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William Parsons Obituary
Cedarburg - William Stuart Parsons, 80, passed peacefully at his home in Cedarburg on January 10, 2021 after an illness. Born on January 4, 1941, he grew up in Whitefish Bay and Hartland.
He graduated high school from Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva in 1958 and Harvard College in 1962. Married Phoebe Keith of Louisville, KY days after college graduation. Served in the US Navy from 1962-64, including the quarantine of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Graduated Harvard Law School in 1967. Joined Quarles and Brady LLP in 1967, where he specialized in securities and antitrust class actions. He also mediated cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution. He was a mentor and friend to many in the legal community. He was president of the Seventh Circuit Bar Association from 1997-1999. He retired in 2008 but continued to practice law, representing the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee and pro-bono immigration clients, many of whom were seeking political asylum. Stuart lived his entire adult life at his historic home in Cedarburg, a 150-acre farm. Committed conservationists, Stuart and wife Phoebe donated the property to the Ozaukee County Land Trust in 2001, guaranteeing the land will be reserved in perpetuity as protected wetland and wildlife habitat. Stuart was widowed in 2014. He married again and lived the rest of his life with great joy and generosity, giving freely of his time and talent to St. Boniface Episcopal Church, to Christ Church Whitefish Bay, and to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Formidable lawyer, patron of the arts, champion of brevity, practiced fisherman, inscrutable poker player, inexpert fantasy football drafter.
Loving husband, proud father and grandfather. Survived by his brother and sister, Douglas and Susan Parsons; his wife, Julia Courtright; stepson Oliver Niehaus; daughter Sarah Wolf; son Bill Parsons; and three grandchildren: Meredith Wolf, Alexander Wolf, and Camila Parsons. Services will be held at a future date. Donations in William's name may be made to the Riveredge Nature Center or the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood.
2 Entries
John Galley
January 17, 2021
Stuart and I were 4 year classmates - and roommates for 2 years - at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy. Then while he was at Harvard and I was at Dartmouth, I visited him several times in Cambridge and became friends with some of his friends. Stuart was always "smart as a whip" and excelled at anything he turned his formidable intellect towards. Along with other NMNA classmates, we retained a close bond and friendship throughout the succeeding years - visiting each other's homes many times. He favorably "left his mark" with all who knew him. R.I.P, dear friend.
Quinn Martin
January 17, 2021
Stuart, I will always remember you as being age 32 when we first met and worked together for the rest of our careers. You had a very full life and cared deeply for your family, friends and community. You will be missed and remembered by all of those who knew you.
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