Judge Daniel Klossner Passes Away

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- A once imposing figure in Dodge County courtrooms has passed away.

Former Senior Circuit Court Judge Daniel Klossner died at his home in Juneau last Friday. He served as Dodge County Branch 1 Circuit Court Judge from 1984 until his retirement in 2008. During his legal career, he also served as Juneau City Attorney, Dodge County assistant family court commissioner, and Dodge County criminal court commissioner.

Tall and heavyset, Judge Klossner’s physical presence elicited respect. He had a way of connecting with people in his courtroom. Sometimes he would say he was a crime victim himself-a break-in at his home. He wasn’t above scolding lawyers for wasting time, but also made jurors more comfortable telling them which restaurant served the best pie during their lunchbreaks.

He was also a Vietnam War veteran and played Santa Claus in Juneau for 34 years. Judge Klossner was 77.