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Jeffrey Katz Obituary
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Jeff received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Illinois. He taught undergraduate math courses at the University while attending law school. More importantly though he met Sheila on campus while playing with tinker toys (true story), and the two quickly became inseparable, getting married the following year.
Despite being a licensed attorney, numbers were always Jeff's overarching interest and he enjoyed a long career in the insurance industry swiftly passing the exams necessary to achieve the highest designation, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. He worked for many years for CNA in the big red building in the Chicago skyline. His career would also take him to other parts of the country: Atlanta where he worked for Munich Reinsurance, and Armonk, New York, where he worked for Swiss Re, from which he retired as a Senior Vice-President. Through his career Jeff travelled the world, garnered the respect of his peers and proved a valuable asset to each company for which he worked.
An avid tournament contract bridge player since high school, Jeff and his then playing partner won the North American Pairs Rookie championship in 1988. He would continue to enjoy the game for the rest of his life with Sheila as his most frequent partner. Jeff also enjoyed playing tennis and golf, particularly during his retirement. At Pelican Landing he also was known as a fierce trivia competitor. He had an impeccable memory but was unfailingly a team player.
He also had a much-appreciated offbeat sense of humor, enjoyed reading a good mystery novel, and was very well mannered, at all times, a shining example of civility, except for the occasional cursing brought on only by the inexplicably foolish actions of his fellow drivers. A Celebration of Life will be held in Chicago in July.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Achim Dauser
August 1, 2025
I am so saddened to hear about Jeff's passing. During my tenure at Swiss Re, I had the privilege of working for and with him. I will always remember him for his knowledge, honesty, fairness, and the wonderful person he was. I held great respect for him, his work ethic, and his personality. The world has lost a truly special individual.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Tommy Wade
July 30, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. I knew Jeff as one of our Senior Leaders working at Swiss Re and he was absolutely fantastic, whip smart, patient and supportive. Although not official, I always considered Jeff a mentor and he helped guide me when I got my start on the Client Markets Team at Swiss Re. He was indeed the consummate professional, a gentlemen, scholar and such a nice guy. Sending prayers and well wishes to family. Glad to hear about the celebration of his life you have planned. May God Bless. All the Best, Tommy Wade
Jolee Crosby
July 30, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I loved working with Jeff and remember the phrase he often said, which I continue to use - "Done is better than perfect." Such a great comment to remember in a Corporation where bureacracy is always a struggle. Jeff always helped to bring a level of pragmatism to everything.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Jolee Crosby
SwissRe
Craig Hanford
July 29, 2025
I'm very sorry to learn of Jeff's passing. I had the privilege of working for and with him during his time at Swiss Re as he led a team of talented, driven, ambitious, and occasionally ill-tempered actuaries, but he had the perfect temperament to do so. We all benefited from his leadership.
My deepest condolences to his family.
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Neil Sprackling
July 29, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. We worked very closely together from 2012 until Jeff's retirement from Swiss Re. My wife Lourdes and I were lucky enough to get to know Sheila and we had a number of very enjoyable dinners together, the last being shortly before they departed for Florida in 2020.
Jeff was the consummate professional, incredibly knowledgeable on so many fronts (my tribute on his retirement word cloud was "The Fountain of all Knowledge") and he was always happy to share his experience and wisdom with others. His Reinsurance 101 classes for the SOA were a perfect example.
Jeff was one of the most caring and wonderful people I have ever met and it was a privilege to have known him.
Doreene Caporale
July 29, 2025
Such sad news to hear about Jeff. I worked with Jeff at Swiss Re. Such a wonderful person. My prayers to Sheila and his family.
Paul Murray
July 29, 2025
Such sad news to hear about today. My condolences to Sheila, Matt and Sam. Jeff was a colleague of mine for many years at Swiss Re. I loved working with him, always incredibly professional while sensitive and empathetic to others. The way he calmly and clearly set out his positions on tough professional topics was second to none. I also remember Jeff for his easy laugh and warm company, even in more challenging moments, he always looked through them to a better outcome. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Jeff.
Paul Murray
Jeremy Lane
July 28, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jeff´s passing, my deepest condolences to Sheila, Matt and Sam. I had the pleasure to work closely with Jeff during his time at Swiss Re, aside from his tremendous knowledge, ability to teach, and exemplary professionalism Jeff was always brought a positive and encouraging mindset to the team and was a pleasure to work for/with. I´ll always appreciate the opportunity I had to get to know him and learn from him!
Barb & Ron Long
July 20, 2025
Sheila, so sorry to hear Jeff lost his cancer battle. Our hearts are with you, Matt and Sam. May each day bring you a little more peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Love, Barb & Ron Long
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