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Obituaries

  • November 18, 2014 | People
    Jerry J. Burgdoerfer 1958-2014

    Jerry J. Burgdoerfer, 56, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away September 17, 2014, following a five year battle with multiple myeloma, with his spouse and partner in life, Sam Tek Tang, at his bedside. In addition to Sam, Jerry is survived by his parents, Barbara and Jerry Burgdoerfer; his brothers Steven (Jennifer) Burgdoerfer, Jeffrey Burgdoerfer, and Stuart (Laney) Burgdoerfer; his nieces Jennifer, Heather, Prentice and Abigail; and his nephews Greg, Erik, John and Jack. Jerry and Sam were married on February 10, 2014, in one of the first same-sex marriages performed under the new Illinois law, after eleven years as life partners.

    Jerry was born May 3, 1958 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. During Jerry's early years the family lived in New York, New Jersey and Wisconsin, as his father climbed the corporate ladder, before setting down roots in Brookfield, Connecticut, where Jerry graduated from high school in 1976. As a young man, Jerry enjoyed working with cars and electronics, and developed a love of music which he carried throughout his life.

    Jerry loved spending time with his brother Steve on their DuraNautic boat on Candlewood Lake. Jerry earned three degrees at Indiana University - Bloomington: B.S., 1980, from the School of Business; M.B.A. and J.D., cum laude, 1983. Jerry was a member, and a generous supporter, of the social fraternity Phi Delta Theta - Indiana Alpha chapter at IU Bloomington.

  • November 18, 2014 | People
    Michael S. Sigal 1942-2014

    Michael S. Sigal began his law career in the late 1960s with a firm that soon merged with the Chicago office of Sidley Austin, where he gained a national reputation for his focus on corporate governance and executive compensation.

    "He inaugurated our executive compensation practice," said colleague Tom Cole, former chairman of the firm's executive committee. "It was a combination of his skills as a lawyer and his personal attentiveness that really made him very effective."

    Mr. Sigal, 72, who retired earlier this year as a partner and senior counsel, died of complications from Crohn's disease Wednesday, Oct. 15, in Highland Park Hospital, according to his wife, Kass. He was a longtime resident of Bannockburn.

    Mr. Sigal played a key role in a number of high-profile deals, according to Sidley Austin. In KPMG Consulting Inc.'s $2.3 billion initial public offering, Mr. Sigal worked on the separation and spinoff of KPMG Consulting and a $1 billion investment by Cisco Systems Inc. in KPMG Consulting.

    He was also a talented recruiter and mentor who brought a number of young lawyers to the firm, including many from his alma mater, the University of Chicago Law School. "He was a star at bringing in new lawyers and developing that talent," said another Sidley Austin colleague, H. Bruce Bernstein, who was recruited by Mr. Sigal.

    Read the full obituary in the Chicago Tribune

  • November 11, 2014 | People
    Robert Lee Douglas 1936-2014

    The Crawford County legal community is mourning the death of long-time Robinson attorney Robert Douglas.

    Douglas died early Tuesday at Crawford Memorial Hospital. The Oblong native was 77.

    Retired Circuit Judge David Correll, who started his legal career with Douglas' firm in 1974, remembered Douglas as tough and fearless.

    "You would never feel Bob was intimidated by any individual or any situation," Correll said. "He wasn't afraid of public feedback and didn't shy away from what might be categorized as negative public opinion."

    "Nobody fought harder for a client than Bob Douglas," Mattoon attorney Fred Johnson said.

    "He was well-respected through out the legal community and remembered for his zealous advocacy for his clients in and out of the courtroom," Crawford County Associate Judge Mark Shaner said.

    "Even though he tried some extremely controversial cases, he believed in fighting for the law," Marie Douglas, his wife of 54 years, added. "He truly, truly loved the law."

    "Bob and I spent decades sharing the same mistress - the law," Robinson attorney Mark Weber said.

    "He was my toughest and most ethical opponent for more than 50 years," Weber added, saying he and all members of the bar were in mourning. "My condolences to his spouse and my friend, Marie, and to Clint, his son."

    "I've known Bob for over 25 years and have always had the deepest respect for him," Crawford County Circuit Clerk Angela Reinoehl said. "My condolences to his family."

  • November 9, 2014 | People
    Edward Hugh Rawles 1945-2014

    Edward Hugh Rawles of White Heath passed away suddenly from an aortic aneurysm on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. He was 69.

    An accomplished attorney, he successfully advocated for his clients across a wide range of legal issues. Raised in Champaign, he attended St. Mary's and Holy Cross schools and was in the Class of '63 at Champaign Senior High. Ed was an alum of the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and received his law degree from Chicago Kent, where he was valedictorian.

    He is survived by his daughters, Lee Rawles and Jacklyn Dixon; and son-in-law Justin Dixon, who will always cherish the devotion he showed to them.

    He was a man who threw himself into many interests and hobbies, including scuba diving, photography, golf, hunting, fishing, gymnastics, model building, tennis, cycling and racing cars. Ed was a founding member of the Falling Illini skydiving club. He had a deep love of nature and the outdoors, and particularly enjoyed his work as a master gardener with the UI Extension.

    He was very involved in many professional organizations, including the Champaign County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He was a member of Champaign Rotary West for many years.

  • November 5, 2014 | People
    William Ketcham 1930-2014

    William R. Ketcham, age 84, of Oak Park, formerly of Dundee, IL; passed away on Oct. 17, 2014. He was born in Oak Park on April 29, 1930.

    Mr. Ketcham practiced law in Kane County for many years before his retirement in 2010. He also served as States Attorney for Kane County from 1964 to 1972.

    He was the beloved husband of Barbara nee Troutman; loving father of Susan (James) Gilchrist, Linda Ketcham (Kim Fisher), Carolyn Ketcham (Peter Warshaw) and the late William Jeffery Ketcham; loving grandfather of Colleen (Nathan) Hintz and Holly (fiancé Nate Mohr) Gilchrist, Minna Ketcham and Ariel and Gabriel Warshaw; great-grandfather of Emeline Hintz.

    In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners Hospital for Children (shrinershospitalsforchildren.org) are appreciated.

  • November 5, 2014 | People
    John C. Potter 1938-2014

    John C. Potter, 76, of Farmington passed away following a head injury on Oct. 11, 2014, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

    He had battled with cancer for more than two years prior to his accident.

    He was born Aug. 27, 1938, in Oxford, Neb., to Russell and Lillian (Negley) Potter.

    He is survived by his wife, Connie; his brother, Glenn Potter of Avon; two daughters, Kate Potter of Farmington and Kris Percy of Fullerton, Calif.; two stepdaughters, Angie Renner of Farmington and Alicia Mathison of Peoria; one stepson, Aaron Pensinger of Farmington; three grandchildren; and 10 stepgrandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Katherine Schendel; and one brother, James M. Potter.

    John was a practicing attorney in Farmington for 42 years in the law firm of Baudino, Potter & Maas, and later with Froeling, Weber and Schell, where he was of counsel. He was an active member of the Peoria and Fulton County bar associations and served one term as president of the latter.

  • November 5, 2014 | People
    Michael O'Malley 1953-2014

    Michael Joseph O'Malley, born June 20, 1953, died Oct. 11, 2014, at home with his family, following a battle with cancer.

    Michael had a long and distinguished legal career, beginning in private practice with his father, and serving as both an Assistant State's Attorney and Assistant Public Defender in St. Clair County, Ill. He was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge on Feb. 1, 1985, and elected as a Circuit Judge on Nov. 6, 1990. Judge O'Malley was honored to serve the 20th Judicial Circuit, St. Clair County, Illinois, for 25 years, until his retirement in 2010. After retiring from the bench, he enjoyed a return to private practice with the firm of Carey, Danis & Lowe, LLC, with whom he worked until his death. Judge O'Malley had a passion for the law and relished a deep comradery with his colleagues.

    Michael always will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, his quick wit, his joie de vivre, and his kind nature. He will be dearly missed by many.

    He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his father, Edward F. O'Malley; his father-in-law, August J. "Gus" Feldker; and his stepbrother-in-law, Larry Shannahan.

  • October 22, 2014 | People
    John E. Juergensmeyer 1934-2014

    Longtime Elgin attorney John E. Juergensmeyer, who was killed in a small plane crash Sunday night near Plano, was remembered as an energetic man with a passion for social causes.

    Juergensmeyer, 80, who had a pilot's license for about 35 years, was flying a small plane while coming back from visiting his older brother at a nursing home in Carlinville, Illinois, his widow, Betty Juergensmeyer said.

    The twin-engine turbo prop passenger plane crashed at about 9:45 p.m. in an open field at 15900 Griswold Springs Road in Kendall County, about 60 miles southwest of Chicago, the Illinois State Police said. Juergensmeyer was part owner of the plane, his wife said.

    The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. ABC 7 reported a helicopter with night vision found the plane in a cornfield.

    An autopsy will be conducted Tuesday, the Kendall County coroner's office said.

    Juergensmeyer made the 90-minute trip to visit his brother about once a month, his widow said.

    Her husband was passionate about his family and about Wesley United Methodist Church, she said.

    The couple, married for 51 years, have two daughters, Margaret and Frances. They met when he was in law school and she was in graduate school, Betty Juergensmeyer said.

    "He was type A," she said. "Very energetic. Very driven. Outgoing and passionate."

  • October 14, 2014 | People
    Joseph B. Carini Jr. 1934-2014

    Joseph B. Carini, Jr, 80. Beloved husband of 55 years to the late Barbara F. Carini, nee Fischer. His practical wisdom and thoughtful guidance endeared him to his seven children; Christian, Julia, David, Joseph III, Anne, Daniel and Mary. Devoted father-in-law to Laureen Bird, Carolyn Coyne, Maureen Craddock, Matthew Maddock, Frances Demos and Patrick McKenna; cherished Nonu of Catherine, John, Michael, Daniel, Kelly, Patrick, Frances, Dominic, Grace, Kailey, Joseph IV, Elizabeth, Matthew, Carolyn, Francesca, Christian, Maria, Jane and Julia: dear brother-in-law of Mary Ann (the late Roger) Anderson and the late Edwin (Diane) Fischer; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Joseph was a proud graduate of St. Mary of the Lake, St. George High School, Loyola University and Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

    In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericorda Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 or Midwest Palliative Care, 2050 Claire Ct., Glenview, IL 60025 would be appreciated.

  • October 9, 2014 | People
    Jack M. Siegel 1926-2014

    Jack M. Siegel was an expert in municipal law and a trusted and respected adviser to a succession of town leaders in a career that spanned more than 50 years as village attorney for both Schaumburg and Arlington Heights. Mr. Siegel was also village attorney for Riverwoods and had been corporation counsel for Evanston for 47 years.

    "He was the only village attorney we've ever had," Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson said. Larson said Mr. Siegel was not only a wise counselor but a vigorous defender of his town's interests.

    "He was just a soft-spoken, gentle man until he got into court, and then he was a ferocious tiger — or so I've heard," Larson said.

    Mr. Siegel, 88, who lived in Wilmette for more than 50 years, died of complications from cancer Tuesday, Sept. 23, in hospice in NorthShore Evanston Hospital, according to his wife, Jeanne.

    For the last 15 years, Mr. Siegel was with the Chicago office of Holland & Knight. Steven Elrod, the executive partner in the Chicago office, agreed with Larson's assessment of Mr. Siegel.

    "I've observed the transformation of Jack Siegel from soft-spoken intellectual to the tenacious litigator," Elrod said.

    He appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court twice on behalf of suburban towns, an experience he listed among the highlights of his career when celebrating his 50th anniversary with Arlington Heights in 2011.