PALENBERG--John C., Passed away peacefully on January 6th. Born September 13th, 1956 in Richardton, ND, he graduated from the University of North Dakota and from Harvard Law and the Fletcher Schools with joint degrees in law and diplomacy and was a Fulbright Scholar. He joined the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, LLP in 1983 and had an illustrious career in six of the firm's offices around the world until his untimely passing. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Chieko, his beloved children, Henry and Sophia, his dear mother, Theresa, his adoring sisters, Fay and Jan, and by a myriad of faithful friends. A wake will be held at Vanella's Funeral Chapel, 29 Madison St., NYC on January 13 at 3-5pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Peter's R.C. Church, 22 Barclay St., NYC at 10am on January 14. Contributions may be made to AutismSpeaks.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN PALENBERG

8 Entries

Myra Lang

February 3, 2014

I attended MHS with John in the class of 1974. His love of knowledge and his sense of humor was an inspiration to me that you can indeed have it all. He was truly liked by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. The world lost a brilliant soul..we were so lucky to have him a part of our lives. I will indeed always remember him.

Sherry Schmautz Mossbarger

January 31, 2014

My dad told me the news tonight. I am so sorry for your loss. John was always a special friend to Brent and myself. I will always remember our travels in Germany with Chuck and Udo. He truly sparkled with charm and his great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed.

Sandra Schaner

January 19, 2014

Thoughts and prayers go out to John's family.I graduated with John and he was always such a nice person. He always had a great smile on his face.

Patty Boeckmann

January 16, 2014

Cheiko and family,
I, too,graduated high school with John and recall with fondness how positive he always was whether it was positive about an answer or positive in outlook. He was unique in many ways. Two of my favorite memories of John were his frequent attire - pressed white shirt and black dress pants and his habit of sitting down in his chair in civics class and announcing one very obscure fact for the day...every day. An unfailingly nice young man and a pleasure to know. I am saddened by his loss.

Patty Mathisen

January 15, 2014

Chieko and family,
I graduated from Mandan High School with John back in 1974. WE had a graduating class of about 390 and we ALL voted him as the next President of the US. He was such an inspiration to everyone. He was known and loved by all. I will never forget his always smiling face and never ending love and compassion for everyone.
I am so saddened by the news and please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Patty Sullivan Mathisen

George Berger

January 10, 2014

In the early 70's, a brilliant boy and his sparkling sister arrived in my hometown high school and brought an energy level that, to this day, has been an inspiration to me. I will always cherish the laughs we shared and our debate/speech/drama connections. It was especially nice to swap emails the last few years and comforting to know how fortunate John felt about his life. If there has ever been a more driven man that was also very kind and cheerful, I have not met him. John was brilliant, both intellectually and in the ways he beamed with joy and zest for life. Remembering him helps me walk more eagerly through life. Thank you, John, and thank you to his family, co-workers and friends for helping him have a great life.

Douglas Levene

January 9, 2014

I knew John 30 years ago when we both young associates at Cleary - he was one of the nicest, smartest people there. My sympathies to his family.

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