Retired Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Maurice M. Spracker died June 10 at Bradford Terrace of complications of age. He was 95.
He was born in Koretz, Russia, and settled in Milwaukee with his family as a young boy.
He lived his life based on “deep-seated idealism” according to his family, and “was proud that he could come to America and become a lawyer and judge and accomplish important work.”
He graduated from West Division High School in 1923 and earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from Marquette University in 1927. He opened a private practice with his sister, Gertrude, after helping her receive her law degree.
His children, Stanley Spracker and Marilyn Spracker, both attorneys, noted that he thought a law degree was a valuable tool, even if one didn’t practice.
He served on the Selective Service appeals board during World War II and was a lawyer for the Office of Price Administration. He also served on the Board of Zoning Appeals as an appointee of Mayor Frank Zeidler, for 14 years.
While in private practice, he also worked as a court commissioner for Judge Robert Hansen. Following Hansen’s election to the state Supreme Court in 1968, Spracker was appointed his successor in circuit court by Gov. Warren Knowles. A year later, he was elected to his first term.
Known as a “conciliator” and an advocate for reconciliation, he served on bench until 1975, when he neared the mandatory retirement age of 70. He spent most of his years in family court and continued as a reserve judge for five years.
In the 1970s, he withstood community criticism over public officials’ membership in the Eagles Club, then a white-only organization. Abhorring any form of discrimination, he remained a member because he felt he could better foster change from within. Soon after, he appointed the first African-American court commissioner in Milwaukee County.
A strong supporter of the Jewish community, he was a member of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and active in Israel Bonds. Also, he was involved in the development of the Jewish Community Center when it was built on Prospect Ave.
In addition to his son Stanley of Washington, D.C., and daughter Marilyn (Fred Tannenbaum) of Chicago, he is survived by sister Gertrude Kiselow of Palm Springs, Calif., and two grandchildren. His wife, Lillian Spracker, died in 1977.
Rabbi Andrew Warmflash of Temple Emanuel in Newton, Mass., officiated at the funeral on June 13. Burial was in Spring Hill Cemetery.
Memorials to the Maurice and Lillian Spracker Foundation, 1803 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614 would be appreciated.
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