The Honorable Michael J. Barron, former Chief Judge of Milwaukee County Circuit Court, member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, proud Milwaukeean, devout Catholic and dedicated family man, entered eternal life on February 28, 2021. The Judge, as almost everyone called him, was 87 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Mary Lu Barron, daughters Mary Beth Barron and Katie Barron (Eric Tobias), grandchildren Fitz Tobias (13) and Grace Tobias (7), and his sister, Kathleen Hanley.
Barron served nobly on the bench for 26 years presiding over nearly 600 trials. A leader in the legal community both nationally and locally, he served as President of the now National Association of Presiding Judges and as the Chief Financial Officer for its national conference for 16 yrs. Hosting this national conference in Milwaukee was a memorable milestone. As Chief Judge, he created the nation’s second special Drug Courts with the assistance of then Governor Tommy Thompson and County Executive Dave Schulz. Upon retirement, the Judge became Chairman of the Wisconsin Reserve Judges’ Association for 10+ years and also handled 500+ arbitrations and mediations.
An ardent Milwaukee civic leader, the list of organizations the Judge served and awards received is long. Highlights include: member of the Marquette Law School Board of Trustees, President of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, President of the UWM Alumni Association, and judge for the Freckle Contest at Milwaukee Irish Fest since its inception in 1981.
He was born on December 18, 1933 to Michael Joseph Barron, Sr. (aka “Dee”) and Dorothy Barron (nee Crooks). Well-read and well-travelled, the Judge was proud to say he was a perennial East Sider and lived his entire life within a one-mile radius of his childhood home on Bartlett Avenue. Young Mike attended SS. Peter & Paul grade school and St. John’s Cathedral High School. He received a B.S. from the Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he was Student Body President and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School where he was Student Bar President.
Following graduation from law school he entered private practice with attorneys, Robert Curley and Patrick Sheedy. “What are the odds” the Judge loved to ask, “that not one, not two, but all three lawyers in that office would become not only a judge, but Chief Judge.” One eye brow would go down, the other up, and he’d say, “Very, very low odds . . . but it happened!”
The Judge loved to tell stories. A favorite was that he was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly the same day in 1960 that John F. Kennedy was elected president. With each subsequent election he tirelessly campaigned, handing out matchboxes with his face on the cover and the campaign slogan “Family Man”. The Judge proudly remained in continuous elected office for 40 years.
The Judge and Mary Lu raised their daughters – and lived for more than 50 years – on Lake Drive, across from Lake Park, where each year he participated in the 4th of July celebration by raising the flag, handing out ice cream and feeling immensely grateful for the American dream he was living. He left this realm having accomplished virtually every goal he ever had and with no regrets.
The Judge was preceded in death by his young sister Mary Joan, his parents Dee and Dorothy Barron and brother-in-law Attorney James A. Hanley.
Visitation will be on Saturday, March 13th beginning at 10:30 am at St. Robert Parish, 2214 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, followed by a high noon Mass. The Mass will be live streamed. A slideshow will be shown prior to Mass. To live stream, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/4p1bLgT7QdI
Private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held whenever it’s advisable for everyone’s well-being.
Memorials to St. Robert Parish where the Judge was a parishioner for many years, the UWM Foundation or Marquette University Law School will be appreciated.
Read More
