On a solemn September morning, the Juneau County community gathered to pay tribute to the late Judge John Pier Roemer, a man whose dedication to justice and public service left an indelible mark on the county. The courthouse where he once presided was officially renamed the John Pier Roemer Justice Center, a lasting tribute to his years of dedicated service.
Roemer served on the Juneau County Circuit Court bench from 2004 until his retirement in 2017. Before ascending to the bench, Roemer had a distinguished legal career, including roles as a public defender, assistant district attorney, and private attorney.
Tragically, in 2022, Roemer's life was cut short when he was fatally attacked in his home. The man responsible had previously been sentenced by Roemer. He was 68 years old.
In recognition of his life and service, the Juneau County Board voted unanimously in July 2022 to rename the courthouse in his honor. The proposal was spearheaded by Judge Paul S. Curran, who described Roemer as a man deeply respected by his peers and whose dedication to the rule of law made him an exemplary figure in the legal community. Curran emphasized that Roemer’s commitment to justice would be remembered for generations to come.
The renaming ceremony, held on September 12, brought together Roemer’s family, local leaders, court officials, and members of the public to reflect on his enduring legacy. Speakers shared personal stories of Roemer’s tireless work ethic, his fairness on the bench, and his compassion for those who appeared before him. Officials said the newly renamed John Pier Roemer Justice Center is a testament to his contributions to justice.
Roemer’s death underscored the increasing dangers facing members of the judiciary. In response, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has prioritized judicial security, enacting new safeguards and pushing legislation focused on expanding security measures and privacy protections for judges. Three new laws, passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers in March, aim to safeguard current and former judicial officers from similar threats. To learn more about these new measures and their impact, click here.
