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Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Longtime St. Louis area cyclist dies in crash

Michael A. Katz, 65, a longtime supporter of the Gateway Council of Hostelling International and a regular on Belleville Area Bicycling and Eating Society rides in the past, was killed Monday when a truck struck his recumbent bicycle at 6 a.m. in Creve Coeur, Mo. Details are sketchy because the Creve Coeur Police declined to reveal details of the accident, but you can read more about it at http://snipurl.com/michaelkatz.

The Belleville News-Democrat and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch both had more about Mike in their print editions Wednesday .

Brian Brueggemann of the News-Democrat had a nice article about Mike. Here's the link to the story: http://snipurl.com/mikekatzbnd

The Post-Dispatch ran its obituary on Mike: http://snipurl.com/mikekatzpd

As recently as this weekend, Mike was an active volunteer on the Peach Pedal ride at Eckert's in Belleville. The photo shown here is from the Cycle Across Missouri: An Excursion into Little Egypt ride in June. Mike also played a key role with the Turtles, which like the BABES is a loosely organized group affiliated with the Gateway Council.

Although Mike lived in Creve Coeur, he had a law practice in Collinsville, Ill., for 37 years. Mike's associate, Karl Wulff, said Mike started out in general practice then specialized in consumer bankruptcies in the latter part of his career.

"All of the judges and attorneys who he came across loved him professionally and respected him personally," Karl said.

Mike served as Karl's mentor, and the law firm, Katz & Wulff Attorneys at Law, retains Mike's name even though he retired from active practice five years ago.

"One of the things he taught me was that everyone had the right to representation," Karl said. "He didn't turn anyone away."

A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road in Chesterfield, Mo. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his daughter, Robin, and his son, Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Shaare Zedek Synagogue, 829 N. Hanley, St. Louis, MO 63130 or to the Gateway Council of Hostelling International, 7012 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117.

Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Roger 0 comments 12:05 AM