Frederic "Rick" Friedman
Fox Point - Frederic "Rick" Friedman died on February 6, 2022, at age 74. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth ("Lili") Lindert Friedman, and his adoring children Meggan (Sam Valenzisi), Carrie (Stephen Lloyd), and Andy, as well as his cherished grandchildren Delainy, Alex, and Adeline. He is further survived by brothers James (Linda) Friedman and Dr. Robert (Nancy) Friedman; cousin Jodie (the late Dr. Lionel) Bernstein; brothers-in-law Dr. Peter (Linda) Lindert and Dr. David (the late Theresa and the late Madeline) Lindert; sisters-in-law Penny (Bijay) Roy and Joann (the late Albert) Lindert; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Mary Zeldes Friedman and Dr. Harold S. Friedman; his in-laws, Ruth and Albert Lindert; and sister-in-law Polly (the late David) Olfe.
Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1947, Rick matriculated at Millikin University and later received his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Northwestern University, where he is believed to have been one of the first students to combine the courses of study.
Rick spent his entire 44-year career with Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren and was a shareholder in the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice, which he chaired for 15 years. He was frequently named to various "Best Lawyers" lists for his work advising individuals, closely held business owners, and organizations on estate and succession planning issues. He was a founder of Leave A Legacy Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to promoting charitable giving through estate planning. He loved the law and loved learning, always. For years Rick led a regular "study group" of trusts-and-estates attorneys that he founded with the late Thomas Drought to continue to hone their understanding of the law.
Rick's clients considered him a close confidant and a trusted advisor, a responsibility that he viewed as sacred. He was often engaging with families at their toughest moments, bringing sensitivity and warmth to a process that could otherwise feel overwhelming in its cold finality. It was often noted that he was a great listener.
Rick was known for his sense of humor, which he employed to bring levity to dry topics and tough situations, and which was always rooted in kindness. That so many friends and colleagues loved his wit was a testament to the inclusivity of his humor. (Even if you were one of the friends he asked about "that rash" in a crowded elevator at work. Trust us, it was very funny pre-pandemic.)
Upon his arrival in 1973, Rick quickly became a champion for his adopted home state of Wisconsin, proudly supporting Milwaukee's world-class arts organizations in particular. Over the years, Rick served on many boards including the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Cardiovascular Center board, and was a founding member of the CAP Fund, fighting child abuse in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Ballet Company held a special place in his heart and as a board member and patron, he enjoyed watching the Company flourish under the leadership of Michael Pink. He was a dedicated supporter of the Milwaukee Art Museum, where he served for over 35 years in numerous capacities including as a board member and trustee, and he was very proud and grateful to have received the Jean Friedlander Award in 2009 for his service.
Rick was a gifted photographer and an inspired artist, working mostly in the milieu of shells he collected on Marco Island, Florida, and he leaves behind many collectors of his creations -- creations which are now sure to soar in value. He would no doubt have advised his collectors to insure these separately….and to invest in a hot-glue gun to keep them in top form.
Rick and Lili loved entertaining friends with themed parties including highly choreographed video montages. Rick even famously goaded his family into appearing on "The Family Feud" while he cheered from the audience. (Dates and times of episodes redacted.)
Most of all, Rick loved spending time with his family, all of whom are left with years of memories. He was principled and fair, and, together with Lili, instilled in his family a sense of empathy and a commitment to community. He never missed an opportunity to tell his wife and children how much he loved them, and how proud he was of them. While in his professional life he would talk about "leaving a legacy" to the community, as his family, we are grateful that his legacy to us was love.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his memory to the Milwaukee Ballet Company, Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin Humane Society, or Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN for Neurological Diseases Research/Dr. Rodolpho Savica MD, PhD Parkinson's Research.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring, when conditions allow.
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