Speaker Vos: Statement on passing of former Justice David Prosser

I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Justice David Prosser. Dave had a distinguished career serving as Speaker in the Wisconsin State Assembly and as a Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for more than 40 years.

Dave had a great sense of humor and was always quick to offer advice that was filled with great ideas and common-sense solutions. He was well-regarded and well-respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. A man of wisdom, Dave listened first, was thoughtful and independent-minded in his decisions. He gained the trust of his colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats. Dave leaves a legacy of service to the state that won’t be matched.

Dave highly valued the institutions of the legislature and the court. He understood the importance of each branch of government and the need for balance among the three. He spent his career working tirelessly to uphold the constitution and ensuring that Wisconsin was a better place for generations to come. Even after he retired in 2016, he remained active in the legislative process and lobbied for changes to issues pertaining to the court.

Dave committed his life to serving others and finding solutions to improve our state. He was an exemplary leader and an inspiration to us all.

Dave was a friend and mentor to me and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos

Statement by Former Assembly Speaker John Gard and Former Secretary of Revenue and State Representative Cate Zeuske

We were given one of God’s great blessings when He brought David Prosser into our life. We have deep faith that our Lord often answers prayers and provides blessings through putting key people in our life when it matters most.

For us, David Prosser was that person. He changed our lives and his profound impact is felt in our family every single day.

While David was a remarkable public servant, he was at his core a person that always cared for the most basic human needs of countless people. We watched him care for those with nowhere else to turn and no person’s challenges were ever beneath his desire to solve. He could handle the biggest challenges facing our state and immediately pivot to quietly helping someone in need while no one was watching.

It was life changing to work for David, serve with him in the legislature and work with him throughout his and our professional journeys. Politics and public service can provide moments of fierce battles and demand an adherence to an individual’s foundational principles and core values. David understood his need to stand up and battle when the moment called for it and to find common ground at the right time as well.

David led our Assembly Republican team into the majority for the first time in 24 years during the 1994 election and was elected Speaker for his leadership. He delivered with tremendous and profound reforms that kept his word to the electorate. 

Yet, he always led by example and privately everyone from both parties knew if they needed a friend at a time of need, David could be trusted to be that person.

David cared for our family in meaningful ways from our parents to our children and witnessing Supreme Court Justice David Prosser swear our daughter Libby into the State Bar brought our friendship and life’s journey full circle. 

David was a man of incredible humility and kindness. May God rapidly welcome David into His Heavenly kingdom.

With deepest sadness, respect and sympathy,

John Gard and Cate Zeuske

Statement by Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court

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.

With deepest respect and sympathy,

Annette Kingsland Ziegler
Chief Justice, Wisconsin Supreme Court

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) commemorates the life and legacy of former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser who passed away over the weekend.  

For decades, Justice David Prosser’s career was defined by an unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and liberty for all. Like any justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, we may not have always viewed a case or ruling the same way, but we deeply respect the institution and the late Justice Prosser’s legacy of public service. His memory will live on in the impact he has made after eighteen years of service on the state supreme court.”

Rick Esenberg, WILL President & General Counsel