Richard Z. Kabaker

Richard Z Kabaker, attorney, civic leader, fundraiser, brother, husband, father and friend, died on January 29, 2009, at his home in Middleton at the age of 73.   He was the first son of Herman and Eve Kabaker, and was born on February 22, 1935.   He is survived by his brother, Tom, his two children, Douglas Kabaker and Nancy Brodson, and four adoring grandchildren, Tyler and Ryan (Kabaker) and Michael and Sarah (Brodson).   His wife of nearly 41 years, Patsy, preceded him in death, passing away in 2005.   Richard was extremely active in the Madison community over the years, holding board positions with groups including Friends of WHA-TV, the Meriter Foundation, the UW Foundation and HospiceCare Inc. He was an avid sports fan, loving baseball and football, and had been an outstanding track athlete in his college years, winning Big Ten titles in the 100 and 200 yard distances while attending the University of Michigan.   Since 1972, when the family moved to Madison, Richard had spent his professional time teaching at the University of Wisconsin Law School, practicing law with private firms in Madison and working to better the community in so many ways.   For those that knew him and loved him, he will be terribly missed. A Memorial Service is being planned for February 22nd at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.   Information regarding the service and suggested sites for donations in his memory can be found at www.rzk-memorial.com .