Edward Litz, born on June 14, 1947, in Deadwood, South Dakota, passed away in Rapid City at Avantara Mountain View care facility on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024.

Eddie was proud to have grown up in the close-knit community of Deadwood and enjoyed retelling stories of breaking into the historic Adams House as kids with the “Washington Street Gang,” with whom he remained close throughout his life. After moving to Rapid City with his family, he became a proud member of Masonic Lodge #25 and Naja Shrine Club, an organization to which he was deeply dedicated and one that provided many years of wonderful memories.

Outside his work and community service life, Eddie found his greatest joy in the natural beauty of the Black Hills. He spent countless hours camping and dirt biking all over the Hills with his family, hunting, ‘plinkin’’, and fishing with friends - and was known to sink the occasional boat, shatter his leg ramping motorcycles, or get lost in the woods hauling an elk or deer back to the vehicle. His family worried about him every time he left the house when he went on his adventures! But above all, he was a devoted family man known for his generous spirit and willingness to help others in need. Eddie was a guy who never met a stranger.

He is survived by his daughters Jodi Litz (Echoe Johnson) and Amy Litz (John Smith); granddaughter Hannah Lehmkuhl; sisters Suzanne (Mac) Williams and Judy (Steve) Boegler; sister-in-law Eleanor Lawton; brother-in-law David (Bonnie) Stonefelt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Karen Litz; his parents, Irv and Violet Litz; mother and father-in-law, Hilding and Elvi Stonefelt; brother, Steve Litz; and sister, Kay Carr.

Ed will be remembered as a beloved grandfather to the granddaughter with whom he shared a birthday, a caring father, and a friend to all who knew him. As his granddaughter Hannah so aptly said, he was “The kindest, purest heart I will ever know.” He was the embodiment of generosity and goodness, and he will be greatly missed by many.

(In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Naja Shriners at https://www.najashriners.org/product/naja-donation/ or Stillwater Hospice at https://www.stillwaterhospice.com/donations)