Edwin Blitz

Edwin Charles Blitz peacefully passed away at home on July 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, just three weeks shy of his 99th birthday. He was an extremely upbeat and positive person who loved life and the life he lived. Born on August 17, 1927, in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the third of four children born to Abraham Blitz and Libbie Greenberg Blitz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved Kim Blitz (Kim Kun Ok), and his siblings and spouses Herman Blitz (Jean Radwin), Gloria Sherow (Asher), and Ethel Rosenthal (Morton).

Edwin’s family moved to Dothan, Alabama in 1942 to open Blitz Delicatessen where Edwin joked, he was “chief dish and bottle washer.” Edwin was popular at Dothan High School where he was a starter on the basketball team and senior class president. He was recognized for his natural baritone and received voice lessons, participated in Glee Club, was in a barbershop quartet that performed at school dances and other events around town, and filled in as a cantorial soloist for a year at Temple Emanu-El. After graduating high school in 1945, Edwin attended his freshman year at the University of Alabama, then moved to Chicago where he worked in the accounting departing department at Edward Don & Company. He also sang professionally on evenings and weekends in synagogues and churches while living in the International House at the University of Chicago, where he made many friends from around the world. That prompted him to travel extensively through Europe in the summer of 1953. Edwin served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 and was stationed in Seoul, South Korea working for the U.S. Army Audit Agency when he met the love of his life, Kim. Edwin worked and attended Roosevelt University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Kim was finally able to immigrate to Chicago in 1957, and she and Edwin were married on March 26, 1959.

Edwin served clients as an insurance agent, pension consultant, and securities registered representative and broker/dealer for over 60 years, finally stepping away when he was 93. Upon his return after his military service, he joined Mutual of New York as an insurance agent in the late 1950’s. In 1962, he and several colleagues formed Jules W. Noble and Associates, a Registered Broker-Dealership. In 1978, Edwin broke away to form his own Registered Broker-Dealership, Edwin C. Blitz Investments, Inc., which was in operation until its sale to Kingsbury Capital, Inc. in July, 2015 and worked there until 2019. Edwin spent his final year in the securities industry with Cabot Lodge Securities, LLC and finally retired at the age of 93. Over several decades, Edwin was also a General Agent for the North American Company for Life and Health, and at many points qualified to attend meetings which he turned into wonderful and memorable family trips in beautiful locations in the U.S. and abroad. He loved his work and many of his clients and colleagues became lifelong friends that would call to talk, catch up, and reminisce even after he retired.

Edwin and Kim joined Temple Judea in 1965 and Edwin served on committees and the Board for many years, including as president from 1981-1985. He was also a lay leader, filling in for the rabbi and cantor during shabbat services. For many years, Edwin conducted high holiday services for patients at Skokie Valley Hospital. He was on the Board when neo-Nazis threatened to march in Skokie with Temple Judea Mizpah serving as a local community focal point where residents and leaders gathered for rallies and united to oppose the group’s planned demonstration.

Edwin was a much-beloved husband and father, completely devoted to his family and faith. He is survived by his children, Dr. Caryn Blitz, Dr. David Blitz and daughter-in-law Karen Sackheim, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends, colleagues and extensive mishpacha. Edwin was also loved by, and the family is so grateful to, the staff at Brightstar Care Northbrook, especially his caretakers Natashia Wade and Cheffon Robinson, and his longtime pal and co-conspirator, Jinky Maliao. Edwin was known for his spark and wit, and his ability to engage in conversation with anyone, young or old. He was loved and admired as a sweet, kind, gentle, fair, loyal, dependable, funny, and trustworthy man whose keen mind and sense of humor were intact until the day he died. He was a true mensch.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Edwin’s favorite causes: The Southern Poverty Law Center, splcenter.org, Magen David Adom, afmda.org and Democratic candidates in tight races

Chapel service, Monday August 10, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.

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Service Information

Service : Monday, August 10th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights