Third Branch eNews

The Honorable Michael D. Guolee passed away at the age of 84 this past May.

Born in Pelican Lake, Judge Guolee attended high school in Milwaukee and then went on to college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He began his teaching career in Milwaukee until 1966, when he started law school, earning his J.D. from Marquette University in 1969.

After graduating, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County until 1971. He then became the Chief Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Society. In 1975, he joined Marquette University as an Adjunct Associate Professor, ultimately teaching there for six years.

Judge Guolee was appointed to the 32nd Branch of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court by Governor Patrick Lucey in 1976. During his time as a judge, he oversaw the Children’s Division, where he valued the “hands-on” aspect of his work. He believed that “if cases are handled in a timely and compassionate way, the parties’ healing process will be supported.” He found it particularly rewarding to help parents develop new and workable family dynamics, as this would have a lasting impact on the children involved.

Throughout his career, Judge Guolee won six elections, culminating in a remarkable 38 years on the bench. It was the longest tenure of any active judge in Wisconsin at the time of his retirement in 2014.

Judge Guolee will be deeply missed by all who knew him as a judge, a lawyer, an educator, and a friend.