Ruth Callmann
Nov. 5, 1918–Oct. 15, 2011
Ruth Callmann was born in Berlin. Growing up in Germany she enjoyed the exciting life of a Jewish child before the reign of terror began there. Her memories were that she was a happy child with many friends and experiences that provided the grounding that served her well in the future.
With her family she moved to Shanghai, China for refuge in 1940. Her passport from that time reflects the “J” that marked her membership in the Jewish faith. That membership was the bedrock for the remainder of Ruth’s life.
In 1947, Ruth came to America and settled in San Francisco along with many others from the Jewish community in Shanghai. Shortly thereafter she took a position at Letterman Army Medical Center, where she served for more than 50 years. In addition to her duty position in the Legal Office, she was a leader in the program for Jewish personnel on the post. Ruth lived in an apartment in the Marina District and could walk to work at the Presidio. Ruth’s service for our government and service members lasted until the Presidio of San Francisco as a military facility was closed.
From the time of her arrival in America, she was an active, vocal, energetic, fiercely independent and opinionated member of Congregation B’nai Emunah. Apart from those she met, worked with, and served at Letterman, Ruth’s life revolved around the B’nai Emunah family. She led the march of the children at services, she served on the Board, she volunteered in the office, and she in general was always around to help and participate. Ruth loved the singing and the dancing, and the onegs. Ruth was an enthusiastic participant in the synagogue’s annual Rabbi Kenneth Zwerin Memorial Retreat in Sonoma. On several occasions Ruth went for a midnight swim in the pool there, even in the rain. She reveled in travel, most recently to Israel and a return trip to China with fellow congregants. She loved children, good food, happy people, and an occasional martini or bottle of beer. Ruth was fun and embraced life, and that is how she will be remembered.
Ruth served for many years on the Jewish Community Relations Council as the B’nai Emunah representative. She was particularly thrilled to be involved in the 2010 Jews in Shanghai exhibit at the Officer’s Club in the Presidio, where she happily led tours and gave interviews about her time in Shanghai.
Ruth is survived by her brother Erich, and his children, Clarissa Bencan, Luther Callmann, Eric Callmann and Ingrid Callmann. Ruth’s parents were George Callmann, born in Poland, and Edith Glaser Callmann, who was born in Berlin.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at Sinai Memorial Chapel, San Francisco, followed by interment at Salem Memorial Park, Colma.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
Robert B. Elfont
Robert B. Elfont passed away at the age of 86 on Oct. 1, 2011. Born in San Francisco, he was a graduate of Washington High School, U.C. Berkeley and UCLA. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, and was a hospital administrator during his professional life. Bob was a past president of Rossmoor B’nai B’rith and an avid Cal football fan. He viewed life through rose-colored glasses and always had a smile.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Dorothy, son Jeff, granddaughter Becky, nieces Barbara, Carolyn, Marlene and Stephanie and nephew George. He was buried on Wednesday October 5, 2011 at the Hills of Eternity cemetery in Colma, CA.
Louis Julian Hoechstetter
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. Husband of the late Ann Frank Hoechstetter and Dollie Ingram McNeill Hoechstetter. Father of Wendy Ann Hoechstetter of Mill Valley, CA, and David Frank Hoechstetter of Pittsburgh. Grandfather of Ricky and Marissa Hoechstetter.
Dr. Hoechstetter was a WWII Army Air Corps veteran and pilot, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Hoechstetter spent 20 years in the furniture business before going on to a career in psychology at the Florida State Hospital and he was active in the Boy Scouts.
Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Pittsburgh, PA; interment in West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.
Helene Kanarek
Helene Kanarek, nee Furman, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Oct. 12 following a long illness. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Jesse, their daughters Deborah Kanarek, Abbe Patterson and Lizbeth Smith (husband Owen), stepson David Kanarek (wife Alexis), and grandchildren Jordan, Emily, Matthew, Kayla, Daryn, Rachel and Neil.
Helene was an active member of the Jewish Community and served as president of the local Hadassah chapter. She was devoted to her family and friends, and beloved by all who knew her. A memorial service was held at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills.
Sinai Memorial Chapel