The Honorable Lawrence “Larry” Waddick, who served as a circuit court judge of Washington County’s first branch, passed away on Friday, June 13 in Bradenton, FL. He was 87 years old.
Judge Waddick was born in Evergreen Park, IL, in 1938. He graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in 1959 before attending UW Law School, where he earned his J.D. in 1964. He passed the Wisconsin State Bar that same year, and, in 2014, Judge Waddick was honored along with other members who had passed the state’s bar exam 50 years previously.
He worked in private practice from 1964 until 1990, when he was elected to the Washington County circuit court. Judge Waddick would be re-elected in 1996 and serve until his resignation in 2000. Following his time as a circuit court judge, he worked in mediation.
Outside of the law, Judge Waddick had a love for aviation, painting, photography, carpentry, camping, and fishing. Along with his wife Arline, Judge Waddick traveled around North America before they both eventually settled in Florida.
He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov