In memoriam: Norman Bernstein

Norman Bernstein, who spent several decades helping lead Iowa-based metal recycling companies, has died at the age of 92.

According to an obituary forwarded to Recycling Today by Bernstein’s longtime professional associate Eva Shine of Spencer, Iowa-based Shine Bros. Co., Bernstein was born in Brooklyn, New York, and his family later moved to Sioux City, Iowa.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in metallurgy and serving with the United States Army, Bernstein drew upon his metallurgical background when working with Republic Aviation and then the U.S. Bureau of Mines.

Bernstein then joined his father, Sam, and brother, Jack, at family business Sioux City Compressed Steel and State Steel. That firm engaged in a feeder yard and materials marketing partnership with Shine Bros., according to a 2004 Recycling Today profile of the latter firm.

“Norman poured his heart and talents into the business, treating every employee and customer like family,” the obituary says.

Bernstein married Sheila Kantrovich in 1966 in a marriage that lasted 58 years.

Additionally, he took acting lessons in New York, eventually performing for the Sioux City Community Theater, on a local children’s television show and in Shakespeare in the Park productions.

Bernstein also passed the test to become an astronaut and held his pilot’s license, according to the obituary. He had a love of British MG cars, at one time owning six MGs “in numerous states of drivability.”

He also served as a volunteer on community group boards and was involved with the Orthodox Synagogue and Temple Beth Shalom in the Sioux City area.

“Norman was known for his dry sense of humor, gentle smile and unwavering kindness,” according to the obituary. “He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His understated jokes and singing will always be remembered.”

Bernstein is survived by his wife, Sheila, three children and five grandchildren.