William Rosenbaum

Madison- William ""Bill"" Rosenbaum passed away on January 20, 2009 .   Born on June 12, 19 23 , he was raised on an eighty acre farm north of Merrill , WI .   Having graduated from the one room Cotter school and the Merrill High School, Bill enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he was self supporting.   His college education was interrupted by the three years he served in the army in World War II; including combat in Germany as an infantryman in the 89th Division, a unit of Gen. Patton's 3rd Army. After returning to the university, he received his B.A. in economics in 1948 and his law degree in 1950.   Hired by the Madison law firm then known as Rieser and Mathys, he practiced law at the firm during his entire professional life.   Although he retired as the senior partner on December 31, 1988 , Bill remained ""of counsel"" at Stafford , Rosenbaum, LLP until 2003. On August 27, 19 49 , Bill and Luverne Dietrich were married in West Allis , WI .   He is survived by Luverne, daughter Sue, son Bill and his wife Peggie and grandchildren Alex and Callie.   Three sisters and his parents predeceased him. Luverne and Bill traveled to many countries of the world creating many pleasant memories.   A tenor, Bill sang as a soloist and in choruses including the University Men's Chorus and for many years the Madison Symphony Chorus, as well as his church choir.   In addition to travel and music, he enjoyed gardening, especially working in his large rock garden at their former west side home. From the time of his infant baptism, Bill has been a lifelong Lutheran.   Since 1953 he has been a member of St. John's Lutheran Church .   He was a long time member of East Madison Optimist Club.   Other activities in which Bill participated include Monona Grove School Board, Oakwood Village , Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Lutheran Campus Ministry.   He had also served on the board of governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin.   In February 2006, the Madison Rotary Club awarded its Senior Service award to Bill for his many volunteer and pro bono community activities. A memorial service for Bill will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church , 322 E. Washington Ave. , Madison on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 11 o'clock with Pastor Ken Smith presiding.   Visitation at 10 o'clock will precede the service.   Following the service, the family will host a luncheon at Oakwood Village West, 6165 Mineral Point Road , Madison . In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church or to the Madison Symphony Orchestra.