellie (the late David) Zack and Louis (Mary) Perlstein; dear brother-in -law of the late Eugene (Elaine) Kutten; our dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Nathan came to St. Louis from Poland with his family when he was eight years old. He got his first job selling newspapers when he was ten. As he liked to tell it, when he asked his father for a nickel to buy an ice cream cone, his father told him to go and earn that nickel himself.  He did, and thus began a life of creative entrepreneurship. He went on to apprentice as a furrier, and after a stint in the Army serving in the South Pacific in World War II, he returned to St. Louis.

There he met his future wife Estelle Kutten at a wedding they both attended.  They married, and Nathan returned to his work in the fur industry, eventually opening up his own store, Perlstein Furs, in downtown St. Louis at 707 Washington.

Nathan always worked hard for his family, first supporting his parents and siblings, and later his own children, as he encouraged them to go on to receive the education and opportunities that he was unable to pursue for himself. Later in life, after he sold his fur business and his beloved Estelle had passed away, Nathan was fortunate to reconnect with Janet Alper, a girl he had dated before the war.

They married and enjoyed an active life together before her passing. Nathan is warmly remembered by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for his wonderful generosity and positive view on life.  Though he faced many hardships in his time, he lived his nearly 96 years to their fullest, always embracing life, love, and family. Funeral service Wednesday, October 15^th, 1:30 PM at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, 63132. Interment follows at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road, St. Louis, 63130. Memorial contributions preferred to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial