James A. Flader
James A. Flader, 68, of Fond du Lac passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, June 1, 2013. He was born in Sheboygan on December 16, 1944, the son of A. Willard and Helen (Sommer) Flader.
On August 29, 2008 James married Linda Stoll-Wagner in Sheboygan.
James was a 1970 graduate, cum laude, of the University of Wisconsin School of Law and ranked first in his law school class. While in law school he was a Note and Comment Editor of the Wisconsin Law Review, elected to Order of the Coif, and received American Jurisprudence awards in Property, Trusts and Estates, and in International Law. He received a B.S. degree in psychology in 1967 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After law school in 1970, James became associated with the Minneapolis based law firm of Dorsey and Whitney and on January 1, 1977 became a partner of that firm in its public finance department. His practice involved public and private finance in the preparation of related legislation.
He left the firm in 1982 when he adopted a son, Ross and returned to his native Wisconsin
James was associated with the law firm of Boardman, Suhr, Curry and Fields in Madison where he practiced law from 1982 to 1984 and the law firm of Michael, Best and Friedrick in Madison where he provided legal services to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority from 1984 to 1986.
From 1986 to 1989 he was Vice-President of Underwriting for the investment banking firm of Miller and Schroeder Financial, Inc., Milwaukee where he structured financing and rendered advice to numerous state agencies and municipalities.
He joined the State Bar of Wisconsin 1989 to 1990, where he planned, organized and moderated State Bar CLE programs, and served on various Bar groups. James retired as City Attorney in Fond du Lac in 2010.
James and Linda spent their winters in Clearwater Beach, FL. He spent his summers as a child swimming and boating on Crystal Lake where his parents owned a cottage. He loved the water, especially Great Lakes naval lore and owned several boats. James was interested in WWII history and aircraft.
He was an avid Packer fan. James also loved dancing and hearing live bands, especially Blues music. He enjoyed living in Wisconsin and found beauty in every season. He took pleasure from simple things like feeding the birds or just a beautiful, sunny day.
James is survived by Linda, his wife; two sons, Ross Flader (fiancee, Kim Rogers) of Stevenson Ranch, CA and Zach (Sara) Wagner of Madison, WI; one brother, Tom Flader of Fond du Lac; Alex (Tammy) Becker, a foreign exchange student who became a close friend; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Preceding James in death are his parents, and one sister, Ann Katt.
Memorials in James’ name may be directed to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation for charities to be decided.
Visitation: The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, June 7, 2013 from 3:00 until 5:45 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac.
Service: At 6:00 PM on Friday, June 7, a funeral service of James’ life will be celebrated at Zacherl Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the services.
Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory of Fond du Lac is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com