2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 4
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr.
Whereas, Justice David Prosser served the people of Wisconsin in various capacities for
more than 40 years, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and another 18 years on the
Wisconsin Supreme Court; and
Whereas, during his tenure in public service, Justice David Prosser served in all three
branches of state government and took part in the writing, enforcement, and interpretation of the
laws of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Justice David Prosser developed an interest in politics as a young child and chose a
career in public service at an early age, first serving as an attorney for the U.S. Department of
Justice and then joining the office of U.S. Congressman Harold Froehlich, his longtime mentor,
before returning to Wisconsin; and
Whereas, upon returning to his hometown of Appleton, Justice David Prosser was elected
Outagamie County district attorney and served in that position for two years before he was elected
in 1978 to represent his community in the Wisconsin Assembly; and
Whereas, while serving in the legislature, Justice David Prosser was an instrumental member
of various committees, including the Joint Committee on Finance and the Assembly Committee on
Judiciary, and was known by his peers as a gifted orator, a meticulous researcher, and a natural-
born leader; and
Whereas, Justice David Prosser served nine terms in the Wisconsin Assembly and was
elected by his colleagues to serve as assembly minority leader for six years and assembly speaker
for two years; and 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 4
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Whereas, following his tenure in the legislature, Justice David Prosser was appointed to serve
on the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission, where he conducted hearings and ruled on disputes
related to state taxation; and
Whereas, in 1998, Justice David Prosser was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court by
Governor Tommy Thompson, and was later elected to serve two 10-year terms in 2001 and 2011,
before retiring in 2016; and
Whereas, Justice David Prosser was highly regarded by his colleagues for his keen intellect,
his thoughtful approach to drafting opinions, and his deep sense of fairness while serving on the
Wisconsin Supreme Court; and
Whereas, throughout his tenure in public service, Justice David Prosser served as a valued
member on numerous councils and commissions, including the Wisconsin Judicial Council, the
Wisconsin Supreme Court Planning and Policy Advisory Committee, the Wisconsin Sentencing
Commission, the Wisconsin Council on Criminal Justice, and the Uniform Law Commission, of
which he was a Life Member; and
Whereas, Justice David Prosser was a committed mentor who devoted his time to building up
the next generations of lawyers and policymakers, inspiring them to set high standards and lofty
goals; and
Whereas, Justice David Prosser, who passed away on December 1, 2024, at the age of 81,
credited the support of his loving family and endless stream of loyal friends for his decades-long
career in public service; and
Whereas, the extraordinary legacy of Justice David Prosser and his lifetime dedication to the
betterment of this state will long be remembered by the people of Wisconsin; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin
Legislature join in honoring the life and service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr. and extend their
condolences to his family and friends.
Senator Mary Felzkowski
President of the Senate
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Date
Edward A. Blazel
Assembly Chief Clerk