Third Branch eNews

Hon. Raymond S. Huber,
Waupaca County Circuit Court

The Honorable Raymond “Ray” S. Huber passed away on December 5th. He was 68 years old.

Judge Huber was born in Clintonville, Waupaca County, in 1957. He earned his bachelor’s from Carroll College in 1978 and his J.D. from UW-Madison in 1982, before working in private practice in Wausau. He served as both City Attorney for Clintonville, beginning in 1988, and Village Attorney for Big Falls, beginning in 1989, two positions he held until he won election to the then-newly formed third branch of Waupaca County’s circuit court in 2000. Judge Huber would be subsequently reelected every six years.

Following Judge Huber’s death, Judge Troy Nielsen of Waupaca County’s first branch said, “No kinder person has ever walked this Earth.”

Judge Vicki Clussman of Waupaca County’s second branch said, “It is hard to put into words all the wonderful attributes of Judge Huber. He was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known and was a mentor to many. He was helpful to anyone who asked for his assistance or guidance. He had a laugh that filled a room and made everyone around him happier. He was a big man with a huge heart. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends, and co-workers.”

Wisconsin’s justice system mourns the loss of Judge Huber – a man deeply deserving of the title “Honorable.”

Dennis D. Austin,
Wisconsin State Law Library

The Wisconsin Court System mourns the passing of Dennis D. Austin, a longtime member of the Wisconsin State Law Library staff who dedicated many years to supporting access to legal information in Wisconsin.

Dennis passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at the age of 83.

During his time at the State Law Library, Dennis developed a deep interest in the institution’s history. In the 1990s, he authored a detailed manuscript documenting more than 160 years of the library’s development, preserving stories, milestones, and little-known details that helped connect the library’s past with its present mission.

Former Law Librarian Julie Tessmer Robinson reflected on Dennis’s lasting impact. “Dennis compiled a detailed legislative history of the State Law Library that is still used today,” Robinson said. “Dennis leaves behind a meaningful legacy of mentoring librarians, caring, and giving back.”

Former State Law Librarian Jane Colwin recalled Dennis’s generosity and deep institutional knowledge.

“Let’s ask Dennis’ was a common refrain. His institutional knowledge of the court system was appreciated by justices, judges, law clerks, attorneys, and fellow law librarians. And best of all, Dennis was just plain fun to work with.”

Dennis retired from state service in 1997. In retirement, he remained active in his communities through volunteering, creative pursuits, and continued involvement with libraries. He returned to Wisconsin in 2017 and spent his later years volunteering in Sun Prairie.

Dennis’s contributions to the State Law Library and to generations of colleagues continue to be felt, and his legacy remains an enduring part of the institution he served.

Jamie Neuendorf,
Milwaukee County Law Library

Jamie Elizabeth Neuendorf, a former member of the Milwaukee County Law Library staff, passed away on December 13, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer. She is remembered for her commitment to public service and her care for those seeking help navigating the court system.

Jamie began her work at the Milwaukee County Law Library in 2017 and later served in leadership roles during a period of significant challenge. She played a key role in maintaining library services during the COVID-19 pandemic and in reopening the library to the public, ensuring continued access to legal information for the community. Colleagues remember her dedication to helping people from all walks of life navigate the court system.

Jamie retired from state service in September 2024 due to medical reasons.

Outside of her professional life, Jamie had wide-ranging interests that reflected her creativity and values, including social justice, cooking, pinball, poetry, fine art, jewelry making, and fashion. She was especially known for her love of shoes.

The Wisconsin Court System extends its condolences to Jamie’s family, friends, and colleagues, and honors her service and lasting impact.