Renee Reback

MADISON - Renee P. Reback, age 73, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at her home.  She was born on January 7, 1953, in Hammond, Ind., the daughter of Frank and Josephine (Schuster) Pawlak. She recalled that her parents showed her the value of hard work and fun. They played cards as a family, had wonderful holidays with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom lived within two blocks of their family home in Calumet City, Ill. Much of the family fun took place on Lake Michigan in Indiana and later at Lake Nokomis in northern Wisconsin.

Renee’s older sister, Karen (Bill Ross), was her childhood idol. She hung onto her skirt wherever they went. Renee was the pesky little sister, then they became great friends. Her younger brother, Dan (Lynn Pawlak), died in 2019 from what had become a family malady - cancer. In his case and Renee’s, metastatic pancreatic cancer. When Dan was her little brother, she both adored and resented him. In adulthood, she adored him.

Renee briefly met her husband, John, when she was 19. When she met him again at age 21, she was pretty sure they’d end up married. Nine months later, they tied the knot, and began their marriage living in Iran for two years for John’s work, an experience that helped them develop a deep appreciation for other cultures.

Renee and John had great adventures together, numerous follies, passion, and struggles. In other words, it was a marriage. Their children, Nicholas (Elizabeth Henley), Sonia (David Hajnal) and Alex, brought them great joy along with new friends, new ideas, and new perspectives. As they matured into loving adults, they did, at times, grow in ways their parents resisted, but also in ways that made them more compassionate, accepting, and grateful.

Being “Gramma” to Amari and Indi (the twin daughters of Sonia and David) was an experience that brought pure joy to Renee. Their snuggles and cuddles were the “best gifts I could have as the end of my life neared.” Renee also felt blessed to have the incredible friendships she developed during her lifetime. These relationships enriched her life in innumerable ways.

As a past executive director of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, Renee holds a very special place within Madison, Wisconsin and UW communities. Instilling a “culture of caring and compassion,” her support and leadership for students and physicians was known far and wide. As was her famous opening line, “I have an idea…”, with one idea in particular, the “White Coats” program, becoming a phenomenal success. Renee’s contribution to the Foundation was featured in the WMS February 12, 2026, newsletter, available at www.wismed.org/wismed/wismed/News/medigram/2026-medigram/february-12-2026.aspx

While gifts are not expected, those inclined are encouraged to consider donating to:

Specialty Care Free Clinic by the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, which provides free specialty medical care for those without health insurance. (www.scfcwi.org)

Henry Mack Fund, which provides music scholarships in memory of the founders’ son, Henry. (4112 Hegg Ave., Madison, WI 53716  EIN: 81-28-13547)

Or - per Renee - take the money you might have donated to buy a nice bottle of wine, enjoy the day, create a memory, and take care of your spirit.  

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420