Michael J. Byron

The Honorable Michael J. Byron, former Rock County Circuit Court Judge, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023 in Brentwood, TN. He was 81. Mike was born November 1, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Joseph and Pearl (Brown) Byron. He was a 1959 graduate of Marquette University High School (Milwaukee, WI) and a 1963 graduate of The College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA). He received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin -Madison in 1966 and was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin. Mike married Helen A. Zbinovec on August 8, 1964 in Milwaukee, WI. They moved to Beloit in 1967, where they resided until 2022. He was the assistant district attorney in Beloit from 1966 to 1968. In 1968, he went into private practice. A respected attorney and active community volunteer, Mike served in many organizations, including the Rock Valley Corrections Program, the Rock County 51.42 Board, the Beloit Equal Opportunities Commission, as well as legal aid programs. He was appointed to the Rock County bench in 1991 and subsequently elected in 1992 and 1998. He presided as Judge in Circuit Court Branch 3 until his retirement in August 2008. He continued to serve the State of Wisconsin as a reserve judge for a number of years in the fifth judicial district, which includes Rock, Dane, Green, and Lafayette counties. An active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Mike was a devoted husband and a caring and loving father and grandfather. For nearly six decades, Mike and Helen have been a shining example of a happy and healthy married couple. They have spent a good portion of the past two years holding each other's hands. An avid fan of the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers, Mike was renowned for his gentle nature, his wry smile and his dry sense of humor, especially his one-liners. His children and grandchildren will always fondly remember his Saturday morning breakfasts, especially "Papa's pancakes." Like a true Wisconsinite, Mike loved a fish fry from a supper club. He was known to randomly break out in song, a constant backdrop in his home while his kids were growing up. He had an affinity for unique French and Italian automobiles, most of which turned out to be lemons. This may have led to him becoming an avid reader and believer in Consumer Reports. Mike also liked to dabble in DIY household projects with varying success. One constant was his colorful language which would surface if the projects were not going so well. Fundraising for Beloit Catholic High school had Mike parodying the Blues Brothers and the Beach Boys with his close group of friends. He was also part of a neighborhood walking club for many years and always enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Mike was known for his personal and professional integrity, as well as for his fairness, honesty, compassion, and common sense. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard J. Byron, and his sister Patricia A. Pirus. He is survived by his wife, Helen Byron of Brentwood, TN; three children, Kristine Byron of Lansing, MI, Sean (Corrie) Byron of Nolensville, TN, and Casey (Gina) Byron of Minneapolis, MN; and his five grandchildren, Berkley, Riley, Jonah, Evan, and Claudia. A celebration of life will be planned for a future time. Memorial contributions may be given in his name to Beloit Regional Hospice.