Milton "Mickey" Willen, DVM, age 97, formerly of Canton, Ohio, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022, in the comfort of his home. Born in Canton, Ohio, the son of Ben (a notable livestock rancher and dealer in the northern Ohio area) and Lillian Willen, he graduated from Lehman High School and Ohio State University, where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He served as a Captain in the US army, where he was responsible for meat and food inspection. He served for 4 years and returned to Canton, where he opened Greenacres Animal Hospital and practiced for over 30 years.

A member of Temple Israel, member of McKinley Lodge #431 F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, and Shriners, he was also a Pole Harris Rotarian. He was also a member of the group responsible for bringing the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Canton. He served as a board member & president of the Board of Health of Canton for 20 years. He also served on the Boards of the Boy Scouts Buckeye Council and the Palm Desert (CA) Arthritis Foundation.

He was past president of the local veterinary association, past president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and past president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Board Treasurer of World Veterinary Association and he served on the American Veterinary Medical Association Insurance Trust. He helped establish the Koret Veterinary School at Hebrew University and continued to fundraise for the program through American Friends of Hebrew University. He also volunteered his services for the ASPCA in Palm Desert.

In addition to his organization activities, he was a very devoted family man and had hobbies such as golf (which he was never good enough to be satisfied with), reading, boating, and travel.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emily Steiner Willen, who passed away in December 2019. Dr. Mickey is survived by 3 children, Dr. Jon (Sandy) Willen, Dr. Gary (Toni) Willen, Jill (Mark Bohen) Willen; 5  grandchildren, Brian (Monica Hakimi) Willen, Lindsey (Andy) Fox, Shaina (Robert Haen) Willen, Katie Kennelly, Rachel Kennelly; 4 great grandchildren, Jackson, Will, Elise, Everett; and sisters Mrs. Alan (Elaine) Singer and Mrs. Joseph (Shirley) Shorr.

A Masonic Service and Funeral Service with Rabbi David Komerofsky and Rabbi John Spitzer officiating will be Monday 1:00 PM at Temple Israel, Canton. Services can be viewed at templeisraelcanton.org/willen.  His final resting place is North Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to American Friends of Hebrew University/Koret Veterinary School (Www.afhu.org ) and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.