Sheedy remembered for contributions to legal community

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Though he was lighthearted and jovial with colleagues, former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Sheedy, who died Friday at age 90, was serious about his work.

Sheedy was elected to the bench in 1979 at age 58 and served until 1998. He was chief judge in Milwaukee County from 1990-98.

He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1948 and practiced law for 30 years before deciding to run for judge.

Sheedy was elected president of the State Bar of Wisconsin in 1974 and served as a military judge during his time in the U.S. Army.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Charles Kahn said he remembers Sheedy as a firm but fair judge.

“He took his work very seriously and didn’t joke with issues on a case,” Kahn said. “But on the side, he could be everybody’s pal.”

Kahn first appeared before Sheedy as a lawyer and later got to know him as a judicial colleague when Kahn joined the bench 1991.

“He allowed everyone to be comfortable, even confident, when appearing in front of him,” Kahn said. “He really contributed an awful lot to the community.”