John Clemens Laufenberg

John (Jack) C. Laufenberg passed away on November 2, 2016, at the age of 60. He was a cherished son, admired and loved brother, caring uncle, trusted friend, an accomplished attorney, and was respected by all.

Jack grew up in Albany, CA and attended School of the Madeleine and Saint Mary’s College High School, Class of 1973, both in Berkeley, CA. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from San Diego State University in 1979. Eager to pursue his education further, Jack enrolled at the University of the Pacific in 1990 and graduated from McGeorge School of Law, with Distinction in May of 1993. He passed the California bar exam and began practicing family and criminal law in Sacramento where he has lived and served the Sacramento community for the past 22 years.

Jack truly loved practicing law and helping people. A client and friend summed up the way many felt about Jack: “Jack was a man of integrity, honor, and decency.” He served as past Chair of the State Bar’s Sacramento Regional Family Law Executive Committee and was a member of both the Bar Association’s Family Law Committee and the Indigent Defense Panel (IDP). From 2006 to 2009, Jack served as President of the Sacramento County Bar Association and served as Editor of Sacramento LAWYER Magazine for several years after his presidency.

Jack was especially devoted to his mother, with whom he had a special relationship. Jack’s father, Bernard, pre-deceased him in 1999. He is survived by his mother, Joan, his brothers, Norman and Peter, his sisters, Christine, Linda, and Carol, nine nieces and nephews, and his many cousins. We will all miss him deeply.

Jack was an accomplished lawyer, a smart and talented writer, a certified Whitewater River Guide, and an excellent baker and chef. He also enjoyed fishing and gardening (always while listening to music on his iPod), and riding motorcycles with his neighbor. When he needed to “get away from it all,” he enjoyed spending time at his family’s summer property in Kelseyville, CA.

His Memorial Service in Sacramento will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assi Church, 1066 26th Street, Sacramento, CA. A Celebration of Life reception will be held in Brunsman Hall, located behind the church, following the service.

Memorial gifts in Jack’s name may be made to the Sacramento Children’s Fund, c/o Mary Molinaro, 3626 Fair Oaks Blvd, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95864, or a charity of the donor’s choice.