(Photo by Joe Poente, Kenosha County Government)
Friends and colleagues of soon-to-retire Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce E. Schroeder gave the longtime jurist a warm sendoff Friday, during a lunchtime celebration at the Courthouse.
Schroeder — whom one associate noted has served 40 years, six months and two days as a Circuit Court judge — is presently the state of Wisconsin’s longest-tenured judge. That streak will end when he takes his retirement effective Nov. 27.
Judge Jason Rossell, speaking during Friday’s informal program, noted that Schroeder once said his retirement party would be at St. Mary’s Church, “and he would be the one lying down in the box.”
“I’ve very happy that he’s here to hear my remarks, because I’m not sure they’d let me speak at St. Mary’s,” Rossell quipped.
(Photo by Joe Poente, Kenosha County Government)
Presenting Schroeder with a commendation from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Rossell praised the judge for serving as a mentor to many over the years.
“Thank you for your friendship, for being a great colleague,” Rossell said. “What many of you don’t know is when you become a judge, a lot of times you have questions. I think almost every single one of us ran into Bruce’s office at least once or twice within the first three months of being a judge going, ‘Ah, what the heck do I do now?’”
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County Government)
In addition to the Supreme Court commendation, Wisconsin Court of Appeals judges Mark Gundrum, Maria Lazar and Lisa Neubauer were on hand to congratulate Schroeder, along with several other current and retired judges and many attorneys, clerks and other Courthouse staffers.
Schroeder described beginning his career at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Jan. 12, 1971, as an assistant district attorney fresh out of Marquette University Law School. The DA at the time, Burton Scott, took Schroeder on a tour of the building, where he met a deputy court clerk who was wearing a red pants suit — “which was very stylish at the time,” Schroeder noted.
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County Government)
That would be Donna, now Schroeder’s wife of 51 years, who joined him at Friday’s celebration with two of their three children, son Terry and daughter Katie. Donna, Schroeder said, is a saint — “not just for dealing with me, but in every respect.”
Over the years, Schroeder himself would serve as the elected district attorney and as a private-practice lawyer before Gov. Tony Earl appointed him to a vacant judgeship in 1983. The rest, as they say, is history.
“I’ve been blessed,” Schroeder said. “And one of my great blessings has been the people I’ve worked with.”
“On top of everything else,” the judge added, “I’ve had a really fun time working here. I would recommend it to anybody.”
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County Government)
(Joe Potente)
26 Responses
Judge Schroeder has been a credit to our Wisconsin judicial system for 40+ years. I hope we can all agree to thank him for his service and wish him a wonderful retirement.
That was the best they could do for him? A lunch break party in a ratty break room at the courthouse? Pathetic. I see Sam still Janet found a hair brush
The jury assembly room is part of the courthouse culture as is the potluck retirement parties. The food is way better, too.
It’s actually a great honor that the courthouse staff rolls up its sleeves and cooks up a storm. That comes from the heart.
Maybe they should get that local charcuterie place everyone was up in arms about a few weeks ago. Tax payers $
There will be an even bigger celebration when his portrait is dedicated.
I love him. Whenever I was before him he was very nice and friendly. I hope he enjoys his retirement. He deserves it
America needs more people with integrity like Judge Schroeder in the judicial system.
MSNBC and CNN called this man a “racist judge” and accused him of giving Kyle Rittenhouse preferential treatment. Absolutely pathetic. Did Tom Binger show up?
Yes, he was there and the retirement cake even had “Don’t get brazen” on it!
Thank you for your service Judge Schroeder, and have a great retirement.
Im sure Bob Wirch came out for the potluck
Did not see him there.
Why are you silent on the Salem fire chief resignation?
Silent? There was a story about 5 days ago you tool.
perhaps you need to go back and actually read-he covered it before anyone else
Why are you polluting a celebratory post with unrelated garbage?
Try to keep up with the rest of the group.
Judge Schroeder is one of the finest judges I have ever met and it was my honor to serve three times on a jury in his courtroom. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matt 25:21
I appeared before Schroeder quite a bit in my teens and twenties…he was fair enough to me.
He also was the chosen one to officiate at my wedding. I’m very thankful for that.
I wish him the best!
That was a retirement party … 🤦…typical Kenosha BS …I bet if he was black Jessie Jackson would have showed up..
He was always more than fair to me in my few encounters in my younger days.
If he could cut some slack while staying within legal guidelines, he would do it.
Just as long as you respected the court by showing up on time, dressing neatly
and checking your attitude at the door.
Thank you Judge Schroeder and safe travels on your new journey.
I met the good judge a couple of years back .
It was during the Rittenhouse trial . He was picking up some groceries at Festival. I told him that I thought he was doing a good job. He said ; thanks , I appreciate that. Nice guy.
A fine and honorable man with a brilliant legal mind. Wisconsin was lucky to have him on the bench for as long as they did.
Glad to see Schroeder leave. He is a poor judge with a history of bias and inconsistent sentencing practices. His holier-than-thou attitude is disgraceful for a person in his position. His retirement should only be celebrated as a chance for Kenosha to improve its horribly corrupt court system.
You, sir, are insane.
LOL! Barely anyone showed up, even though it is FANTASTIC that he is gone forever. Good riddance.