KENOSHA, Wis. — Judge Anthony Milisauskas was the man of the hour in the Kenosha County Courthouse on Friday, as colleagues, friends, officials, and members of the legal community packed his Branch 4 courtroom with laughter, applause, and heartfelt appreciation during a lively celebration marking his retirement after 20 years as a Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The normally strict courtroom decorum gave way to humor and warmth. The no-hats-in-court rule was suspended — hats were encouraged — and Milisauskas traded his robe and gavel for fishing gear and a sash that read “I’m retired.” Court staff led him in through the courtroom in a parade, complete with trumpet fanfare performed by Kenosha County Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel John Moyer.
A Kenosha native, Milisauskas graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1983 and worked in both private practice and with the Kenosha County Office of the Corporation Counsel. He was elected Somers Municipal Judge in 2000 and then elected as the Branch 4 Circuit Court Judge in 2005, where he has served ever since. He earlier announced his retirement, which officially takes effect January 6. Gov. Tony Evers will appoint a successor to complete the remainder of his term, which ends July 31, 2027. That appointment has not yet been announced.
After more than two decades on the bench, Judge Milisauskas retires with overwhelming respect from colleagues, attorneys, elected officials, and community members. Below are the full statements that were submitted, reflecting how deeply he will be missed:
Judge Gerad Dougvillo:
“Judge Milisauskas has served our community with integrity, fairness and a keen eye for justice for the over two decades. Beyond his adept mastery of the law, Judge Milisauskas has been a trusted mentor and colleague. His steadfast dedication to improving our community will have a lasting impact for years to come. I wish Judge Milisauskas a long and happy retirement.”
Deputy District Attorney Rosa Delgado:
“I have had the privilege of appearing in Judge Milisauskas’ courtroom for quite some time now. Judge Milisauskas can walk away from his judgeship with his head held high, knowing that he has ensured that justice has been done for all who have appeared in front of him in his courtroom.
I have observed him to be tough, fair, tolerant, judicious, and empathetic. I have observed him treat all people with dignity and respect. I have observed him make victims whole when handing down sentences that justice requires and likewise, being compassionate and fatherly toward them as well.
Judge Milisauskas takes with him years of legal experience that will not be easily replaced in Kenosha County. I am going to miss appearing in front of him in his courtroom. His retirement is well deserved and I congratulate him on a well done career.”
Judge Jason Rossell:
“Judge Milisauskas has honorably served this county for many many years and is an example of a patient and compassionate jurist. It has been my pleasure and my honor to have served along with him. While I was a prosecutor assigned to his branch, I observed so many times his patience for those seeking to be heard, his compassion for victims and the hurting, and his fitting words spoken at the right time to bring justice. Before he was a judge, his service to our county with those who were mentally ill as the Chapter 51 attorney and the many kids who played baseball for him while growing up is a testament to a career of service both on and off the bench.”
Attorney Frank Parise:
“Great guy/Outstanding Judge. Tough but fair. He has earned the respect of the entire Bar. And a long-time personal friend. Happy for him.”
County Supervisor Keith Gray:
“I had the pleasure of being called to jury duty for a case in front of Judge Milisauskas and was able to see first-hand the professionalism, fairness, and human courtesy extended to absolutely everyone in the courtroom. He has set a high bar and been a wonderful ambassador for our County.”
County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas:
“I would like to personally congratulate Judge Milisauskas on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his many years of service to our community.
He has been a steady and respected presence in our courts for two decades. Whether presiding over high-profile cases or working to build programs like Drug Court that change lives, he has always led with fairness, compassion, and integrity. Those who appeared before him—attorneys, litigants, and community members alike—knew they would be treated with respect and dignity. That’s a legacy any judge would be proud to leave.
As a Kenosha native, Judge Milisauskas has given back to the very community that raised him, and I am grateful for the commitment and heart he has shown.
I wish him and his family the very best as he steps into this new chapter. May it be filled with the same purpose, joy, and fulfillment that he has brought to Kenosha County throughout his career.
Congratulations, Judge—you’ve earned it.”
County Executive Samantha Kerkman:
“Judge Milisauskas has been a steady presence in the Courthouse in a variety of capacities over the years, most notably during his 20 years on the bench. He has always been well-respected by his colleagues. While he will be missed, I wish him well in his retirement.”
As he leaves the bench, Judge Anthony Milisauskas departs with a widely recognized legacy of fairness, professionalism, compassion, and humanity. By all accounts from those who worked with him, appeared before him, and served alongside him, his shoes will not be easy to fill.
7 Responses
I am taking it that deputy chief judge Could not Be troubled to stick his beak into this one like he usually does.
Good judge that will be sorely missed, especially after Low T Tony appoints his next criminals enabler to the bench.
The post the Kenosha people did on you as an elf is pretty funny, and you acted professional. Caputo and Jackie act like a bunch of 7th grade mean girls making highschool insults. Yet cry that Kevin is so mean. What a bunch of miserable losers.
Agree. I mean once she became friends with berg, caputo and trudell you shoulda known the type. Jail, drugs and booze
God Bless you Judge Milisauskas and enjoy your retirement. Had the privilege of sitting on several juries in your courtroom and you were always a class act!
Personally I’m glad he’s gone. He was miserable to deal with during my family court case.
Congratulations on a job well done, Judge. Enjoy your retirement!