APPLETON, Wis–Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser has died. Prosser passed away over the weekend at the age of 81.
Before serving on the high court, the Appleton native was a district attorney and judge in Outagamie County. He then served 18-years in the state Assembly, including one term as Speaker.
Prosser was first appointed to the state Supreme Court by Governor Tommy Thompson in 1998 and served for 18-years.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Chief Justice Annette Ziegler released a statement reading in part:
“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.
“…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.”
Former Governor Tommy Thompson issued the following statement:
With David’s passing, I have lost a dear friend and colleague. I am deeply saddened. We shared a deep love for Wisconsin and all who call her home.
During our visit last week, he shared his trademark smile as we talked about current events.
His life, from Appleton, to Washington, D.C., to Madison, filled every branch of the government with his passion for service and indefatigable decency. Whether as a staff member, an elected official, or an executive appointee, the public interest was foremost in his mind, and heart.
As Governor, I am proud to have worked with David as a leader in the legislature to form and implement policies that brought common sense solutions to the issues our state faced. I could always count on him to be candid in discussions and results oriented in action. David could count votes, and delivered when it mattered.
It was my great honor to appoint David to Wisconsin’s highest court and see that appointment ratified twice by our fellow citizens. He served with distinction and retired back to private life on his own terms.
A man of deep conviction and intense loyalty to our way of life, David knew without citizen service, there was no real democracy and that to avoid the slings and arrows of public life was to surrender one’s convictions. He never did.
A true gentleman and a citizen that made public service his life, David is irreplaceable. We will miss his knowing smile and quiet commitment the values we cherish and depend upon.
