Willis J Zick

Willis J. Zick, born on August 19, 1932, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024, a day before his 92nd birthday. He was one of a kind with an intelligence and wit that was unstoppable. His knack for uplifting others was deeply appreciated by his family, friends and community. Born and raised in Stevens Point, WI, Willis’s early life was characterized by fun and good-natured mischief. In his last year of high school he decided he wanted to pursue a legal career. In the knick of time, his focus shifted to hard work and dedication to his education. He graduated top of his class from UW Madison law school in 1956. Willis enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning over six decades. He became a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge elected in 1979 -1994, followed by an almost 20 year stint of a private arbitration and mediation practice. He was a tenacious advocate for improving the efficiency of the courts. Known for his integrity and commitment to justice, he was highly respected and admired. Willis could light up any room and bring a smile to those around him. He moved from his home in Beloit to Talamore Senior Living, Sun Prairie in 2022. His last mediation was also in 2022, the start of his retirement. He loved reading for hours, and adored sleeping without interruption. Known throughout Talamore as "the Judge”, he impressed all with his snappy outfits and sense of style. He loved to regale his daughters and friends with tales from his life and was working on a memoir at the time of his death.Willis is survived by his three daughters and their partners: Kim Zick, Tamar Zick and Maureen Leahy, Bianca Zick and Andy Martens; his grandchildren, Zoe and Max Martens; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lura and Erich Zick, his sister Beulah Oksiuta and his wife Claudette Cummings. Willis’s family would especially like to thank Maureen Leahy for her enthusiastic service to Willis during the past two years.Willis J. Zick will be deeply missed, but his eccentric spirit will live on in the hearts of his daughters and friends. .