John Shabaz, senior federal judge, dies at 81
MADISON—John Shabaz, a senior federal judge in Wisconsin’s western district, has died. He was 81.
Shabaz’s wife, Patty, tells The Associated Press her husband died Friday after an illness.
The Wisconsin State Journal reports Shabaz was known as a demanding, dedicated and fast-paced judge. He was appointed to the federal bench in 1981.
From 1964 until 1981, he was a Republican state representative and had a reputation as a fiery debater. He served as minority leader from 1973 to 1979.
Gov. Scott Walker says Shabaz was a dedicated public servant who will be missed.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Visitation is at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison, with funeral services at 4 p.m.
Sep 2, 2012 at 3:31 p.m.
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As an attorney who leans left politically, I can tell you that, while John was a demanding jurist, he was from the old school where the sanctity of the judiciary transcended his political beliefs. We need more like him; the 'system' will bear the scar of his loss.
Sep 1, 2012 at 7:04 p.m.
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I found out first hand how ornery he was in his courtroom. I think he was a bit over the top. Sorry to see he passed though:(.
Sep 1, 2012 at 5:18 p.m.
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He was so ornery I thought he'd live forever.
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