Gunther B. Katz

Gunther Katz Obituary

Katz, Gunther B.
August 17, 1929 - February 13, 2011
Husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, salesman, speaker.
Gunther was born in Mannheim, Germany. He was a child Holocaust survivor who lost 35 members of his immediate family. He immigrated to the United States in 1946.
During the last 15 years, he spoke worldwide at schools, community groups and the Museum of Tolerance sharing his Holocaust story and spreading a message of goodwill and acceptance.
He served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea. He graduated from Paul Smith's College and the Univ. of Denver with degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
After many years managing restaurants and food service operations, he became a salesman for lighting products and worked for Luxor Lighting, Duro-Test and American Wholesale Lighting.
Gunther was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susie; sons Steven and Andrew; daughter-in-law, Ruth; and precious granddaughter, Rachel.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 2:00 PM at Mount Sinai - Hollywood Hills.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to OSE-USA, Adat Ari El or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Feb. 14 to Feb. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Gunther Katz

11 Entries

Avril Brenig

February 8, 2025

I remember so well being in Palm Springs with my dear husband of blessed memory, Joseph (Joe) Brenig, and Gunther and Susie in the pool. Gunther was recalling how his father said a blessing on him before he got on the bus for children only under 18 allowed for a brief period to exit and escape being sent to Auschwitz. My dear husband remembered that exchange because the guard turned away at that emotional moment and my husband was able to jump into the bus unseen and therefore escape, as he was over 18 and not allowed to leave. So both Gunther and Joe suddenly realized what fate had played in their lives all those years ago. Rest in Peace dear Gunther and my beloved Joe.

Steven Katz

March 7, 2011

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR POSTS... This site is about to be disabled so please post future notes in Gunther's personal guestbook at www.guntherkatz.com

Sandra Flores

February 19, 2011

Heaven has received a real jewel and we are left to treasure our memories of a gentleman and a gentle man. Feeling so fortunate to have known Gunther, cherishing remembrances of his warmth and humor, appreciating as always his strength of character and his love of family, I send my heartfelt sympathy to Susie (my friend from 5th grade) and all of those who loved him.

With love, Saus

Bobbi Caldwell

February 17, 2011

To the family and chosen family of friends of Gunther Katz -

It has been a great honor for me as an educator to have Gunther come to our school site here at Juvenile Hall. Gunther and his lovely wife Susie always made time to come out and speak to our students. Every year, we eagerly anticipated Gunther's visit. It was a critical piece of our Holocaust rememberance/education program. My students, in particular, felt so honored to have a Holocaust survivor take the time to come and tell his story to them. A universal comment after Gunther was here for a visit was "A real part of History just came to share with us". All of us will profoundly miss Gunther's presence. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family. Please know that the legacy of Gunther will always be remembered here at our school site. These memories will be cherished in our hearts forever. May God be with you, Susie, and all of your family members and close friends. I truly believe that Gunther's unique star will be shining for all eternity!
Respectfully,
Bobbi Caldwell - Central JCS, San Bernardino

Jane Guttman

February 15, 2011

It has been my privilege to have known Gunther for these past five years. His presence as our annual Holocaust guest at Central Juvenile Hall created a community of caring, awareness and tolerance for our incarcerated students. Gunther's passion in telling his story has stayed with us as a gift to carry into infinity. I am grateful for the conversations with Gunther and Susie, through these years, and although Gunther will not enlighten a new group of jailed youth this coming year, his memory and spirit will be with us all. Each year, I waited for Gunther to relate the stirring,unforgettable moment when his father bestowed a last prayer for his son. I have kept that recollection in my heart from the first moment. I am ever grateful for the countless gifts given to me by Gunther. My heart and prayers are with Susie and her family. Gunther's story and his goodness will endure forever.

Margot Van Horn

February 15, 2011

There are those who think that FaceBook is a rather silly thing. However, I think that it can be a wonderous thing. That's how I met Susie and of course Gunther came next. Susie and I both have the same b-d's and I mistakenly thought that it was through my previous schooling that I had met her. Her warmth in her face book replies, in spite of our not having known each other previously, convinced me that we needed to extend our new acquaintance. So, I did finally meet both Gunther and Susie at my B&B in Paso Robles, CA sometime after. Of course I knew that I would love Susie, however, getting to know Gunther was a very special experience for sure. Particularly so because of his wonderous stories of the Holocaust. His enthusiasm and emotions in telling these stories were astounding. I just met Gunther once, however, in that one day of our meeting, I knew that I had met a very, very special soul indeed. Those left behind always suffer more I feel--so I send to Susie and her lovely family all of my love and prayers however for Gunther, I know that he is in a safe and very special place happy with all of the accomplishments that he had achieved in his earthly life.

Much Love,

Margot

Gitta Ryle

February 15, 2011

Dear Susie,
So sad to hear that Gunther has died. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am glad to read that he shared his story so that we never forget the Holocaust. I too speak at schools, it is so important. Sorry that I will not be able to come on Wed. but will be represented by Renee & Morris. Take care, Gitta

February 15, 2011

Spending numerous Passovers with the Katz family were wonderful
with Gunther handling the reigns. In addition, we had great times at the Palm Springs evening street fairs and dinner at various restaurants. Our prayers and thoughts are with Gunther, Susie and the family. Oh yes, we will always remember Gunther's fantastic
breakfasts the day after Passover. All our love. Kerry and Katherine
Mackenzie.

Diana Peters

February 15, 2011

I have known Susie since she was a teenager in El Cerrito and attended her wedding to Gunther. We lost touch for some years but have enjoyed knowing them again for the last 10 years or so. My prayers are with you Susie and your family/
Good bye Gunther.

Anita & Perry Cohen

February 15, 2011

Our heartfelt sympathies to Susie and the family. We have known Gunther and Susie for many wonderful years and will miss Gunther's dry wit and kindness. Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Avril Brenig

February 15, 2011

I send my heartfelt sympathies to Susie and the Family on the passing of Gunther. My most precious memories, in meeting Gunther for the first time with my dear husband Joseph, now also in the Light, were in Palm Springs where we all met. Joseph learned that it was Gunther's father who had been saying a prayer over his son Gunther before he made his way into the bus that would separate them for ever. At that moment, my dear husband Joseph ran into the bus and hid, enabling him to escape being sent to Auschwitz, where his parents were shortly sent. Joseph and Gunther shared an inextricable bond and I trust it continues... Avril and Family

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