Michael B. Torphy, Jr.

Madison - Michael B. Torphy Jr., beloved father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Mike was born on April 26, 1930 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, the oldest of three sons to Michael B. Sr. and Alma (Englund) Torphy. When Mike was six the family moved to Madison's West side which at the time was farmland. Those early years were spent attending school and helping his parents with the garden and orchard. He spoke often of the strawberries that they grew in the family garden and couldn't help but look with suspicion at what today passes for a strawberry. He loved to take pictures, to cook especially his famous cheesecake and to read history, politics or just a good mystery. A 1948 graduate of Madison West High School, he received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin. While in college he was a member of the Sigma Phi Fraternity, worked as a bartender at the Kennedy Manor, and lettered in varsity crew. He took a 2-year leave from law school to serve in the Army. He received an honorable discharge in 1955 as a 1st Lieutenant having served as a Platoon Leader, Military Police Officer and receiving aNational Defense Service Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal in Germany. Mike married Maureen Sinnott on September 7, 1957. He was in private practice at the time and remained there until 1964. He was appointed to the position of Dane County District Attorney in 1964 and re-elected to the post in 1965. The Dane County Board of Judges then appointed him Family Court Commissioner in 1967. In 1968 he ran for a newly created Judgeship in a hotly contested primary race beating 6 other candidates to win the seat and continued to serve the Dane County Courts for 30 more years. Mike built a reputation as one of the state's best trial judges during his years on the bench and was admired by prosecutors and defense attorneys alike. He was said to be the ""judge's judge,"" ""a mentor to all"", especially in the area of criminal law. He presided over a number of high-profile trials including the State's first trial to be broadcast live on television and the longest murder trial in the county. Between the mid 1970's and 1980's he presided over more than 20 of Dane county's murder cases, including the trails of Barbara Hoffman, the Ghost Riders motorcycle gang and Ralph Lange. Mike is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maureen; his daughters, Laura Torphy of Chicago, IL and Karen (Dan) Diemer and grandson, Dylan of Arcata, CA; his brother, Daniel (Judy) Torphy and their children, Mike, Jenny, Megan and Jeff; brother, John (Helen) Torphy and their son, Sean; brother-in-law George Sinnott and children, Kevin, Eileen and Megan; as well as many extended family members and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Arlene Sinnott. His favorite times were spent with his family at home or vacationing at Crystal Lake in Minnesota. Everyone left these visits with a big hug, and ""I love you so very much"" and ""Don't forget to call to let me know that you made it home safely"". Mike enjoyed time with his grandson Dylan and would tell him stories of his trials. When asked what was his least favorite part of being a judge, his response was in the form of advice, saying, ""If you are going to be a lawyer Dylan, be a good one"". In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a contribution to the charity of your choice or to Second Harvest Food Bank at http://www.secondharvestmadison.org/; Capital Times Kids Fund, P.O. Box 8060, Madison, WI 53713; or HospiceCare at www.hospicecareinc.com. Services will be held at Ellen and Peter Johnson Hospice Care Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. There will be a time to visit with the family between 1:00pm -- 3:00pm. A Memorial service at 3:00 p.m. followed by a time for stories with a light supper. A special thanks to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, and HospiceCare for their compassionate care. Comments to the family can be made on the Cress Funeral Home's website, via the following link: