Third Branch eNews

The Manitowoc County Courthouse has brought together decades of judicial history in a newly arranged display of portraits featuring the county’s past judges. Installed on August 1, the collection includes portraits that were previously spread throughout the courthouse. Some were re-created using historical photos from the county bar association’s archives. All are now displayed together in one of the building’s public entry halls.

A historical summary posted alongside the portraits highlights those who have served on the bench since the courthouse opened in 1907. At that time, the building housed the Circuit Court, Manitowoc County Court, and Manitowoc Municipal Court. The first judges were Michael Kirwan, John Chloupek, and Albert H. Schmidt. The court structure evolved over time, including a major statewide reorganization in 1978 that shaped the system in place today.

Several current and retired judges attended the unveiling, including Chief Judge Guy Dutcher and current Manitowoc County Circuit Court Judges Anthony Lambrecht, Robert Dewane, Jerilyn Dietz, and Mark Rohrer. Retired Manitowoc judges Gary Bendix, Jerome Fox, Fred Hazlewood, Patrick Willis, and Darryl Deets were also present, along with former Chief Judge Barbara Key of Winnebago County and retired Racine County Judge Emily Mueller.

Judge Mueller’s appearance added a personal connection. Her father, Judge Harold Mueller, is featured in the display. He served as a municipal judge, county judge, and circuit court judge during a career that spanned before and after the court’s reorganization in 1978.

The display recognizes the contributions of Manitowoc County’s judges and preserves the county’s legal history for the public. It is located in the north entry hall of the courthouse.