Obituary
Herbert S. Wander, 86
Beloved husband of Karen Wander nee Kart and the late Ruth Wander nee Fell. Loving father of Daniel (Ruth Freedman) Wander, Susan (Richard) Sorkin, Lois Wander and step-father of Brian Aronson and Julie (Darin) Muehling. Proud grandfather of Abigail and Samuel Sorkin, Rachel and Hannah Wander, Ellie, Hannah and Mara Aronson, and Grant Muehling. Dear brother of Arden (Irene) Wander. Born in Cincinnati, Herb graduated from the University of Michigan and Yale Law School. Married Ruthie in 1960, they raised their three children in Highland Park, Illinois, and he was widowed in 2002. Herb was later fortunate to meet and marry Karen. They enjoyed 19 wonderful years together in Highland Park and Delray Beach, Florida. Herb Wander was widely cherished as a lawyer, dedicated philanthropist, mentor to generations of lawyers and philanthropists, and devoted family man. He gave fully of himself in every endeavor. Herb’s counsel was widely sought and universally valued. He recently retired from Katten Law, where he played a key role in building the firm over 40 years, specializing in corporate governance, securities law and M&A transactions. An avid and scholarly writer, he played key advisory roles in government and many of his recommendations were adopted by the SEC. He Chaired the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association and served on the Legal Advisory Committee to the New York Stock Exchange Board of Governors. Herb leaves a legacy as a philanthropist throughout Chicago and the world, earning him the Julius Rosenwald Award and many other high honors. President and then Campaign Chair of the Jewish Federation of Chicago, Board Member of the Jerusalem Foundation, Chair of the Michael Reese Health Trust, and President of the Community Family Center. HIs colleagues described him as a quiet presence, relied on for leadership, intelligence and compassion - funny, sweet, tough, and simultaneously patient and impatient, open to both new ideas and new approaches. He knew many important people yet never made you feel like you were not one of them. Herb radiated joy in his life and family. He was an avid art collector, golfer, hot dog connoisseur, late-in-life canasta player, and fan of the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, championship Serra Padres and Highland Park Swim Team. He didn’t waste time and always made time for colleagues, clients, friends and family. His family enjoyed traveling with him, celebrating the Sox World Series victory in Disney World, ziplining in Costa Rica, and frequent visits to Israel. A giant, Herb leaves an enduring legacy of wisdom, leadership, and love. In order to keep everyone safe and healthy the chapel service and interment are private. Memorial contributions may be made to Michael Reese Health Trust, The Herbert S. Wander Fund, 1707 N. Randall Road, Suite 200, Elgin, IL 60123, www.wearemichaelreese.org or Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, 30 South Wells, Chicago, IL 60606, www.juf.org. To attend the funeral live stream and for shiva information please visit our website. Shiva coordinator Merle Styer, 847.922.7600, sty.[email protected]. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com