Theodor J. "Ted" Litman Obituary (1932 - 2024)

Dr. Theodor J. “Ted” Litman, age 91, of St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully on April 22nd, 2024, after a long battle with Lewy Body Syndrome. Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Sam and Leone (West Duluth). Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Brenda; sons, Gregg and Scott (Paula); brother, Jeff (Marilyn); grandchildren, Mia and Shane (23), Jackie (20), and Chase (17); nieces, Kim Bradley and Jodi Jacobs; brother-in-law, Jerry Berkman (Berkeley, CA); sister-in-law, Susan Kane (Tucson, AZ); and daughter-in-law, Kari Berman. Ted graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School, where he was later inducted into its Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements. He then attended the University of Minnesota, where he showed up as a freshman and didn’t leave until moving out of his Emeritus office a few years ago. Ted was a respected professor and pioneer in the field of medical sociology and director of the Doctoral Studies Program in Hospital and Healthcare Administration (1967-87). He edited the first four editions of Health Politics and Policy and chaired the Task Force on Long Term Care, Association of University Programs in Hospital Administration (1968-79). Ted was a passionate Gopher fan who endured so many tough losses, but sure savored the big victories – skipping their last Rose Bowl in 1962 (a decision he would regret for decades to come) but enjoying his trips to San Antonio and Indianapolis for the basketball team’s 1997 Final Four run – passing his Gopher obsession to the next two generations of Litmans. He was a dedicated baseball coach, who volunteered for almost three decades in St. Louis Park Little Leagues, winning championships, coaching all-star teams, overseeing the player draft, organizing the push for lights at Skippy Field, and establishing the Ted Litman Tournament, a unique event devoted to last place teams, “where last can be first.” He was a supportive husband, who navigated the transition to microwave meals when Brenda went back to the University to pursue her passion as an artist, using a special formula to painstakingly hang her paintings at their ideal heights at dozens (if not hundreds) of art shows over the years. Our family would like to thank the devoted support of Ted’s caregivers, Karen, DeeDee, Sue, Jariatu, Miatta, Michael, and Rihanna, who felt like extra members of the family while helping manage his illness. Funeral service 1:00 pm THURSDAY, April 25th at BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5225 Barry St. W., St Louis Park. Burial at TEMPLE OF AARON CEMETERY, 1690 Dale Street, Roseville, will be followed by a meal at Beth El, to which all are invited. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Dr. Theodor James and Brendalee Litman Scholarship, to provide assistance to Doctoral students in the Division of Health Policy and Management. Memorials may be sent to: University of Minnesota Foundation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266, or online at https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=25449 . Please mention the Dr. Theodor James and Brendalee Litman Scholarship. Funeral service available on Zoom at www.hodroffs.com/TedLitman