West Division Class of 1958 will always remember our friend and classmate...
Hon. Michael D. Guolee
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
The Honorable Michael D. Guolee passed away at the age of 84 this past May.
Born in Pelican Lake, Judge Guolee attended high school in Milwaukee and then went on to college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He began his teaching career in Milwaukee until 1966, when he started law school, earning his J.D. from Marquette University in 1969.
After graduating, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County until 1971. He then became the Chief Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Society. In 1975, he joined Marquette University as an Adjunct Associate Professor, ultimately teaching there for six years.
Judge Guolee was appointed to the 32nd Branch of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court by Governor Patrick Lucey in 1976. During his time as a judge, he oversaw the Children’s Division, where he valued the “hands-on” aspect of his work. He believed that “if cases are handled in a timely and compassionate way, the parties’ healing process will be supported.” He found it particularly rewarding to help parents develop new and workable family dynamics, as this would have a lasting impact on the children involved.
Throughout his career, Judge Guolee won six elections, culminating in a remarkable 38 years on the bench. It was the longest tenure of any active judge in Wisconsin at the time of his retirement in 2014.
Judge Guolee will be deeply missed by all who knew him as a judge, a lawyer, an educator, and a friend.
Michael Guolee
Michael Guolee, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, May 6 after a short illness. Mike was born on September 16, 1940 to John and Vivian Guolee. He graduated from West Division High School in 1958 and the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 1964. He taught in the Milwaukee Public School system until 1966 when he enrolled in the Marquette University Law School and was admitted to the Bar in 1969. His whole career was spent in public service, the Milwaukee district attorney’s office and the Legal Aid Public Defender office. He was appointed as a Circuit Court trial judge where he served for 38 years until his retirement in 2014. Besides his love of the law, he loved his family. He was married to his wife Barbara for 57 years and had 2 children he was very proud of- Renee and John. Special love went to his 3 grandchildren whom he loved to spend time with; Ivie, Reda and Jackson. They will miss hearing him say “I’ve got a story about that “. He was always working to improve himself ment, psychologically and spiritually. He loved poetry, the outdoors and could often be found on a golf course. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones. Memorial to be held at a later date.
https://www.wicourts.gov/news/thirdbranch/jul25/obituaries.htm