Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser Jr. died Sunday night. He was 81.
Prosser was appointed to the Supreme Court by Gov. Tommy Thompson in 1998 and elected to a 10-year term in 2001 and 2011. He retired from the court in 2016 after serving almost 18 years.
Tributes are flowing in for Prosser from people like Gov. Scott Walker to Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Ziegler and more.
Prosser spent nearly 20 years in the state Assembly, with terms as the Assembly speaker and minority leader.
Prior to that, Prosser served in the U.S. Department of Justice and as district attorney of Outagamie County.
Brian Schimming, chair of the Wisconsin Republican Party, told WRN Prosser died Sunday night at about 6pm after a months-long battle with cancer.
In a Facebook post, Schimming wrote,
“It is with profound sadness that I pass along former Supreme Court Justice and Assembly Speaker David Prosser passed away early Sunday evening after a several month battle with cancer.
I was able to say my goodbyes to him yesterday afternoon in Appleton. As Dave’s chief of staff when he was Assembly speaker, I know the utmost respect for his public service and his friendship that so many of us have who worked with him over the years.
Arrangements are pending.”
Tributes for Prosser began to pour in Monday morning:
David Prosser was a giant in Wisconsin politics. I served with him when he was Speaker of the State Assembly. He was a strong leader. I appreciated his nearly two decades on the Wisconsin Supreme Court where he was focused on upholding the state Constitution. We lost a true…
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) December 2, 2024
I first met Justice Prosser in 1994 when he was in the State Assembly. From the Statehouse to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, his was an example of a life well lived. Sail on David. https://t.co/6nIzRIMvsl
— Jeff Wagner (@jeffwagnerradio) December 2, 2024
Regardless of ones politics, David Prosser was a faithful servant to our great state for decades. In my encounters with him, I always experienced a wise, humble, and kind gentleman. May God grant comfort to his family and friends in his passing.
"While some will debate the… pic.twitter.com/mdynFbXXFP
— Rep. Barbara Dittrich (@RepDittrich) December 2, 2024
First campaign I ever “volunteered” for was Prosser’s 2011 campaign when my mom made me go with her to wave signs on the overpass.
Several years later I had the chance to meet him and share that story with him. He was one of the kindest people I’ve met in politics.
— Brooks (@EBrooksUncut) December 2, 2024
Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Ziegler issued the following statement:
“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.”
From his leadership as Assembly Speaker to his time on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, David Prosser was a true public servant.
May his family and loved ones find strength in our prayers during this difficult time. His legacy of service will continue to inspire many.
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) December 2, 2024
Rest in peace, Justice Prosser. A true public servant who dedicated decades to the people of our great state. https://t.co/o3G8Em3JPC
— Lucas Vebber (@ltvebber) December 2, 2024
I will miss my friend. He married my wife and I (and called me a geek in the process, an honor), and I interned for him and kept in touch after.
He was everything you want a public servant to be. Dedicated to his craft and making Wisconsin better. https://t.co/bkpyWwRl0J
— Scott Kelly (@TheScottKelly) December 2, 2024
As District Attorney, State Representative, Minority Leader, Speaker, and Supreme Court Justice, David Prosser was a true Statesman.
Wisconsin lost a great man today.
Prayers to his family, and those closest to him. pic.twitter.com/JdvZXlcmYk
— Nathan Trueblood (@NathanTrueblood) December 2, 2024
