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David James Van Susteren

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University of Wisconsin

David Van Susteren Obituary

HOUSTON, TX - David James Van Susteren passed away on June 23, 2013. He was born on January 12, 1953 to James Peter and Marcia Fay (Nee: Banucci) Van Susteren in Racine, Wisconsin. He attended St. Catherine’s and Park High Schools in Racine and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout in 1979. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Houston Law School in 1985, where he was also Editor-in-Chief of the Houston Law Review. In 1985, David joined the Houston office of the international law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, now known as Norton Rose Fulbright, and became a partner in 1995. David retired from Fulbright in 2009 to start up his own firm. He concentrated his legal practice on antitrust, securities and energy matters. David tried and arbitrated a substantial number of cases and had been certified since 1990 as a specialist in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He was also a member of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation (and former Co-Chair of the Energy Litigation Committee) and Section of Antitrust. David also earned the distinction of Life Fellow of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists Houston Bar Foundation. He was also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas. David is survived by his wife, Florinda Baldridge, and their five children, Joseph, Kiersten and Elliott Van Susteren, and Jeremy and Jonathan Baldridge. He is also survived by his mother, Marcia Fay Van Susteren of Racine, WI and siblings Linda (Jeff) Waller of Racine, WI; Susan Van Susteren of Hartford, WI; Julie (Rick) Johnson of Pewaukee, WI and Peter Bridges of Minneapolis, MN. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Gene and Phyllis Banucci and Robert and Kathy Van Susteren; and nieces and nephews Benjamin (Denise), Matthew (Britt) and Emily Waller, Seamus Fitzgerald, Amy (Adam) Benotch, Lisa, Emily and Rebecca Johnson and Noah Bridges. David was preceded in death by his father, James Peter Van Susteren. A memorial and celebration of life service was held in Houston on June 28, 2013.

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Published by Racine Journal Times on Jul. 10, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for David Van Susteren

22 Entries

Aurora U Gutierrez

July 4, 2022

You are still in our hearts and memories. The family misses you and often has conversations about the time we enjoyed at gatherings. You were such a joy to all.

Aurora U Gutierrez

July 7, 2021

I will always remember your kindness and the love you had for the family.

Nancy Nichols

July 6, 2020

As always David will be so greatly missed. I worked with him at Fulbright and learned a great deal from him. He had a way of making work seem enjoyable and not a task. God bless his family - such a loss to no longer have him nearby as a mentor and friend.

Joseph Van Susteren

September 30, 2013

My father was a genuine and hard working man. He spent so much time working so hard, so that my sister and brother and I had an upbringing where we wanted for not.

After I heard of his tragic passing I was and am still struck and hurt very deeply. I now wish my father hadn't worked quite so much and that we all had more time with him. Growing up alongside my father was both tumultuous and inspiring. My father had his faults and he made his mistakes, but he also had his strengths and his triumphs over hurdles. He taught me so much about how to be a man, and he instilled in me the responsibilities I have as his oldest son. I will use these duties and lessons so that I may honor his legacy and his memory in the wake of his tragic loss. We must all carry our pain and move forward to a better day because despite the pain we feel we must progress.

Despite the suffering and the pain my father must have been feeling before his passing we must live and we must honor a man who always had the best of intentions and enough drive and determination to take what he wanted and do what he could to better himself and his family. He will be missed by his children somewhere, some way, somehow, I hope he knows that.

Robert Sergesketter

August 25, 2013

I served for years with David on the Houston Law Review Board of Directors. He was a true friend of the Law Review and dedicated countless hours of his personal time to help guide the Review to its current status as one of the country's most respected legal journals. We will fill David's position on the Board at the upcoming October Board meeting, but we will never be able to replace him. A true gentleman and scholar, David will be deeply missed.

Theresa Minor

August 14, 2013

I worked with David at Fulbright and he was such a nice person to work for. I especially remember the happy hours that we went to after work. David will be missed by so many people. My condolences to his children.

August 11, 2013

Rest in peace uncle Daveed

Bert Gutierrez

August 11, 2013

I am forever grateful for the genuine and abundant love my brother-in-law had for my sister and the rest of my family. The love he had for my daughters was true and transparent. He very quickly endeared himself to us with his infectious smile, hearty laughfter, and overall sense of humor. I will sorely miss our get-togethers and the bellyaches from the constant laughter, much of which was due to a typical Daveed faux pas! It wasn't if but when and it was so entertaining!! I'm smiling now just thinking about those wonderful times. We were all robbed by his unexpected departure; but no one can steal the memories. I love you bro!!

Gabrielle Gutierrez

August 11, 2013

Uncle Daveed was always so kind hearted, caring, & he was full of life laughter & love. He truly brought joy to our family & he was the best thing that could've ever happened to our family. I thank God everyday for giving me the opportunity to know him, & for those who didn't get the chance to truly missed out because he was a wonderful father, husband, uncle, & friend. Even though he's gone now, he will forever be in our hearts. Life truly won't be the same without you Uncle Daveed. I love and miss you so much.

Danielle Gutierrez

August 10, 2013

Uncle David was such a caring man. Not a day will go by where I won't miss him and our family dinners and him always providing our family with such laughter and joy. I will never forget how proud of a loving father, son, husband, brother and especially uncle he was. I feel safe knowing that I have such a wonderful angel watching over me and the rest of our families. Thank you for always believing in me and hoping I achieve each and ever goal. I love you Uncle.

Aurora Gutierrez

August 10, 2013

David was a dear son-in-law. He had a way of making you laugh. He specially loved to get to me by bringing me the New York Times when we were flying out. He knew How I did not like to read that newspaper. When he came to our house, he loved to read outside, saying you can breath in West Texas. I loved him and I miss him. He loved ice cream and so did I!

Anjelica Gutierrez

August 9, 2013

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my Uncle David. He was such an inspiration for not only me, but everyone who was around him. I am so beyond grateful for the time I was able to spend with him, he was always filled with joy and laughter and when I was around him, I felt the same way. He was truly such an amazing person with some pretty breath taking hugs. Anytime I listen to a Rod Stewart or Beatles song, my thoughts always go to him. Although I do miss him more than words can explain, I do know he is in a better place. He will never ever be forgotten, because I know for a fact he will be in everyone's hearts, minds, and presence forever.

August 9, 2013

I was married to David for 7 wonderful years - the best years of my life. His wonderful sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and selflessness, were but a few of the many qualities that endeared him to everyone who were fortunate to have known him. I am thankful to the Lord for having given him to me even for a short time. He was the love of my life and I will carry him in my heart forever. I love you Daveed.

Dan McClure

August 8, 2013

I worked with David for many years at Fulbright and saw him often at professional meetings the last few years. He was a wonderful, wonderful person and a fine lawyer. Everyone who knew him and worked with him liked him and respected him. His gentle, caring manner endeared him to everyone. Even his legal adversaries liked him. It was my honor to have known him.

nancy nichols

July 29, 2013

I worked several years with David at fulbright and considered him a wonderful person, mentor and so much more. I am very saddened by his passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

Deena

July 26, 2013

Many happy memories of a time long ago. Thank you for honoring his legacy. So proud to be a part of his children's life, his greatest accomplishment.

Bill Anthony

July 26, 2013

I am very sorry to hear of David's passing. He and I worked on a case together for several years. He was a fine man and will be missed. My sincere sympathy.

Ike Hazlewood

July 15, 2013

I was saddened and shocked to hear of David's passing. Back in the early eighties, I had worked with David at Susman & McGowen. He was a mentor of mine (of sorts) that spent a considerable amount of energy trying to get me to pursue a law degree. After several Fresca's and vodka, we both conceded that we would rather be "Rock Stars."

My condolences to his kids and family.

The Storves Family

July 13, 2013

Dear Fay and Family,
David's memory lives on in our hearts and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Alisa Krizan

July 12, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to all David's family, friends and loved ones. I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. My he rest in peace. May we all cherish the time we shared with Dave & the special twinkle in his eyes. With all my love, Alisa

Dennis Andrewski

July 10, 2013

Julie, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your brother, David. You are in my thoughts.

Linda Burtch

July 10, 2013

I worked in the same office at Fulbright with David. I admired him and thought him to be a wonderful person and an excellent attorney. I am saddened by his death. My condolences to his entire family.

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