Born January 9, 1923 in New York, NY to Ben and Sophie (Madrick) Litz. After moving to St. Louis in 1939, he graduated from University City High School in 1941 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Washington University in 1944 and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1947. He practiced law in St. Louis until 1975 when he was appointed as a Circuit Judge in St. Louis County. He served with distinction until his retirement from the bench in 1993. During his time on the bench, he served as Presiding Judge, as well as President of the State Trial Judges Association. Thereafter, he served as a mediator and arbitrator with U.S. Arbitration & Mediation and other organizations until 2013. He wrote the book review column for the St. Louis Bar Association for 57 years from 1966 until earlier this year and was honored by the Bar Association this past May with the President’s Award for his 76 years of membership and service.
He celebrated his 100th birthday in January with 100 friends and family members. He was widely recognized by his bow ties and sense of humor and storytelling, starting most conversations with the phrase, “Have I told you the one about…” He was a subscriber to the St. Louis Symphony for 75 years.
He was widowed last year following the passing of the love of his life Adele, whom he married in 1953. Judge Litz is survived by their children Howard (Melanie) Litz of K’far Saba, Israel, Rob (Nancy) Litz of St. Louis and Gwen Litz of Minneapolis, his grandchildren Nathan (Caitlin) Litz of St. Louis, Shira Litz Philipsborn (Eran) of Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel, and Oren Litz (Ma’ayan) of Haifa, Israel and his great grandchildren Peleg Philipsborn, Raz Philipsborn, Eitan Litz and Noga Litz, Rosa Naomi Guter, as well as step grandchildren Mandi Rice (David Waters), Katie Rice Guter (Lev) and Rob Rice.
A private family service will be held. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 8th, 1:00 PM at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive (Ladue and Spoede Roads). Memorial contributions preferred to Congregation Temple Israel, NCJW or a charity of your choice.
