//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113654/113654-00.jpgContributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Ronald McDonald House
Racine Zoological Society
or the
Racine Heritage Museum
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/017/113654/113654-00.jpgLife Story / Obituary
Attorney James J. Fetek, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday September 9, 2016. He was born on November 2, 1932 to the late James F. and Adeline (Nee:Tepley) Fetek.
Jim graduated in 1951 from Wm. Horlick High School, where in 1976 he was the featured commencement speaker, and in 2007 was named a graduate of distinction. He attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, graduating in 1955 with a BBA in accounting and was elected to the eta Gamma Sigma and Phi Beta Kappa honorary fraternities. He attended law school at UW Madison as well, graduating in 1957 as a Knapp legal scholar.
Jim opened his own general law practice in 1957, practicing law exclusively in the Racine area until July of this year. He has been honored as a 50-year member of both the State Bar of Wisconsin and the American Bar Association, and is a past president of the Racine County Bar Association.
His other professional endeavors include serving as the Racine County Public Administrator from 1972- 1976, and teaching at the UW Madison Law School as a practical instructor from 1987-1990. He also served as President of the North Side Business and Professional Association, Sokol of Racine, and the American Czech Club. He also served as board chairman of the A-Center of Racine, the Addiction Foundation of Racine, and of Good Shepherd Health Systems. He also served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army of Racine and was a member of the church council at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Politically active since college, Jim also served as vice-chairman of the Racine County Democratic Party and was involved in numerous local election campaigns.
He was an avid supporter of his alma mater, UW Madison Law School, and the UW Madison athletic program, especially Badger Football.
Surviving him are his wife, Arlene (Nee: Bader), his passing away, sadly, one day before their 61st wedding anniversary; daughter Kathy; grandsons Nicholas and Ryan; and great-grandson Zachary.
Private memorial services will be held. In respect with his wishes, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, the Racine Zoological Society, the Racine Heritage Museum, or charity of choice.