Litz, John Philip Obituary

Litz, John Philip attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Litz, John Philip.

Graduation Year	Class of 1941
Date of Passing	Dec 26, 2013
About	Published: Friday, January 3, 2014 12:38 PM PST ????John Philip Litz, longtime resident of the Elk Grove and Sacramento areas died Dec. 26, 2013 of complications from pneumonia. He was 92. Mr. Litz was born Dec. 13, 1921 in Billings, Mont. to Rosina and Philip Litz, one of seven children. The family briefly homesteaded in Montana but mainly farmed in Hosmer, North Dakota until famine forced their migration to Elk Grove in 1937; all nine of them and their belongings in a Model A with the four oldest including John strapped to the fenders the entire way. In Elk Grove the children attended Elk Grove schools and John graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1941. As a young man he worked the hop farms out on Jackson Road and also worked for the Foulks family in their orchards. He regularly attended class reunions until 2010. Five of the Litz boys served in the armed forces during World War II. John served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. He was assigned to the 312th bomb group and in the 387th A-20 light bomber squadron (nicknamed “The Roaring Twenties”). His service included time stationed in the Philippines, Australia and the Guineas, and he attended annual reunions held throughout the United States with his air group for more than 20 years until 2009. Mr. Litz married Anita Carrye Kamprud in 1950 and following their divorce married Betty Jean Gould Short in 1961. He drove a long haul truck for many years until he became a dispatcher for a local trucking company. He worked for his youngest brother, Roland in his construction business, and in retirement he delivered flowers for a local flower shop. His family said that he was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and “it was quite an exciting moment for John to finally see the Giants take, not only one, but two World Series.” In the 1960s he played in his church’s softball league and it was said he was a dynamite underhand pitcher. Mr. Litz was preceded in death by his sister Elsie Bieber; brothers Herbert, Edwin, Irvin and Ted Litz; sons Robert Earl and Gary Leroy Short; granddaughter Lori Lynne Podesto and grandson Jesse Short. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty; children Cara Podesto, Dianne Litz, Edgar Short and partner Art Braud, and Gary and Ronald Highland; and his brother, Roland Litz. Mr. Litz leaves behind grandchildren Julie Short Coleman, Scott Short, Melinda Miller Boyette, Matthew Short Miller, Marty Short Miller, Zachary Miller, Rachelle Miller, Lisa, Gary and John Podesto, and Jason and Michael Samaritano; and 18 great-grandchildren. The family extends special thanks to Garlyn and Rolando Hora and Arcelia and Ray, caregivers for both John and Betty. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 7595 Center Parkway, Sacramento, followed by a light lunch. Remembrances may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018. - Information from the Elk Grove Citizen