"John was very influential on me early in my legal career, a valued colleague, and he taught me many things about legal practice. John had tremendous energy and imagination as a lawyer, and he very much will be missed. Sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Penny and the entire Zawadsky family. Andy Erlandson"
In loving memory of
John Hartman Zawadsky
November 4, 1951 - February 23, 2019
Zawadsky, John Hartman
Fitchburg: John Hartman Zawadsky passed away on February 23, 2019 at the age of 67. Although unexpected, he was surrounded by his wife and children at the time of passing. John was born in Trenton, New Jersey on November 4, 1951. At the age of 14 his family moved from New Jersey to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He graduated in 1974, with a Bachelor of Science, from UW - Stevens Point and then went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Law in 1980 with his Juris Doctor degree. John practiced law for nearly four decades in Madison, the last 23 years spent with Reinhart Law.
During his life, John enjoyed traveling with his wife, he was a voracious reader, an avid fisherman with a big heart - mainly catching and releasing, playing golf, spending time with family and close friends, and most of all spending time with his new grandson.
John is survived by his wife, Penny Vaughan; his children Lisa Zawadsky, of Fitchburg, John Daniel (Dana) Zawadsky, of St. Louis Park, MN, Jayson Lengnick, of Madison, and Abby Lengnick, of Santa Rosa, CA; his first grandson, Ahvee Ansel Zawadsky; and his former wife, Linda Makholm. He is preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Patience (Hartman) Zawadsky. He is also survived by many other family members and loved ones.
A celebration of life will be held at 12pm this Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705. A visitation will be held from 10am until the time of service, with a reception to follow the service. Please share a memory.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406
Tributes
"John was a friend I knew for more than 20 years, both through mutual friends in Fitchburg and professionally. I will especially miss his warm hugs when we would run into each other. He freely gave of his time to help me as a fledgling employment law writer, but even more important, he cared deeply about others. Barb Mulhern"
"John was a singular blend of intelligence, intensity, and wit. He went out of his way to serve as a wonderful (and colorful) mentor to me as a young attorney. Like all those who knew him, I will miss him tremendously. "
"I worked with John both at Reinhart and his previous firm, so I've known him for many years. John's dedication to his clients and the law were cause to respect him, his dry sense of humor made a person like him, and the stacks of files and papers in his office made me shudder, although he always knew what each stack contained. :)May his example of diligent work inspire and good memories comfort. Amy Carril"
"John touched so many of our lives....he was an important board member on The Recovery Foundation, a friend I could talk to both personally and professionally and an inspiration to lives he touched at Connections Counseling where he would share his story in IOP. I will miss his humor, loyalty and integrity! May his memory be a blessing.... Hugs to all, Shelly Dutch"
"JOHN: Loved, trusted, respected, missed. Xo Julie ;- )"
"John and I shared an occasional round of golf, along with interesting banter on matters great and small, dating back to high school years in Stevens Point. In recent years, we'd cross paths at Nakoma Golf Club, the last time being this past summer when John suggested we play before the end of the season. I'm sorry to say we never did. I'll miss seeing you, John. May you be forever now at peace.."
"Thinking of you Lisa. I'm truly sorry for your loss - my condolences to all of your family."
"I am a coworker of Lisa's and, although I didn't know John, he sounds like a beautiful person who lived a wonderful life. My condolences to all of his family and friends. -Cheryl Thomas"
"A good friend, with whom I had the pleasure to work with, on many matters. He was a great lawyer. I have lost a good friend, whom i will greatly miss. Jay Carmichael - Tomah "