Search by Name

Search by Name

Louis Handler Obituary

Louis Handler

March 15, 1932 - July 24, 2013




Louis Handler, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his family.


Louis was born Ludwig Haendler on March 15, 1932 in Germany and was the eldest child of Ilse and Eric Handler. In 1939, Louis and his family emigrated to the United States. After spending his early childhood in New York, Connecticut and Mexico, he settled in California with his mother and younger brother Michael. Louis attended George Washington High School, City College of San Francisco and UCLA. After college, he served in the United States Navy before launching his CPA practice.


Louis was proud of his Jewish heritage and served on the Board of Congregation Sherith Israel. He loved attending the San Francisco Opera and participating as a supernumerary. Every Tuesday night for more than 30 years, Louis played bridge with his good friends, occasionally winning two or three dollars. Louis enjoyed talking to strangers, visiting the buffalo in Golden Gate Park, sipping a perfect Manhattan, smoking a good cigar, and buying in bulk. But most of all, he enjoyed his family, including his loving wife of 45 years, Sandra. In addition to his wife, he will be missed by his son Daniel, his daughter Rebecca, their spouses Lisa Brown and David Andrade, and his grandchildren Otto, Willa and Simone.


Services will be held Friday July 26th at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park in Colma at 2:00pm. His family suggests that donations in his honor be made to St. Martin de Porres, where he volunteered for many years, or Congregation Sherith Israel.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 25 to Jul. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Louis Handler

Not sure what to say?





Sharon Hoffman Allen

January 12, 2025

My parents we´re friends meeting our family them in the 70´s at a dude ranch and remaining always close! They came to Chicago for my wedding and often to visit. My son Louis enjoyed his humble demeanor, etc...! incere condolences. Love Sharon Hoffman Allen

Farley CJ

August 7, 2013

I'm sorry for your loss.

jo steffens

July 30, 2013

Dear Daniel, my thoughts are with you and the family. Lou would want you live life to the fullest so don't let him down! I'll raise a glass in his honor. all the best, jo

July 26, 2013

Dear Sandra,
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Fred Safier

Lety Sazo

July 26, 2013

Dear Sandra - On behalf of your friends at the HR Department of CCSF - we send our deepest condolences to you and your family.

John L. Darby

July 25, 2013

Sandra dear, You have our most sincere condolences. We hope all the happy memories of times gone past will help bring you comfort at this time. John

Jean Tepper

July 25, 2013

Dear Handler family,
I love that you mentioned the bridge group. I always loved running into Lou downtown. He was so entertaining and happy to see me. I will always remember him and I have missed him already for too many years.

Love, Jean

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Louis Handler's name

Memorial Events
for Louis Handler

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Louis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Louis Handler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more