May 17, 2011 – Memorial services for the late Justice William A. Bablitch are planned for June 1 in Madison and May 28 in Presque Isle. Following the Madison service, the family will initiate a U.W. Law school fellowship fund and a global vision fund for cataract surgery commemorating Bablitch’s life.

Bablitch passed away at his winter home in Kona, Hawaii, last February. He was 69.

Memorial services

The Presque Isle service will take place at the North Lakeland Discovery Center, 215 County Rd. W, Manitowish Waters, at 5 p.m. Bablitch served on the Discovery Center’s board of directors.

The Madison service will take place at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Dr. in Madison on Wed., June 1, at 5:30 p.m. A reception initiating two commemorative funds in Bablitch’s name will follow the service.

Commemorative funds

The Justice William A. Bablitch U.W. Law School Fellowship Fund commemorates Bablitch’s life-long commitment to public service. The fund will grant fellowships to law students who have the desire and professional zeal to carry Bablitch’s commitment into the future. Contributions may be sent to: The Justice William A. Bablitch U.W. Law School Fellowship Fund, c/o University of Wisconsin Foundation, 1848 University Ave., P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53708

The Justice William A. Bablitch Global Vision Fund will be established within the Combat Blindness Foundation to provide free cataract surgeries and restore vision for needy individuals in developing countries. Contributions may be sent to: The Justice William A. Bablitch Global Vision Fund, c/o Combat Blindness Foundation, P.O. Box 5332, Madison, WI 53705.