April 24, 2022

Minneapolis, MN – Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:

“Robert ‘Bob’ Latz, z”l dedicated his life to addressing the promise and challenges of our country and honoring the values of Judaism and the traditions of his family.

“Bob worked assiduously to improve lives through all three branches of Minnesota government: serving in the executive branch as an Assistant Attorney General enforcing Minnesota’s civil rights statutes; representing the north side of Minneapolis in the Minnesota legislative in the late 1950s and 1960s co-authoring Fair Housing legislation; and appearing in the courts of Minnesota representing those injured or victims of discrimination.

“Bob was always prepared to serve the times, needs and institutions of his community: community relations through the presidency of our JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas and the Urban Coalition of Minneapolis; decency and dignity through the Minneapolis Metropolitan Housing Corporation higher education as a regent for the University of Minnesota.

“We extend our condolences to his wife Carolyn and the legacy of their beautiful 60-year marriage: Sen. Ron Latz (Julia); Marty (Linda); Mickey and Shari (Mike Rothman) and eight grandchildren. As the son of a pioneering labor leader and organizer, Bob lived the teaching of the Pirkei Avot — Ethics of the Elders: ‘Know from where you came and where you go’ as he honored the vision of Hubert Humphrey and the ‘Bright Sunshine of Human Rights.’ May his memory be for a blessing.”

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As the public affairs voice of the Jewish community, the JCRC fights antisemitism and prejudice, advocates for Israel, provides Holocaust education, promotes tolerance and social justice, and builds bridges across the Jewish and broader communities.