Funeral Details

Arthur Elliot German

February 4, 1944 - August 30, 2024

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Service

Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue
200 West Dundee Road
Wheeling, Illinois 60090
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow, Emeritus
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue

Interment - Private

Shiva

Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue
200 West Dundee Road
Wheeling, Illinois 60090
847.498.8218
Get Directions
Luncheon gathering immediately following the memorial service
12 Noon to 2PM

Shiva will then go from 3PM to 7PM

Memorial Contributions

Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue
200 West Dundee Road
Wheeling, Illinois 60090
847.498.8218
www.shir-hadash.org/donations
or
Greater Chicago Food Depository
4100 West Ann Lurie Place
Chicago, Illinois 60632
773.247.3663
www.chicagosfoodbank.org




OBITUARY

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Elliot German of Chicago, Illinois, on August 30, 2024. Arthur was a kind and dedicated man, deeply loved by his family and community.

Born on February 4, 1944, in Chicago to the late Joseph and Eva (Sokoloff) German, Arthur leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Diane (Newman) German, and his brother, Robert (Fran) German. He is also survived by his cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews, including Eric (Lisa) Newman, Rochelle (David Rossell) Newman, Robin (Gary) Hoch, Leslie (Pat) Gareis and Richard German, his grandnephews Chase Newman and Joey Gareis, and his grandnieces, Emerson Newman, Taylor (Jordon) Cloch, Jordan (Alex) Arribas, and Ryan (partner Pat Connaughten) Gareis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sue (Lane) Larrison.

For 41 years, Arthur practiced law in Chicago, starting with Legal Aid as a divorce attorney before transitioning to entertainment law. His true specialty was Workers’ Compensation Law, where he represented both defense and plaintiff cases. In 1980, he founded his own firm, working with esteemed colleagues like Jim Foley, Bob Goldman, and Arthur Philips. In addition, together with Mark Kreiter, Arthur did defense work in Workers Compensation Law, for the Chicago Tribune. In 2016, before retiring, he joined Goldstein, Bender, and Romanoff to continue his practice. Workers' compensation cases can have a profound impact on people's lives. Arthur was always proud of resolving these cases. It spoke to his dedication to helping individuals obtain the justice and support they deserve.

A natural leader, Arthur served as a trustee on the Riverwoods, IL board, and for over 27 years, he was an active member of the Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue in Wheeling, IL. His dedication to his community shone through his service on the synagogue board for 13 years, co-chairing the adult education program for 9 years, serving many years on the membership committee, and participating in several fundraising projects. Arthur was honored with the Maury Andes Award, a recognition of his dedication, humility, kindness, and compassion.

Memorial service Thursday, September 26, 2024, 11 AM at Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue, 200 West Dundee Road, Wheeling, IL 60090. Luncheon gathering immediately following at the synagogue from 12 PM - 2 PM. Shiva will be Thursday from 3 PM – 7 PM also at the synagogue. Arthur's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue, www.shir-hadash.org/ donations or the Greater Chicago Food Depository, www.chicagosfoodbank.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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Art was not just a great uncle but a true friend and an extraordinary soul whose presence I was so fortunate to have in our life. After Sue’s passing, it meant the world to me to have those moments of connection with both Art and Diane, sharing dinners and keeping in touch. I cherished our conversations—over a meal or through the texts we exchanged every few weeks. Art always had a way of making me feel cared for, looking out for me, my sisters, and our whole family. He was a remarkable man, and we were truly blessed to have been a part of his life.

Jim Larrison
September 6, 2024
We are so deeply saddened to hear about our cousin Art's passing. We loved Art. He was kind and witty, always gave us his undivided attention, which was so special.
We have so much history together. Throughout our lives, our cousins have celebrated holidays together with Art's family, Eva & Joe, Aunt Marion's family, and Uncle Marty's family. We turned our close cousin relationships into friendship. Art was a good friend and we will miss him.

With our most cherished memories and love,
Cousins Donna, Judy & Sheree

Donna Judy Sheree Bourget Katz Rootberg
September 6, 2024
please accept my deepest condolences on art’s passing.
i have so many small memories occurring during my years working with him at shir hadash.
he was a dedicated board member yet always made his opinions known.
he was also part of our social group with a handful of other synagogue folks. dinners and other outings were always an adventure. he was also in a spirited poker group with my late husband, michael.
and then there was his height which helped to create a memorable presence. rest well my friend.

deborah newberger
September 6, 2024
Arthur had a warm and contagious sense of humor. I am blessed to have been a part of the family. I am sure he is together now with Sue.

Abigail Larrison
September 6, 2024
Art was such a joy. My husband and I enjoyed his humor as well as deep conversations. We were also impressed with his marriage to Diane and their deep bond and mutual respect for each other. We missed seeing him the past few months and will continue to miss him going forward.
May his memory always be a blessing.

Alyssa Errigo
September 24, 2024
May his memory always be a blessing.

Alyssa Errigo
September 26, 2024
Diane, Your eulogy and that of the other 3 who spoke made me aware of aspects of Art's life with which I was unfamiliar. The slide show was also highly informative. I learned a great deal about Art. He was a fine man and I wish I had gotten to know him better., but geography made spending time with Art, and you as well, difficult. Difficult as it may be , I hope you are adjusting to your new life. Best regards for the coming year.

Robert Friedenberg
September 26, 2024