People

Philip Norman Hablutzel was born in Flagstaff, Arizona, on August 23, 1935, and died peacefully in Durham, North Carolina on January 6, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife Nancy (née Zimmerman). Between those dates he became an internationally-recognized expert in international finance; co-drafted model and Illinois laws; and helped to found the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a graduate program in financial services law at the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Matthew Louis Brown, 45, of Sycamore, IL passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 10, 2026, while on an afternoon run with his wife, Amanda, near their home. Matt was born April 12, 1980, in DeKalb, IL, to Charles and Martha Brown. He is survived by his wife of more than 20 years, Amanda Rae, and their two children, Charles Robert (13) and Annette Rae (11); his parents, of DeKalb, IL, and sister Laura Elizabeth, of Barcelona, Spain; his in-laws, Robert and Sharon Fuka, and his sister-in-law, Michelle Schelling (Michael), of Dyer, IN.

Past DuPage County Bar Association President Hon. William J. Bauer has passed away at age 99.  He was previously DuPage County States Attorney, Circuit Judge of the 18th Circuit, US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Federal District Judge and Judge of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.  In the words of Chief Judge Bonnie Wheaton, "His wit and wisdom will be sorely missed."  

Details on formal arrangements, likely to be held in January, will be shared as they become available.

The Illinois State Bar Association is pleased to share an extraordinary milestone and honor for ISBA Past President Fred Lane (1985–86), who, at 100 years old, was recently awarded the prestigious Medal of Excellence by Loyola University Chicago School of Law (JD ’50).

This esteemed award is presented to a Loyola Law alumnus whose life reflects the highest ideals of character, intellect, and social and professional responsibility.