Wood County's first Branch 4 judge sworn into office as new courtroom unveiled

WISCONSIN RAPIDS − Attorney Tim Gebert officially became Wood County Branch 4 Circuit Judge Gebert Friday afternoon when he took his oath of office and donned his robe during an investiture ceremony.

Gebert, 53, is the first Branch 4 judge for Wood County. In November 2021, the Wisconsin Supreme Court announced Wood County was one of four counties that would receive an additional circuit court branch. Clark, Sawyer and Manitowoc counties also received new judges this year.

Gebert defeated Wood County District Attorney Craig Lambert in the April election.

Gebert's family, friends, colleagues and Wood County officials packed the Branch 2 courtroom Friday during the investiture ceremony.

Wood County Child Support Director Brent Vruwink, who helped Gebert with his election campaign, told the group about Gebert's dedication. During the campaign, Gebert traveled around the county to meet people, Vruwink said. The new judge didn't just talk to people, he also really listened to them and got to know them, Vruwink said.

"I know he won't let the people of Wood County down when he takes the bench," Vruwink said.

Retired Attorney Kenneth Gorski said he's known Gebert for 20 years. Gebert is intelligent, ethical and someone who treats other people with respect, Gorski said.

"I know he'll be a great addition to the county," Gorski said.

Wood County Branch 1 Circuit Judge Greg Potter gave Gebert the oath of office and advice on how to be a good judge. A good judge respects every person who comes into the courtroom, prepares for the cases in advance, has patience and listens, Potter said.

Gebert's wife, Elizabeth, helped him put on his robe. Gebert said his mother was the best person he knew, his father was the smartest, and his wife is the most patient.

Gebert grew up in Wisconsin Rapids. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in industrial organizational psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1991 and got his Juris Doctor from Michigan State Law School in 1994. He's practiced both criminal and civil law for the past 28 years.

Gebert has been sitting in Wood County Branch 1 with Potter for a week, learning what it's like to be in charge of a courtroom.

"It's a different perspective being there on the other side," Gebert said.

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Following Friday's ceremony, people got the chance to see the inside of the newly created Branch 4 courtroom and chambers. The courtroom, the smallest of Wood County's four courtrooms, is in the former Wood County Clerk of Courts Office. Gebert said he's happy to have the newest courtroom. Any of the county's other three judges could have claimed it, but they didn't, he said.

Gebert said he's noticed the positive working relationship the Wood County judges have had through the years. It's not like that in all counties, he said. He's looking forward to being a part of the positive environment and serving the residents of Wood County. Gebert served as a Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Court prosecutor and worked in Marshfield for 15 years. He wants to continue to serve all the residents of Wood County in his new role.

Gebert said he'll be taking the bench for the first time in about a week.

Contact Karen Madden at 715-345-2245 or kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33.

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This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Wood County Branch 4 Circuit Judge Tim Gebert sworn into office Friday