Third Branch eNews

Fred Kessler, a former Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge and Wisconsin Assemblyman, passed away on November 12, 2024, at the age of 84. His career in public service spanned more than six decades.

In 1961, at the age of 21, Judge Kessler became the youngest person elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He ultimately served in the Assembly for a total of 24 years – first from 1961 until 1972, then from 2005 until his retirement in 2019. Throughout his Assembly career, Judge Kessler most enjoyed working on legislation related to public education, civil liberties, fair housing, LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of speech, personal privacy, and redistricting reforms.

Judge Kessler became a Milwaukee County Judge in 1972 when then-Governor Patrick Lucey appointed him to the position. That judgeship transitioned into Milwaukee’s 23rd Branch Circuit Court in 1978. Judge Kessler served as a Circuit Court Judge until 1988.

Sheldon Wasserman, a Milwaukee County Board Supervisor, said of Judge Kessler, “Throughout his career, Fred was deeply committed to the principles of inclusion and equity.”

Judge Kessler’s dedication to justice will continue to inspire those committed to building a more equitable Wisconsin.