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Jeffrey Lawrence Wien of Chicago died from a heart attack at Rush University Medical Center on January 6, 2021 at the age of 79. He had been hospitalized for about ten days suffering from pneumonia. Jeff was born in Chicago on April 3, 1941, the son of Jerome Lester Wien and Helen Louise Kraus. He grew up on the south side of Chicago near 47th Street until 1950, when the family moved to Evanston. He was a graduate of Evanston Township High School (class of 1959) and Northwestern University (class of 1963). He served his country as a Lieutenant in Naval Intelligence from 1963 to 1967. By profession, he was an accountant, and worked for Blue Cross-Blue Shield and at Provident Hospital. He was smart, funny (with an acerbic wit), opinionated, and loyal to his friends. Although he was talented in many areas, he was very modest and never boastful. He did not suffer fools gladly, but if you knew him, he was your friend for life. He loved to travel and was an avid and accomplished photographer and filmmaker, whose work appeared in many publications. His interest in historic preservation, architecture, and nostalgia drew him to street railways, interurbans and railroads. He was a passenger on the last Chicago streetcar in 1958 and was one of the last living employees of the Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee interurban. He was the author of Chicago Streetcar Memories, a DVD produced by Chicago Transport Memories LLC in 2009. Jeff was a co-author of the very comprehensive book Chicago Streetcar Pictorial: The PCC Car Era, 1936-1958, issued as Bulletin 146 of the Central Electric Railfans' Association in 2015. Jeff was a voting member of the Illinois Railway Museum and a generous contributor to its activities. He was also a director and officer of Central Electric Railfans' Association for 37 years. CERA is a not-for-profit technical and educational association founded in 1938. Along with Bradley Criss, he established the Wien-Criss Archive, an important photographic collection and resource that will continue to aid historical research in the future. Jeff will be very much missed and long remembered by everyone who knew him. He believed that life is the single most important thing, so you must protect it. He was predeceased by his spouse Bradley Scott Criss, and is survived by his sister Helen Jo Wien (Lotsoff), a niece and nephew. Interment is at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Donations can be made in Jeff's memory to the Illinois Railway Museum CTA 4391 Restricted Fund.
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6 Entries
My sincere condolences to Jeff's family. I served with Jeff on the Harbor Point Board of Directors and enjoyed working with him and knowing him. He will be missed.
Linda C. Chatman
February 1, 2021
Hi Jo,
I just read Jeff's obituary and I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting him and also your parents, such wonderful people! We shared Sader dinner with you, your parents and I believe Jeff was there too. I wanted you to know that I am hoping you have many great memories of great times with Jeff. Hope Helen Marie and David are doing well too!!!!!
xo
Helen Applegate
Helen Applegate
January 11, 2021
I am very saddened to learn of Jeff's
passing. Having known him for close
to 50 years, we traveled extensively.
Our first trip was in 1972 to Dayton.
As recent as 2019 we were in Toronto,
and later that year in El Paso. There
were many trips in between and they
were always memorable.
My condolences to sister Helen and her two children. RIP.
Russ Schultz
Russ Schultz
January 11, 2021
Jeff was a close friend for many decades. He could be very caring and generous, always enthusiastic in sharing his enthusiasm for trains, trolleys, travel, old movies, and history. I will always honor his memory and our shared experiences.
John Nicholson
January 11, 2021
Jo: So very sorry to see that Jeff passed away! I always enjoyed having chats with him! We hope you are doing well considering this loss. Be well!!! M&M
Michael&Myra Kalish
January 10, 2021
My sympathy to his sister. Jo and I studied business together at Northwestern. I especially remember studying "Quantitative Controls," better known as accounting, with Jo. My deepest condolences to you, Jo. My how time does fly! RIP to your brother!
Brian Leline
January 9, 2021
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