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Professor Paul H. Brietzke

Professor Paul H. Brietzke obituary

Paul Brietzke Obituary

PROFESSOR PAUL H. BRIETZKE 1944 - 2013
Professor Paul H. Brietzke died on January 2, 2013, at home with his family, following a brief illness. Born in Chicago, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Lake Forest College, received his J.K. from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D from the University of London. For 43 years, he was a law professor and scholar of the law. During his career, he taught law at the University of Malawi, Haile Selassie University (Ethiopia), Brunel University (UK), and for the last 34 years, at Valparaiso University School of Law. He was Fulbright Professor of Law at universities in Vietnam and Malaysia. In addition, he served as an overseas legal education and legal reform consultant in a number of countries including Indonesia, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and China. Professor Brietzke was an avid reader and scholar who wrote more than 60 books, articles, and chapters on a wide variety of topics including international legal education and economic/legal reform, the role of witchcraft in Malawi's traditional courts, and climate change in the developing world. His non-academic passions included photography, and his travels gave him many opportunities to indulge this interest. For the past 20 years he has been an active member of the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is survived by his wife, Susan J. Adams, Ogden Dunes, Indiana; his son, Dr. Colin A. Brietzke, Oak Park, Illinois; and nieces: Janice, Caroline, and Karen. No public funeral service is is planned, but a memorial at the law school will be scheduled, and a memorial celebration of his life is being planned for late spring in Ogden Dunes. If anyone wishes to make a contribution in his honor, his charitable interests included Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam America.

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Published by The Times on Jan. 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Brietzke

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Khalid Yusoff, Malaysia

January 18, 2021

Oh Dear, I have just stumbled upon the write up about Paul's passing while I was browsing the net today. I was the Dean at the ITM law school when Paul together with Jack Hiller, Heinrich Scholler (Germany) and Judd Epstein (Australia) were having a stint there. We had great time together both in and out of the law school. The last time I saw Paul was about ten years ago when he came in from Indonesia and I took him to the house for tea. Paul was a great scholar, friend and family man. I shall miss him greatly. My best wishes to Susan and Colin. May he rest in peace.

Peter J Venturelli

June 10, 2013

To this day, I still miss not being able to run into Paul and chatting about current issues.

Camille Averett

June 6, 2013

I just learned of Professor Brietzke's passing via the Valpo Alumni Magazine. I am a 97 grad of Valpo Law and Prof Brietzke was my beloved contracts professor. I am very sorry for your family's loss. He touched many, many lives and did it with style and a dry sense of humor. He will be sorely missed!

Tim Holbrook

January 21, 2013

Dear Susan and family--

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences and thoughts through this difficult time.

Molly Current

January 21, 2013

I just heard this sad news. Susan, I am so very sorry. I am thinking of you and you family as you try and cope with this terrible loss.

Sam Brooks

January 21, 2013

I am very thankful for his love of learning, humanity & our world. Blessings on your continuing journey Professor!

Megan

January 12, 2013

I wasn't in Professor Brietzke's classes, unfortunately, but I interacted with him while working on charity events at the law school. He was a kind, humble, and very generous person, and he will be missed. My sincere condolences to Professor Brietzke's family.

Susan Jadin

January 7, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Michael Allen

January 7, 2013

I and my family's prayers are with the Brietzke family. If I recall correctly my first year contracts class (1979) was Professor Brietzke's first at Valparaiso. He was a brilliant man who showed equal passion for the law and for educating his students.

josh brown

January 5, 2013

I had the pleasure of having Professor Brietzke as my 1L Contracts professor. He was an excellent professor, and a very kind man!

Peter J Venturelli

January 5, 2013

Very tragic and sad to have lost a precious colleague I have known for over 23 years. I will never forget the moments and conversations we have shared. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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