Beni Katz, M.D. Obituary (1929 - 2011)

Beni Katz, M.D., age 81, of Golden Valley, passed away January 12, 2011. Preceded in death by parents, Sonia &Leon Katz; parents-in-law, Sima & Henry Kaufman; brother-in-law, Leonard Kaufman. Beni is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Dalia; his adoring children, Sonia (Ron) Ungerman, Amy (Mark) Rotenberg, Dina (Matt) Cohen; 7 grandchildren, Mathew, Ariella, Sarah, Jacob, Max, Halle and Cece; sister-in-law, Celia Kaufman; niece, Michelle Kaufman & nephew, Stephen Kaufman, and members of the Badzin family. Beni was born January 16, 1929 in Havana, Cuba. He graduated from the University of Havana Medical School in 1954 and married the love of his life, Dalia, on March 11, 1956. They fled Castro’s Cuba in 1960 to Minnesota with the help of his cousins and sponsors, Fern & Bernie Badzin. Becoming a United States citizen was one of his proudest moments. Following his recertification of his medical credentials in the U.S., Beni dedicated the next three-plus decades to his wife, children and patients. He was a meticulous physician and surgeon with a particular passion for infertility issues. Dr. Beni brought thousands of babies into the world in over 38 years of practice. In addition, Beni was dedicated to his teaching as a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and he continued teaching into his retirement. Beni took great pride in his daughters and sons-in-law. He also received much joy from his seven grandchildren. In recent years Beni courageously lived with vascular dementia and maintained his dignity through his final days. We are eternally grateful to the nurturing staff at the Sholom Home West. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Funeral service THURSDAY 12 NOON, BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5224 W. 26th Street, St. Louis Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Beth El Synagogue or Sholom Home West. SHIVA at 1770 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis, Thurs., Sun. and Mon evening 7 pm.