Emeritus Attorney William J. Rameker Passes

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Attorney Bill Rameker on March 15, 2025.

Although Bill retired from a full-time practice in 2018, he worked at the firm since 1981, serving as a mentor to many attorneys and in leadership roles including as president of Murphy Desmond in the 1990s and as a firm Shareholder.

Bill’s nearly 50-year career included representing clients in corporate restructuring and reorganization, business bankruptcy, and creditor/debtor rights. He also handled receiverships and served as a standing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee and Attorney for the Trustee.

A highly accomplished lawyer, Bill earned recognition from organizations such as Best Lawyers in America (including “Lawyer of the Year-Madison”), Wisconsin Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell where he received the top rating of AV Preeminent. In 2014, he led a team of Murphy Desmond lawyers who received a unanimous decision in their favor before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Clark v. Rameker (involving inherited IRAs in bankruptcy proceedings).

Bill was active in the community, as well. He served on boards and volunteered with numerous organizations, some of which include Special Olympics of Wisconsin, local YMCAs, the East Madison Jaycees, the Elvehjem Neighborhood Association, Kennedy Little League, Inc., the Optimist Club of Downtown Madison, and Monona Grove Education Foundation, Inc.

We will remember Bill not only for his legal talents and commitment to the community, but also for his friendship, exceptional mentoring, and contributions to the firm’s success. Our condolences go out to his wife Marcia and his entire family.

Information regarding funeral services can be found here.

Published March 17, 2025