Stifel Broker Killed in Highland Park Shooting

What You Need to Know

Stifel broker Stephen Straus was one of the seven people killed by a shooter at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
He was with the firm for over 24 years and worked as a broker for 54 years overall.

A Stifel broker who was with the firm for more than 24 years was one of the six people killed in the mass shooting during the July 4 parade in Highland Park, Illinois. A seventh shooting victim died on July 5, according to the Highland Park Police Department.

At least 24 people were injured, Highland Park Mayor Nancy R. Rotering said in a statement.

Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park, joined Stifel in March 1998 and was with the firm until his death, according to his report on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s BrokerCheck website.

In 54 years, there were no disclosures on his BrokerCheck report.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you Stephen Straus, a financial advisor in our Chicago office, was among the seven individuals killed in the tragic mass shooting in Highland Park … on July 4,” said Stifel CEO Ron Kruszewski in remarks sent to staff via email Wednesday afternoon. 

“Steve began his career in 1968 and joined the Stifel family in 1998. He continued to serve his valued clients at age 88, not because he had to, but because he wanted to, commuting to the office each morning by train,” Kruszewski explained. “He was always willing to share ideas … [and] was kind and gentle, warm hearted, and had a great sense of humor.”

“Steve looked out for the whole family,” said his niece, Cynthia Straus, in a statement shared by Stifel. “He was like a big, big oak tree, an umbrella of well-being for all of us. It’s a big loss.”