Deaths

Emerich, Robert Lee In Stanford, Dec. 17. Age 94. Husband of Barbara Bine Emerich for almost 57 years. Father of Sally Kay Emerich, Carol Alma Emerich, Melvin Lee Emerich and Rene Ralph (and Patricia Robinson) Emerich. Grandfather of Robert Rene Emerich. Born in 1909 in Pueblo, Colo., to Benjamin Franklin Emerich and Caroline Unger. Moved to California with his mother, where he graduated from Menlo Preparatory School in Menlo Park and attended California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Electronics technician for Douglas Aircraft, Sierra Electronics and Lenkurt Electric. Owned Palo Alto’s Melody Lane Music with his wife for several years. Founding member of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills and involved in the synagogue’s brotherhood for many years. Active in the Los Altos “Father’s Frolics” performances, coordinating the backstage lighting and sound. Symphony and music theater patron. Donations to Robert Lee Emerich Musical Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1673, Cupertino, CA 95015.

Friedman, Lenore Lewis In Terra Linda, Jan. 2. Age 87. Wife of the late Seymour Friedman for 52 years. Mother of Joni (and Russell) Pratt, Jim Friedman and Judy Friedman. Grandmother of Jennifer and Michael Fogelman and Joey and Danny Friedman. Born in Montpelier, Idaho. Moved to Salt Lake City as a child with her family. Moved to San Francisco in 1966 with her family, where they were members of Congregation Emanu-El. Most recently a resident of San Rafael. Private memorial service was held in Tiburon. Donations to Special Olympics, 1325 G St., N.W., No. 500, Washington, DC 20005.

Harris, Ethel In Danville, Dec. 30. Age 95. Wife of the late Reuben Harris. Mother of Norman (and Esther) Harris and Phyllis (and Allan) Gorelick. Grandmother of Joel Harris, Marlene Common and Lynn, Barry, Joseph and Michael Gorelick. Great-grandmother of nine. Native of Russia. Immigrated to Canada and then Petaluma in 1946. Rossmoor resident for 27 years and most recently a resident of the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living. Owned and operated Petaluma Poultry Processors with her husband, where they employed many newly immigrated Holocaust survivors. Active member of many Jewish organizations, having raised donations by hosting fund-raisers. Services were held under the direction of Sinai Memorial Chapel. Donations to Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, c/o Mabel Quon, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA 94506.

Kaiser, Rabbi Robert A. At home in San Francisco, Dec. 24. Age 56. Son of Shirley G. Kaiser. Brother of Dr. Richard A. Kaiser and Samuel J. Kaiser. Born in Newburgh, N.Y. Graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1968. Ordained at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1973. Served congregations in Lincoln, Neb., and Palm Springs before moving to San Francisco 25 years ago. Served as Jewish chaplain at San Quentin State Prison for 17 years and chairman of the chaplain’s committee of the Board of Rabbis of Northern California. Active in many philanthropic organizations. Executive at Bear, Stearns & Co. in San Francisco for many years. Services were held at Temple Beth Jacob in Newburgh, N.Y., with interment at Temple Beth Jacob cemetery immediately following. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. Donations to Board of Rabbis of Northern California, 121 Steuart St., No. 301, S.F., CA 94105.

Key, Gertrude In Los Angeles, Nov. 19. Mother of Susan (and Dr. Felix) Kolb of Mill Valley and Gloria (and David) Moses. Grandmother of Pamela Pullman, Jeff Hayden and Lisa and Marc Kolb. Great-grandmother of Hart Pullman. Sister of Ted and Leonard Key. Died after a five-year struggle with heart disease. Born May 1, 1909, in Stockton. Realtor in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for 50 years. Affiliated with George Elkins Co. and Jon Douglas/Coldwell Banker in Beverly Hills and received awards for her work and leadership. Donations to Jewish Family and Children’s Services, 2150 Post St., S.F., CA 94115 or to Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903.

Kurlon, Nathan “Red” In San Rafael, Dec. 29. Age 89. Husband of Eve Kurlon for 67 years. Father of Mary Jean Kurlon, Sandra (and Leonard) Rosenberg and Michael (and Joyce) Kurlon. Grandfather of Leslie (and Stephen) Newbern, Lisa (and Rob) Ross, Alec (and Marilo) Rosenberg, Ivan Rosenberg and Sara and Katie Kurlon. Great-grandfather of Matthew and Charles Rosenberg and Lauren and Stephanie Newbern. Uncle and cousin to many family members in Minnesota. Fisherman and chess player. Private graveside services were held at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma, under the direction of Sinai Memorial Chapel. Donations to any Jewish charity of your choice.

Meyer, Joseph G. In San Francisco, Dec. 29. Age 79. Husband of Anna H. Meyer for 46 years. Father of Mark Daniel (and Anita) Meyer and the late Eleanor Michelle Meyer. Twin brother of Karl H. Meyer. Brother-in-law of the late Ada Meyer. Uncle of Steven M. Meyer and Michael D. (and Heather Sprung) Meyer. Cousin to many. Past president of Congregation Beth Sholom, the Golden Gate Chapter of B’nai B’rith and the Pacific Service Credit Union. Veteran of World War II, U.S. Army, 12th Armored Division. Funeral services were held at Sinai Memorial Chapel, S.F. Donations to the Eleanor M. Meyer Scholarship Fund, c/o Congregation Beth Sholom, 1301 Clement St., S.F., CA 94118.

Rantz, Robert “Bob” L. At home in San Francisco, Dec. 20. Husband of Valeska Rantz for 65 years. Father of Gayle (and Art) Rosenberg. Grandfather of Jill Murry and Steven Rosenberg. Born Dec. 26, 1911. Native San Franciscan. Founder of the Rantz Supply Co. Inducted as a charter member of the Poly High School Football Hall of Fame. Member of the San Francisco YMCA for 80 years. Member of Starr King Masonic Lodge No. 344 F&AM, the Shriners and Scottish Rite. Funeral services took place at Sinai Memorial Chapel, S.F., with interment at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, Colma. Donations to Hadassah, S.F. chapter, 131 Steuart St., No. 205, S.F., CA 94105; The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, 111 New Montgomery St., No. 208, S.F., CA 94105; or the charity of your choice.

Raphael, Ralph In San Mateo, Dec. 21. Age 94. Husband of the late Hazel Raphael for over 50 years. Father of Al and Herb Raphael. Grandfather of Sheri Carroll and Syndie (and Don) Martin. Great-grandfather of Amanda Martin and Garrett Carroll. Brother of Tootsie (and Billy) Veprin and Harold (and Suzanne) Raphael. Uncle, cousin and friend to many. Active member of the Starr King Masonic Lodge No. 344, F&AM and Scottish Rite. In the jewelry business for more than 50 years. Arrangements by Sinai Memorial Chapel. Graveside services were held at Salem Memorial Park, Colma. Donations to the American Heart Association, 120 Montgomery St., No. 1650, S.F., CA 94104.

Steinacher, Gerald F. In Los Altos, Jan. 3. Age 87. Husband of Anita Steinacher for 57 years. Father of Linda (and Steven) Wolan, Yvonne (and Les) Goldman and Bob (and Karen) Steinacher. Grandfather of Jennifer and Ben Wolan, Jonathan and Sam Goldman and Erik and Deena Steinacher. Brother of Elsbeth Bernheim (and her family) in Israel. Spent more than 50 years in the lighting field. Charter member of Congregation Beth Am. Memorial services were held at Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos Hills. Donations to Congregation Beth Am Library Fund, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 or Hebrew Free Loan Association — Steinacher Fund, 717 Market St., No. 555, S.F., CA 94103.