Funeral Details

Stephen Straus

May 12, 1934 - July 4, 2022

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Friday, July 8, 2022 at 12:30 PM

Service

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
303 Dodge Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60202
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Clergy

Rabbi Rachel Weiss
Cantor Howard Friedland
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation

Interment

Oak Woods Cemetery
1035 East 67th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637
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Shiva

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
303 Dodge Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60202
Get Directions
Friday following the funeral service until 4PM.
and
Straus Residence
872 Green Bay Road
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
Sunday from 12PM to 5PM.

Memorial Contributions

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
303 Dodge Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60202
www.jrctogether.org
and
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704
Hagerstown, Maryland 21741
www.cancer.org




OBITUARY

Stephen Straus, age 88, who tragically died at the Highland Park 4th of July parade. Beloved husband of Linda (née Jacobson). Loving father of Jonathan (Elizabeth Versten) Straus and Peter (Elissa Meryl) Straus. Proud grandfather of Tobias, Maxwell, Maisy and Oliver. Dear brother of Larry (Caryn) Straus. Stephen was known for his universal warmth and kindness, his strong sense of humor, and his love of the world. He could often be found at the Art Institute, at the symphony, or on his Metra ride downtown to work each day. Stephen loved to take in all that life had to offer, up to his last moments. He was remarkably sharp and fit for his age, and took daily walks or bike rides. He will be missed with heavy hearts by all who knew him. Service Friday 12:30PM at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, 303 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202. Interment Oak Woods Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, 303 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202, www.jrctogether.org and the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, www.cancer.org. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Stephen Straus below and we will share them with the family.
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So tragic. I am sending my love to you in this difficult time.

Deborah Ditkowsky
July 7, 2022
Steve was such a bright spot in our office-- always smiling & social. He will be deeply missed by his co-workers. My prayers are with his family during this horrible time.

jessica fischer
July 7, 2022
We are so very sorry. There are no words....

Jerilyn Perlman
July 7, 2022
I graduated with Steve from Hyde Park High School and ended up living in Highland Park just blocks from him. I was so upset upon learning of his death during the attack in town ...my thoughts are with the entire family at this most difficult time. Steve was quite the guy!
Iris (Fegenhols) Wittenberg

iris wittenberg
July 7, 2022
May he rest in peace and his legacy live forever I have been touch by stories of Mr. Straus and he has already touched the hearts of many from NC and places around the world my condolences to the family

Bianca Garcia
July 7, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Straus family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He always had a smile on his face the few times I met him. Peter and Jon used to say back in the 80's, "he's just like us"! Joking and goofing around. I thought that was so cool! (I recently tested positive for covid, so I'll just be able to make it to the live stream.)

Andy Simon
July 7, 2022
Linda and Family - This is your cousin Benji Isaacs - - Charlotte Jacobson’s oldest son - My mother and Brother Mark and I always thought Steve was the sweetest nicest man and I wish to extend my deepest condolences on your incalculable loss. I know you & Steve & family had more than 60 wonderfully joyous years together & just am heartbroken at your senseless loss - Please exten my best to your sister Ann as well



Benjamin Isaacs
July 8, 2022
To Linda, Chan, Peter, and the rest of the Straus family,

I know it is so hard to lose your father but to lose him in such an unexpected and tragic way makes it so much harder. All I can say is cherish the memories.

You have my heartfelt condolence,
Taki Ohno

Taki Ohno
July 8, 2022
To Linda, John, Peter and the rest of the family,

My deepest condolences go out to you during this terribly rough time. I think it’s always helpful to know that he is watching you. He knows what’s going on and he’s probably reading this. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful role model, husband, father, friend for so most of your life. Not to make light of how he passed away.
Side note- I loved that you played 2001 Space Odyssey theme music at his burial.

Hugs and Prayers,
xo


Julia Garsenstein
July 8, 2022
Linda, Jonathan, Peter and Straus family...to add to the lovely message from eldest brother, Ben---I remember Steve being such a wonderful mensch with great sense of humor and zest for life whenever we'd be together visiting. Sending love and light to all. xoxo Liz

Elizabeth Isaacs
July 8, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Straus family, may his memory be forever eternal. I don’t have words, but know that he is watching from up above. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Yours truly,
Angelo Tourloupis

Angelo Tourloupis
July 10, 2022
To Larry and the Stephen Straus Families,

Seventy-two years ago at camp I had a favorite person in the world in 1950 when you extended your kindness and support to me: you, the wise senior camper at 14; me, a first year camper from Toledo, Ohio. Today, in listening to the beautiful service for your beloved brother, Steve, I learned why you were a natural in reaching out to forge a relationship with me. You had a wonderful teacher and so much more in what your dear Steve meant to you and so many. You were very fortunate over 86 years and I was, too, in my young life to have known you during very meaningful years for me.

I extend my deepest condolences to you and the Strauss families who had Steve in their lives and now grieve for your and their tragic loss under devastating, unfathomable circumstances.

Yours truly,
Stephen Basch

Stephen Basch
July 20, 2022