Donald W. Steinmetz (1924- )

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice (1980-1999)

Donald W. Steinmetz was born September 19, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1949 and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1951.

Steinmetz was in private law practice in Milwaukee for seven years before becoming an assistant city attorney in Milwaukee in 1958. In 1960, he became first assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County where he served until 1966 when he became a county judge for Milwaukee County. He served in county court and later in circuit court until 1980, when he was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He was re-elected in 1990.

Steinmetz served on the Judicial Council, the Judicial Education and Selection Committee and was on the committee to recommend rules on the use of sound camera equipment in the courtroom.

Steinmetz and his wife Marjorie have five children: Mary, Kathleen, Chris, Susan and James, and 11 grandchildren.

Back to former justices