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With sadness and reflection, I recognize the extraordinary legacy of Justice David T. Prosser, Jr., whose distinguished career and commitment to public service will continue to inspire us all. He has profoundly shaped the legal, legislative, and judicial landscape of Wisconsin.

Justice Prosser was the quintessential public servant who enjoyed a respected career (spanning more than 40 years) in the service of others. His exemplary service in all three branches of government demonstrated his unparalleled versatility and dedication to the public good. From his early years as Outagamie County District Attorney, to his significant contributions as a state legislator, his service on the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission, and ultimately to his thoughtful jurisprudence as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Justice Prosser exemplified integrity, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

During his nearly two decade tenure in the Wisconsin Assembly, including as Speaker and Minority Leader, Justice Prosser worked tirelessly to promote sound policy for the people of Wisconsin. His legislative acumen and his work on the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws underscored his dedication to improving the coherence and fairness of our legal system.

On the bench, Justice Prosser brought a keen intellect and deep sense of fairness to every case, leaving an indelible mark on Wisconsin jurisprudence. He was well known for digging into the books and conducting exhaustive research, often “burning the midnight oil” in the law library. Justice Prosser possessed a critical understanding of, and allegiance to, the rule of law. His service on various committees, including the Wisconsin Supreme Court Planning and Policy Advisory Committee and the Wisconsin Judicial Council, further reflected his commitment to the continued improvement of our courts and legal institutions

I am confident that Justice Prosser’s legacy as a lifelong public servant will continue to inspire and impact future generations of public servants.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, I express our profound gratitude to Justice Prosser for his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to justice, fairness, and the betterment of Wisconsin. Many knew him as a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, a position which he held for 18 years. But to me, David was more than that: he was my friend. I will miss him greatly.

With deepest respect and sympathy,

Annette Kingsland Ziegler
Chief Justice, Wisconsin Supreme Court