David Lerner, 94, of Mercer Island, passed away peacefully at the Kline Galland Home on Friday, July 13, 2012.
David enjoyed 90 wonderful, healthy, active years, and spent the past four and a half years cared for at home by his wife, Joan, and caregivers. His condition the last three weeks of life forced his placement in the Hospice program at Kline Galland, where his care was exceptional.
David was born January 20, 1918 in Elk River, Minn. He was the oldest child of Sam and Gertrude Lerner. His younger brothers, Max and Byrle, predeceased him. David’s mother died when he was young, leaving his father to raise his three sons.
David graduated from the University of Minnesota and served as a 2nd Lt. in the Army serving in Europe during WWII. After the war he went to work for Revlon, Inc. as its district manager for 15 states.
David married Edith Goldman. She passed away in 1962, leaving David to care for his two children, Leigh and Trudie. David needed to change his lifestyle of traveling, so he purchased Berliner’s Beauty Supply in Seattle and he moved to Mercer Island with his daughter Trudie.
He met a young widow, Joan Tall Greene, and they were married June 16, 1964. David adopted her daughter, Terry Lynn Greene, and was a wonderful father to her all his life.
David was a very well liked man. He was a great storyteller and always made people feel good. His charm and warmth allowed him to make friends wherever he was. He always maintained a positive friendly attitude throughout his life.
David retired in 1987 to satisfy his lifelong passion for learning. He attended the University of Washington as an access student, enjoying many years with his friends at class and the weekly lunches together. David was a good bridge player and enjoyed his Tuesday afternoon bridge games. When he became too weak to go out, the Tuesday bridge came to his home each Tuesday afternoon.
David had a strong passion for cars and was an avid sports fan. His last outing was Father’s Day 2012, when his son-in-law took his father, Marty Brashem, David and his caregiver to the new car museum in Tacoma.
David Lerner’s lasting legacy is a calm sense of self, warm smile and thoughtful nature. David is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan Tall Lerner, his son Leigh (Loren), daughters Trudie (Dr. Wendy Heller) and Terry Lerner Brashem (Mark). His grandchildren include Meredeth Lerner Bloom (Matt), Sasha Lerner, Stacie Brashem and Kevin Brashem. David’s great-grandson, Jacob Bloom, was born April 12, 2012 and although David was never able to meet him, he was very proud of him and cherished the pictures sent of the newborn. David is survived by his two nephews, Bruce and Mark Lerner, who were always very close to their uncle David. David’s brother-in-law, Leonard Tall, whom he shared many happy times with, predeceased him.
The family wishes to thank David’s wonderful home caregivers, Tigest, Sara, Fissaha, Rabia, Astera and Teresa, who took exceptional care of him the past four years, and the wonderful staff at Kline Galland who cared for him the last two weeks of his life. Everyone was of great blessing and comfort.
Burial was private at the Hills of Eternity Mausoleum, and a service celebrating David Lerner’s life was held on July 16, 2012 at Temple De Hirsh Sinai. Rabbi James Mirel, a close family friend, officiated.
Donations in memory of David Lerner may be sent to the Caroline Kline Galland Home, City of Hope, or a charity of your choice.
