Steven James Litz

Steven James Litz, 62, Black Hawk, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Rapid City Regional Hospital following a long and difficult illness.Steve was born February 4, 1950 in Deadwood. He grew up and attended Deadwood High School. He married Patsy Larive in 1969 in Denver, CO. Shortly following the birth of their children, they moved back to Deadwood and Steve started his career in auto mechanics. Steve quickly gained the reputation of a wizard when it came to diagnosing and repairing stubborn mechanical problems.Steve eventually moved to Texas, then to Oregon and finally to California where his illness demanded he moved back to the Black Hills to be near family. Steve never met a stranger and was quick to help anyone who needed it. He will be missed by all who knew him.Survivors include his daughter, Paulette Litz-Fode and friend Les O’Connell; son, James Litz and wife, Paige; 5 grandchildren, Emily, Jaxon and Griffin Fode, Chazz and Mason Litz; 3 sisters, Suzanne (Mac) Williams, Phoenix, AZ, Judy (Steve) Boegler, Anchorage, Alaska, Kay (Ed) Carr, Lead; a brother, Eddie (Karen) Litz, Rapid City and several nieces and nephews.