Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a joint resolution honoring the life and public service of former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David T. Prosser Jr. The resolution, which received bipartisan support in the Assembly and Senate, recognized Prosser’s contributions to Wisconsin’s legal and political landscape.
Justice Prosser, who passed away on December 1, 2024, at age 81, spent more than 40 years in public service. He served 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature, including as Assembly minority leader and speaker, and another 18 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
His public service career began at the U.S. Department of Justice and as an aide to U.S. Congressman Harold Froehlich. Returning to Wisconsin, he served as Outagamie County district attorney before his election to the state Assembly in 1978. As a legislator, he played a key role in finance and judicial policy.
In 1998, Governor Tommy Thompson appointed Prosser to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where he was later elected to two 10-year terms. During his tenure, he participated in significant legal decisions and contributed to state judicial policy. He also served on various state councils and commissions.
In passing this resolution, lawmakers from both parties recognized Justice Prosser’s service to Wisconsin and expressed condolences to his family and friends.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov