Joni Litvak
Third-generation Denverite Joni Litvak passed away on December 17, 2023, at the age of 91. Mrs. Litvak’s death came shortly less than two months after the passing of her husband, Larry Litvak. A service was held on December 19 at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Cantor Elizabeth Sacks. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born on October 25, 1932, Mrs. Litvak (née Iskow) grew up in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, attending East High School, the University of Missouri and CU. Her grandfather, Dr. Emanuel Friedman, was one of Denver’s first pediatricians.
In 1952, Joni was introduced to Larry Litvak by their mutual friend, former federal judge Sherman Finesilver. They married late that year, and their marriage began while Mr. Litvak was stationed at the US Army base in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. They were a couple for nearly 71 years before Mr. Litvak’s death in October, 2023.
“In an era in which women were still primarily caregivers and household managers, Joni refused to be defined solely by her role as a mother, even though she was completely devoted to her family,” her family said. “Joni was always engaged in the world, keenly aware of current events and interested in arts and culture.
“She loved family trips to New York City, taking in Broadway shows, museum exhibitions and meals at the latest cutting-edge restaurants.
“In spite of her own medical struggles, she showed remarkable determination in caring for Larry, as he battled Parkinson’s Disease during the past several years.
“She carried on a legacy of compassion, dedication to family and community, serving as an inspiration to many.”
Survivors are sons Joseph (Lee Edelman) Litvak, Daniel Litvak, Ronald (Amy Gaines) Litvak and Edward (Traven Rice) Litvak; daughter-in-law Patricia Litvak; sister Mimi Karsh; grandchildren Gregory (Kendra) Douglas, Brian and Benjamin; step-grandmother to Whitney Gaines; and great-grandchildren Tatum and Carson.
Contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel, Shalom Park or JFS.
Steven Metzler
Holocaust survivor Steven Metzler died on January 1, 2024. He was 99. A service was held on January 5 at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Joseph Black. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Born on June 10, 1924 in Deda Bistra, Romania, Mr. Metzler was deported to Auschwitz during WW II. He immigrated to Denver in 1950.
Mr. Metzler was in the electric repair business before turning to real estate.
He also appeared in a number of Holocaust documentary films “Looking for Roots Finding Flowers,” and “Paperclips.”
“Steve possessed a will so strong that he never allowed himself to feel like he was defeated,” his family said.
“He vowed to himself that he would survive and someday build a house in Israel.
“Later in life he fulfilled that vow, in Zichron Yaakov, Israel.
“He lived a full life propelled by his self-confidence, eternal optimism and strength.”
Survivors are daughter Susan (Hal) Jacobson; grandchildren Daniel (Clare) and Lee Jacobson; and niece Shula.
Albert Bialek
New York City resident Albert Bialek died on October 29, 2023, at the age of 89. A service was held on November 10 at Mt. Hebron Ceremony in Queens, NY, officiated by Cantor Debra Stein of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons.
Mr. Bialek was the brother-in-law of Rabbi Howard (Sari Horovitz) Hoffman of Denver and the late Nona (Jerry) Feiner, among other Denver-area relatives.
Born on December 10, 1933, Mr. Bialek began his real estate career renting apartments in New Jersey; he transitioned to his own commercial real estate business.
Mr. Bialek married Shelia Hoffman in August, 1986. They were a couple until Mrs. Bialek’s passing in April, 2022.
“Always gregarious, considerate and supportive, Albert was universally beloved and respected,” his family said.
Survivors are brother-in-law Rabbi Howard (Sari Horovitz) Hoffman; and nieces and nephews Mark (Cynthia) Bialek, Jordan (Sherea) Bialek, Lori Feiner Goldberg, Wendy Feiner (David) Dworkin, Ari (Miriam) Hoffman, Yehoshua (Elisheva) Hoffman and Chanan Hoffman.
Contributions may be made to the JNF Resilience Fund.
Copyright © 2024 by the Intermountain Jewish News
