Alan Rauh Orschel was born in Chicago February 18, 1939 to Peggy Rauh and Albert K. Orschel. He attended The Latin School of Chicago graduating Cum Laude and served as Editor of the Yearbook. He went on to Dartmouth College graduating with honors with a major in government. Alan came back to Chicago for law school at the University of Chicago Law School. He had a Clerkship with Judge Joseph Drucker on the Illinois Appellate Court. He joined the firm of Crowley, Barrett and Karaba in Chicago retiring in 2007.
Alan was married to Nora Mitchell and they had two sons: Bradley (Sarah Hilleren and grandson Daniel) and Jeffrey (Lisa Rose and grandson Jackson). Alan’s sister Lynn Orschel of Chicago remained an important and loved person in his life. On his retirement he arranged trips to the West via Amtrak with his brothers-in-law and a few good friends.
Alan was a loyal alumnus. He attended reunions and worked for his college and law school. He took pride in the accomplishments of his Dartmouth 1961 classmates who were noted in the paper for government positions, ambassadorships or a published book. He was a loyal fundraiser for his class. He took on the job of Editor for the 25h reunion yearbook. Alan thought outside the box in both his life and law career; in an attempt to get everybody’s information for the yearbook, he sent out a blank page with the errant classmate’s name saying: This is how your page will look if you don’t send in your material! Packages began arriving in a rush covering the dining room table in Wilmette. Alan served an elected class representative term at Dartmouth and also was a member of the Dartmouth Lawyers Association. He could find a lawyer in towns across the country. He loved his college.
At the University of Chicago Alan found ways to give back; he served as class president and introduced the speakers at the Law School lunches that met in the Chicago loop for many years.
Alan was a member of the Economics Club of Chicago and a charter and 50-year member of the Midday Club (now defunct). He was a member and served as President of the Bureau on Jewish Employment Problems (BJEP). He was a board member at St Francis Xavier School in Wilmette where his sons attended, and ultimately the board President.
Alan loved Chicago. He knew all the buildings downtown and their history; he knew the streets of Chicago; he knew many people walking them. He was a true Chicagoan.
Graveside services were held June 25, 2021, at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago. Contributions in Alan’s name may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation Greater Illinois Chapter, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131.
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