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Former judge remembered as fair and friendly

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Gerald Jaeckle

JANESVILLE — People described former Rock County Judge Gerald Jaeckle as a fair judge, friendly guy and family man who loved his life's work.

Jaeckle, 82, died Monday at a hospice center in Madison after battling emphysema, his wife, Joanne Jaeckle, said. He was elected judge in 1975 and retired in 1991.

"He was a very serious judge. He was very committed to his position. He loved what he was doing and loved his work," Joanne said. "He was very fair. He ran his court in a very orderly fashion."

Gerald graduated from law school at UW-Madison in 1953. He practiced law in Beloit for 19 years before becoming judge.

He was deputy chief of the 5th Judicial District, which included Rock, Dane, Green and Lafayette counties. He unsuccessfully attempted to be on the 4th District Court of Appeals in 1978.

He taught a general law course at UW-Madison. He also taught judges in a judicial education program.

Gerald had three daughters and 11 grandchildren. He and his wife were married nearly 59 years.

Frank Marsden knew Gerald for about 40 years. He was the judge's bailiff and friend.

"He was a hard-working circuit judge, believe me. He was a great guy," Marsden said. "He was well liked, as far as I'm concerned, by everybody who knew him. His employees loved him."

Gerald performed many marriages and oversaw several trials during his tenure, Marsden said. He was a stern and respectful judge.

"He was fair to everybody," Marsden said. "Everybody had an opportunity to say what they wanted to say."

Outside of work, the former judge loved his family, playing bridge, hitting golf balls and going on fishing trips, Marsden said.

"He was a good friend," Marsden said. "I really appreciated the opportunity to work for him."

Former Rock County Judge Michael Byron knew Gerald for about 45 years. The two were law partners early in their careers. Byron later replaced Gerald on the bench.

"He was very intelligent," Byron said. "He also was very good at working with people."

People in the justice system admired Gerald, Byron said. He was friendly with everyone.

"He was a very excellent judge for Rock County," Byron said.