Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser died this weekend. He was 81 years old.

Brian Schimming, chair of the Wisconsin Republican Party, announced Prosser’s death in a social media posting Monday morning. He said Prosser passed early Sunday evening after a “several month battle with cancer.”

“I was able to say my goodbyes to him yesterday afternoon in Appleton. As Dave’s chief of staff when he was Assembly speaker, I know the utmost respect for his public service and his friendship that so many of us have who worked with him over the years. Arrangements are pending,” Schimming wrote.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler issued a statement Monday morning praising Prosser.

“Justice Prosser was the quintessential public servant who enjoyed a respected career (spanning more than 40 years) in the service of others,” she said in the statement. “On the bench, Justice Prosser brought a keen intellect and deep sense of fairness to every case, leaving an indelible mark on Wisconsin jurisprudence.”

Former Gov. Scott Walker praised Prosser for his public service.

“David Prosser was a giant in Wisconsin politics. I served with him when he was Speaker of the State Assembly. He was a strong leader. I appreciated his nearly two decades on the Wisconsin Supreme Court where he was focused on upholding the state Constitution. We lost a true public servant,” Walker wrote on X/Twitter.

David Prosser was a giant in Wisconsin politics. I served with him when he was Speaker of the State Assembly. He was a strong leader. I appreciated his nearly two decades on the Wisconsin Supreme Court where he was focused on upholding the state Constitution. We lost a true…
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) December 2, 2024

WisPolitics first published the story early Monday morning.

Prosser was appointed to the Supreme Court by Gov. Tommy G. Thompson in 1998 and was elected to a 10-year term in 2001 and 2011. He stepped down from the court in 2016.

Before serving on the court, Prosser had an 18-year career in the state Legislature, representing the Appleton area in the Assembly from 1979 to 1996. He served as Assembly minority leader for six years and was speaker from 1995 to 1996. Prior to winning his seat in the Assembly, Prosser was the Outagamie County district attorney.

Prosser was born in Chicago, but was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin. He earned a bachelor’s degree at DePauw University in 1965 and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1968.

Stay tuned to Civic Media for continuing coverage.

Justice David Prosser administered the judicial oath to me on July 29, 2016 as his last official act. He was a scholar of the law, a true gentleman, and one of the kindest people I have ever known. It was a privilege to serve with him. May he rest in peace. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/iRY4PlqoUx
— Rebecca Bradley (@JudgeBradleyWI) December 3, 2024

Justice David Prosser passed away yesterday. He’s had an incredible career in public service, most notably serving as Speaker of the Assembly and then as a member of our state’s high court. I thankfully had the chance to meet Justice Prosser when the Tommy G. Thompson Center on… pic.twitter.com/m1Eonhrqub
— Representative Nik Rettinger 🇺🇸 (@RepRettinger) December 2, 2024

Regardless of ones politics, David Prosser was a faithful servant to our great state for decades. In my encounters with him, I always experienced a wise, humble, and kind gentleman. May God grant comfort to his family and friends in his passing.

"While some will debate the… pic.twitter.com/mdynFbXXFP
— Rep. Barbara Dittrich (@RepDittrich) December 2, 2024

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, Speaker of the Assembly, and Appleton native, David Prosser.

Justice Prosser lived a life serving our state. His commitment to finding the best solutions for the people of Wisconsin was unmatched.… pic.twitter.com/SZxXhMmP3N
— State Rep. Ron Tusler (@RepRonTusler) December 2, 2024

It is with sadness that we share retired Supreme Court Justice David T. Prosser Jr. has passed away. Justice Prosser served 18 years on the court, from 1998 to 2016. “Justice Prosser was the quintessential public servant who enjoyed a respected career (spanning more than 40… pic.twitter.com/bdGOizOggg
— State Bar of Wisconsin (@StateBarofWI) December 2, 2024

Former WI Surpreme Court Justice & Appleton native David Prosser dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the people of Wisconsin. His legacy of public service is an inspiration to myself and many others.

My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
— Rep. Tony Wied (@RepTonyWied) December 2, 2024

From his leadership as Assembly Speaker to his time on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, David Prosser was a true public servant.

May his family and loved ones find strength in our prayers during this difficult time. His legacy of service will continue to inspire many.
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) December 2, 2024

Wisconsin has lost a true public servant with the passing of former state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser—who also notably lead the WI State Assembly as Speaker. Prosser was a brilliant man who did a wonderful job serving Wisconsin—he will be dearly missed. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/MWT49dtpeZ
— Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (@RepFitzgerald) December 2, 2024

David Prosser, a proud favorite son of Outagamie County committed his life to public service, as district attorney, a congressional aid, assemblyman, and supreme court justice. We mourn his passing but celebrate his legacy. My prayers are with the Prosser family today.
— Tom Nelson (@NelsonforWI) December 2, 2024

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