Funeral Details

Theodore (Ted) Gertz, of Evanston, Illinois and Palm Springs, California, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 4, 2025, surrounded by members of his loving family. Born on September 8, 1936, Ted dedicated his life to service, his profession, and his family. He was a shining beacon to us all, a flame that will never be extinguished.

Ted was born in Chicago, Illinois to Elmer and Ceretta Gertz. Ted grew up in a loving home with his sister, Midge, on the North Side of Chicago. His father, Elmer, was a prominent civil rights lawyer, author and professor. Ted attended Senn High School, The University of Chicago, and Northwestern University School of Law. Ted served proudly in the United States Army Reserve from 1961 to 1967, achieving the rank of Sergeant E Class. He learned discipline and gained mental fortitude from his military experience that he applied to all facets of his life. His grit and mental toughness allowed him to complete 9 Chicago Marathons, rise at 4:45 AM for work, and powered the drive and determination that characterized his long life.

Ted married Suzanne C. Gertz (nee Feldman), and they were together for 30 wonderful years. Ted and Sue raised 3 children, Craig, Candace, and Scott. Sue passed away in May 2003, Craig passed away in 2021. Ted had an exceptionally close relationship with his kids and his grandchildren, Adam, Sophie, Jonah, Joey and Talia. National parks and nature trips, sitting together in the “Mountain Room” in Palm Springs, thrift shops, always showing up for milestones, and extraordinary generosity, Ted’s unbreakable bonds with his kids and grandchildren were profound and deeply meaningful. His children and the grandchildren repaid that love and commitment many times, including flying in from all corners of the country to be with him near the end. Ted also enjoyed a brother-like relationship with Hank, Midge’s husband for over 50 years.

Ted remarried Terry Goldhirsh and they have been happily married for over 20 years. Ted’s stepchildren are Michael (Dawn), David (Kat), and Ben (Stephanie). Ted developed deep and meaningful relationships with Terry’s children and grandchildren, Zoe, Alec, Stacie, Max, Devon, Ren, and Koa. Other meaningful relations included Joanie and Bonnie, Terry’s sisters. Terry and Ted traveled the world together, enjoyed the company of many close friends, and cherished every moment.

Ted had a distinguished career as an estate planner in Chicago for over 60 years. Ted was proudly employed primarily at Pretzel and Stouffer, Taft, and Harrison and Held. A common theme in his life, Ted developed deep and life-long relationships with clients and co-workers.

Ted was very active in the community while working and in retirement. A few of his many community affiliations include: Village of Mettawa Trustee, President of the Blind Service Association (BSA), and President of the Twin Palms Association. He was a co-author of book titled a “Guide to Estate Planning.” Ted was a co-winner of BSA’s Bernstein Award for his commitment to the blind and visually impaired.

He was an avid reader, hiker, and traveler, but he was most proud of the meaningful relationships he forged with so many. Empathy, compassion, generosity, and loyalty, these were his defining traits. Like a brilliant star in the sky, Ted’s light will always be with us and can never be extinguished.

A funeral service to honor Ted’s extraordinary life and service will be held Thursday 10AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie, IL 60077. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Ark, 6450 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60645, www.arkchicago.org, Jewish United Fund, 30 S. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60606, www.juf.org or National Veterans Foundation, 5777 West Century Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90045, www.nvf.org.
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals-Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com