July 11, 2022 – Washington County, WI – Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #171 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wed., July 13, 2022, in honor of Judge John P. Roemer, who passed away on June 3, 2022, at the age of 68.
“There is no doubt that Judge Roemer was a pillar of his community, a revered member of the judiciary, and a deeply admired and respected man by those who had the fortune to know him,” said Gov. Evers. “Judge Roemer’s contributions to his community and our state will not be forgotten as he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated, distinguished service that has already inspired so many. Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in praying for Judge Roemer’s family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and the greater community as we mourn his tragic passing.”
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Judge Roemer was a role model, both on and off the bench, said Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler.
“As a judge, he was known for his sharp legal mind, thoughtful handling of cases, and respect for all parties in the courtroom. He served as a mentor to many judges and others in the legal profession, and many of his colleagues became his friends. His dedication to others extended into his retirement as he cared for family members, volunteered, and became a leader at his church. He will truly be missed, but his impact is lasting,” Chief Justice Ziegler said.
Judge Roemer was a committed public servant, having been an assistant state public defender in Baraboo for five years and an assistant district attorney in Juneau County for more than a decade. In 2002, Roemer retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a lieutenant colonel, and in 2004, he was elected to the Juneau County Circuit Court, where he served until his retirement in 2017. Roemer was also an active member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mauston where he served as president of the church council, chairman of the evangelism committee, and in the church’s community outreach initiatives.
Services for Judge Roemer will be held on Wed., July 13, 2022, in Mauston.
Executive Order #171 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Wed., July 13, 2022, and is available here.
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NOTE: John Roemer was murdered in his Town of Lisbon, Wisconsin, home on June 3, 2022 in a targeted attack by a man who was disgruntled with the criminal justice system. Roemer was a retired Juneau County Circuit Court Judge.
Obituary for Judge Roemer from Crandall Funeral Home is below:
John P. Roemer, 68 of rural New Lisbon passed away, Friday, June 3, 2022, at his home in New Lisbon.
John was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the son of John and Beverly (Miller) Roemer on August 9, 1953.
John was united in marriage to Vivian M. Schroeder on November 20, 1980, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Nekoosa. He was a man of the law, serving as a Defense Attorney and as the Assistant District Attorney in his early career. In 2004, John was elected to serve the community, as a Circuit Court Judge, serving one and a half terms.
His service to the community stretched beyond his work. John would volunteer for local functions helping in any way he could. From working on the church council to delivering meals on wheels. John was always willing to help in any way he could.
John also had an uncanny ability to communicate with others. Regardless of who you were or where you came from, he treated you like a human being with dignity and respect. This coupled with his sense of humor, ensured that in most interactions you had with him, you walked away with a smile.
The last few years John dedicated much of his time to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He served as evangelism chairman and also as the congregational president. He had a heart for sharing the message of Jesus as the Savior from sin with others.
As a father, he taught us to work hard, be proud, and be ourselves in every situation. He supported us throughout many accomplishments and difficulties in our lives. He would always put the needs of his family before his own.
John is survived by his mother, three sons, his two siblings, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife and father.
