George Durchslag
July 15, 1934–May 28, 2015
Redwood City
Born to Abraham and Irene Durchslag in Kodice, Czechoslovakia. Preceded in death by his brother Mordechai and sister Audri Durchslag-Litt. Survived by wife Joanne, daughters Cili, Cindi and Jill and nephew Daniel Litt.
Holocaust survivor. Played goalkeeper for the undefeated USF Dons soccer team in the 1950s, and in 1990 was inducted into the USF Hall of Fame. Played semi-pro soccer with Hakoah A.C. in San Francisco.
Met his one and only love, Joanne, in 1952 while playing volleyball at the Jewish Community Center in San Francisco. In 1959 they married and soon after started a family in San Francisco. In 1971 they relocated to Redwood City, where George resided for the rest of his years. He retired from his career at Edison Brothers in 1996 and enjoyed his retirement.
He was devoted to his family and friends, loved playing tennis, watching sports and caring for his animals. George has been recruited to play goalkeeper for team “Heavenly Hakoah” and will be joining his best friend and teammate, Abe Mordokowicz, along with most of his other teammates, friends and loved ones.
Daniel Henry Sattler
Daniel Henry Sattler (1923-2015) passed away May 29. Henry was born to Felicja and Samuel Sattler in Crakow, Poland, where he lived until the beginning of World War II with his parents and one brother, Michael. During the war he was imprisoned in three extermination camps: Cracow-Plaszow, portrayed in the film “Schindler’s List,” then Auschwitz and, finally, Dachau. He was liberated by the U.S. Army on April 30, 1945 during a trip on a cattle train to the Bavarian Alps, where the final execution was to take place.
He eventually made his way to New York, where he married Karin Spiegel and raised two children, Michael and Felicia, in New Jersey. He moved to the Bay Area to be near his family in 2003. He is survived by his two children and grandchildren Isaac, Lila, Siegmund and Analie, and will be greatly missed.
Services were held at Sinai Memorial Chapel in S.F. followed by interment at Home of Eternity in Oakland.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636
Rita Shifs
Rita Shifs passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29 at the age of 92. Born on Sept. 22, 1922 to the late Miriam and Jedediah Brenner. Beloved wife of the late Jerome Shifs. Devoted mother of Donald (Masha) Shifs and Arlene Kilkenny. Adoring grandmother of Sandy (Sean) O’Brien, Melanie (Frank) Sarubbi, Spencer Shifs, Darren (Tabbatha) Berger and Jennifer (Stanley) Clogston. Loving great-grandmother of Carter and Jonah Sarubbi, Miranda, Talia and the late Jessica Clogston. Dear sister of Beatrice Brown. A sister-in-law, aunt and dear friend to many.
Rita was a native San Franciscan who lived independently in her own home until the age of 89. At that time she moved to Novato to be near Don and his family. She quickly came to love living in Marin and spent many happy holidays, birthdays and family gatherings with them. She looked forward to Fridays and attending the Senior Shabbat Lunch at the Osher Marin JCC where she made many friends.
Rita lived a good life and will be missed. The family is grateful for the caring staff at Creekwood Assisted Living in Novato, and Hospice of Marin.
Funeral services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory and celebrating her life may be made to the Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael CA 94903.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636