Services will be held on Wednesday and Thursday for Todd Litke who passed away unexpectedly at his Capitola home on October 9, 2007. He was 43 years old. Born in Modesto, California, Todd attended Columbia Junior College, and served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Enterprise. Following his service in the Navy, he earned his paramedic license and worked as a paramedic for a private ambulance company from 1988 to 2000, serving Modesto, Stockton, and areas of Calaveras County. While residing in the central valley, he was accomplished at horse shoeing and competition team roping. Todd owned his own shoeing business and was a former member of The American Farrier Association. He also was a member of The American Cowboy Team Roping Association. Moving to Santa Cruz in 2000, Todd began a career with Central Fire, which serves Capitola, Live Oak and Soquel. Working as both a paramedic and firefighter, he earned accolades in November 2002 when he and two other Central Fire crew members rescued a woman from her burning home in Live Oak. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the California Professional Fire Fighter's Association.
Todd was a familiar face at Spa Fitness Center and enjoyed body building as a personal hobby and camping with his young family, spending time with them on outdoor trips. His greatest love was for his wife and four year old daughter, Shelby, who will both miss him and remember him for his dedication to them and to his chosen profession at saving lives.
He leaves his wife of 19 years, Cori Litke and his daughter Shelby Litke both of Capitola, his mother and father, Ron and Jeane Litke of Lehi, Utah, his brothers, Greg Litke of Modesto, Scott Litke of American Fork, Utah, and Russ Litke of Dumas, Texas. He also leaves his sister, Wendy Litke of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and many loving friends and extended family in the fire department.
Friends may pay their respects at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Wednesday, October 17, from 12 noon until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 beginning at One O'clock p.m. at Santa Cruz Bible Church 440 Frederick St. in Santa Cruz. A private committal will take place at Ceres Cemetery, in Ceres, CA. The family asks that any kind acts of charity be made to The Litke Family Memorial Fund c/o Santa Cruz County Employee Credit Union : Account # 75831-93 or Widows and Orphans Fund C/O Capitola Live Oak Fire District Local # 3605, Or The American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Souza
October 9, 2008
Todd, a year has passed and not a day goes by that I don't think about you, mention your name or laugh about our times together. I miss our talks, you were a true friend. You were taken to early from us and I haved learned to live for every day the time I have here. Time to spend with my family and friends. To make sure they know I am here for them and love them. I promise to be there for Cori and Shelby "Bean"...as a true friend should be....Thank you for what you brought into my life I will value it forever. With all my heart..
Cori Litke
October 9, 2008
A year ago today I lost my best friend and my husband. Shelby lost her daddy and her hero. Our lives will never be the same. We have moved on and tried to make the best of things but we miss Todd and a day doesn't go by that we don't think of him or talk about him. I would not wish this pain on anyone and my wish is that families will work out any silly problems that they might have. Whatever issue a family is dealing with, it might seem like a big deal, but in the big scheme of things, it is not. You never know what tomorrow will bring and you should never waste a minute being upset over trivial things.
Lisa Hefley
September 4, 2008
I can't believe it has been almost a year. I just wanted to make an entry to thank the Souza's for keeping this book open this long. I am sure I am not the only one who opens it and reads it when i miss him. Thank you!
Coni limprecht-Goudeau
January 4, 2008
Cori,
Your sister and I saw each other in Turlock. She introduced me to your little Shelby. Shelby told me her daddy died and was in heaven. I did not know until today. Diane told me you were scrapbooking. She knows I do albums also. As gifts for family and friends. This is a legacy I will leave to loved ones. You too have beautiful pictures of your family for yourself and shelby. These will keep your memories of your husband and Shelbys father alive. I pray you will know when the Lord comforts you especially when you are alone. Only He can give you the strength to face tomorrow when your hurting. He will place others in your path to comfort you when you least expect it. Cori when you come to this area I hope we can get together with your sister, Diane.
We will pray for you and Shelby. With much love, the Goudeau's, Don and Coni
Todd's best friends taking him home
November 9, 2007
Engine 34-14, Todd's engine with his wife inside leading the procession
November 9, 2007
Flag flying in Todd's honor
November 9, 2007
amy paz
November 7, 2007
Cori,
I am sad to hear that your husband, Todd passed away unexpectedly.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but with your family by your side, you can do it by taking one day at a time.
Cherish the memories you have. You have a beautiful daughter. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Relay for Life 2005
October 27, 2007
Papoo, Shelby and Todd - Houseboat July 2007
October 27, 2007
Todd and Shelby - 4th Birthday
October 27, 2007
Daddy and Shelby with her new car - just like Daddy's!
October 27, 2007
Shelby and Daddy in ballet class
October 27, 2007
Allison Marker
October 26, 2007
Cori,
My deapest sympathy go out to you and Shelby. I will remember you and that adorable little girl you and Todd cherish so much in my prayers. I am so sorry for your great loss. Just remember, Todd will always be with you. I hope you are ok, and that all your awesome family and friends are taking good care of you. Love, Allison Marker
David Von Glahn
October 23, 2007
Todd and I met at a very difficult time in both of our lives, he helped me through this time more than he ever knew. Todd had the ability to be the silliest person in the world and in a flash the most serious person in the world, he was very gifted like that. I will forever remember Todd for his wonderful sense of humor and the all crazy stories about his jeep and the funny stories about his times at the fire station.
Cori, Shelby (Bean) and all the wonderful men and women at the Capitola Fire Dept. you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Todd Godspeed to ya buddy, I will miss you…..
Carole Pope
October 22, 2007
Cori and Shelby...
You and Shelby have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God help you through this season of your life. Although I have never lost my husband...I remember when I lost my parents as a teenager. I thought I would never stop hurting. What I found was that time passing made my loss a little easier to handle. May time also help your heart heal and let the good memories keep you going. May God be with you...
Lou, Carole, and Heidi Pope
Our family - April 2007
October 21, 2007
March 2007
October 21, 2007
Daddy and his girl at 4 weeks old
October 21, 2007
Todd and Shelby - Houseboat 2005
October 21, 2007
Daddy and Shelby Easter 2007
October 21, 2007
Daddy and Bean Halloween 2006
October 21, 2007
Pumpkin Train October 2006
October 21, 2007
Christmas 2006
October 21, 2007
Cori, Shelby, Todd - Christmas, 2006
October 21, 2007
Elisa Stohler-McElhaney
October 19, 2007
Cori, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Precious
October 19, 2007
I'm a plate fly, I'm a plate fly!
October 19, 2007
A cowboy AND a fireman, he was practically the Village People
October 19, 2007
A beautiful thing
October 19, 2007
Tina & Brandon Gallasso
October 19, 2007
Cori,
I don't know what to say, words are not enough! I can't even begin to know what you are going through ~ and Shelby, I know is missing her daddy. My prayers are with you and the whole family to have the strength that it takes to keep you going! Todd lived a wonderful happy life and touched many hearts. He is great memory in my life, we shared some fun times growing up next door to each other.
If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to let us know.
God Bless you!
Mark Hastings
October 18, 2007
Dear Cori,
You and your familiy are in my prayers. I'm sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mark Hastings, D.C.
Jim&Connie Tanquary
October 18, 2007
Cori,Shelby ,
Todd will be missed by so many,
we have such great memories of Todd,we are praying for God to give you strength and comfort at this very difficult time in your young life.
Our thoughts and prayers also to Ron,Jeane,Greg,Scott,Russ and Wendy
God Bless
Kamela Arya
October 17, 2007
My son Anthony went to Angie's Day Care with Shelby. I remember Todd from pickup time and always noticed what a dedicated father he was - how happy he was with his little girl. We are so sorry to hear this news and our thougths are with you and dear Shelby.
Shellee Sutton
October 17, 2007
Cori and Shelby~
You are in my prayers daily. Todd was one of a kind. He will be missed by everyone. We are always here.
Colleen Hughes
October 17, 2007
Cori,
I want you to know the impact that Todd had on my son Michael's life. His willingness to share his knowledge and love of Fire Fighting was not lost on my son.
So many days he came home w/ stories about Todd: his unbridled enthusiasm, the way he made the learning experience fun, his desire to see my son succeed.
Todd's presence in my son's life (however brief) was only good. Todd made a powerful imppression on Michael He contributed to the man my boy is becoming today. For that, I am forever grateful.
I am so sorry that Todd is gone and for the depth of your loss.
So many hearts are holding you now.
Respectfully,
Colleen
DYLAN OPENSHAW
October 17, 2007
ARE PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU... BE STRONG.
David & Jeannie Dalman
October 17, 2007
Cori,
Nothing can express the sadness that I feel. Words do not ever measure up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phillip and Barbara Balli
October 16, 2007
Cori and Shelby,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Todd lived his life to the fullest and then some. He will be greatly missed. May God bless you and hold you during this difficult time and always be there for you.
Our trip to Disneyland
October 16, 2007
Todd at Half Moon Bay
October 16, 2007
Daddy and Shelby camping at Half Moon Bay
October 16, 2007
Shelby and Daddy camping at Big Sur
October 16, 2007
Wiggle Bean, Daddy and some other guy
October 16, 2007
Brenda Shaneck (Ackerman)
October 16, 2007
Cori,
My thoughts and prays are with you at this difficult time.
Robert & Jessica Souza
October 15, 2007
Cori and Shelby,
The two of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Words cannot express the pain and sorrow we feel. I've lost a mentor, hero, brother and friend. My times with Todd will be remembered and cherished forever and his memory will live on in our hearts. We are here for you and Shelby now and always.........
Loretta Wend & Family
October 15, 2007
We were sorry to hear about Todd. Our hearts go out to Cori and Shelby and you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Todd, Cori and Shelby - Shelby's 4th Birthday
October 15, 2007
Lisa Hefley
October 15, 2007
Cori & Wiggle Bean,
My thoughts will be with you today and always. The best memories I will have of Todd are when he was talking about his girls. He lived for you two, and wanted to make you happy. Lord knows you to made him happier than he ever expected.
Santa Cruz County Employees Credit Union
October 15, 2007
Cori,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Rick Tanquary
October 15, 2007
Cori, Shelby, Ron & Jeanne, Greg, Scott, Russell, and Wendy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Gerace
October 15, 2007
Cori and Shelby,
We wish you strength for each other during this time. We will always be here for you.
Love, Steve , Kelly, and Tyler
Jamie Miller
October 15, 2007
Cori & family ~ Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you for your loss. Please know that even though it is hard to understand, God only takes the best.
May God bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Auntie Linda Pendegraft
October 15, 2007
Cori & Shelby: Please know that your family in Iowa is praying for you and our hearts ache for you. May your memories continue to ease your heartache for many, many days to come. All our love and prayers are with you.
Pam Kennedy
October 15, 2007
Speaking for the staff of the RI Philharmonic, our hearts are with our friend and colleague Wendy and her family at this very sad time. May you all find comfort in your warm and wonderful memories of Todd.
Steven and Nina Black
October 14, 2007
We send our love and sympathy to Cori, Shelby, Ron & Jeanne, Greg, Scott, Russell, and Wendy and their families. Todd lived life to the fullest and we'll never forget our cousin. He was a hero to us all.
nancy gerace
October 14, 2007
Cori and Shelby. Our prayer for you will be to gain strength from all the good times and love that you shared with Todd. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Fred and Nancy
Marti Fishel
October 14, 2007
I am a friend of Jill's. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your hearts be gently held and healed during this time and forever.
Jill Mautino
October 14, 2007
Cori ~ Know that I am always only a phone call away!
Kristie Butterfield
October 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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