William Lawrence Church

William Lawrence Church (Larry), an adventurous companion and kind friend to many, died peacefully on November 24, 2024 in Somers, NY. He was born 6/20/1938 in Milwaukee, Wis. to William Bull Church and Elizabeth Delano Fort Church.

He retired as Volkman-Bascom Distinguished Teaching Professor of Law after teaching for 50 years at the University of Wisconsin Law School. He lectured as a visiting professor in law schools in more than 14 countries, including longer stints in Ethiopia and Zambia. He served as an advisor to the Supreme Court of Afghanistan in 1971-72.

He graduated at the top of his class from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1963, cum laude from Amherst College in 1960 and the Milwaukee Country Day School in 1956, where he lettered in many sports.

Larry is predeceased by his wife, Fredericka Paff and his first wife, Mary Mitchell Church. He is survived by his daughters, Laurel M. Walker, Emily R. Church and Gwynne D. Church; sister Barbara Colman and sister-in-law Carlyle Hedrick; four grandchildren: Mary and Daisy Sulavik, Vernon Walker and Jane Bull; four nieces: Kendall Colman and Ashley, Tristan and Ryan Hedrick; three nephews: William, David and Robert Colman and numerous, lively grand nephews and nieces.