Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Diane Meulemans to the Waupaca County Circuit Court, Branch 3, filling the vacancy left by the death of Judge Raymond S. Huber in December.

Meulemans, who has served as Waupaca County Corporation Counsel since 2014, will serve the remainder of the term, which ends July 31, 2027. She will need to run for election to retain the seat beyond that date.

“With decades of experience, Diane Meulemans’ knowledge and commitment to public service will make her a great judge for the people of Waupaca County,” Evers said in announcing the appointment.

In her role as corporation counsel, Meulemans has provided legal representation to the county’s elected officials and departments, handled cases involving guardianship, protective placements, child welfare, termination of parental rights, and involuntary commitments, and served as administrator of the county’s child support agency. Before joining Waupaca County, she worked as an assistant and deputy corporation counsel in Marathon County and as corporation counsel in Green Lake County.

Waupaca County Circuit Court Judges Vicki L. Clussman and Troy L. Nielsen welcomed the appointment, stating, “We join Gov. Evers in welcoming Attorney Diane Meulemans to the bench in Waupaca County. We believe Attorney Meulemans will be an asset to the judiciary as she consistently demonstrates excellent preparation, insight, and knowledge of the law.”

Meulemans, a resident of northwestern Waupaca County, holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a master’s degree from UW-Madison, and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

“I am humbled and honored to accept this appointment by Gov. Evers, and I am dedicated to continuing the judicial legacy of the late Honorable Raymond S. Huber,” Meulemans said. “As an attorney in the Office of Corporation Counsel for over 20 years — almost 12 of those in Waupaca County — I have demonstrated my commitment to public service and to protecting the rights of those who are vulnerable and in crisis in our community. As a judge, I will serve with compassion, integrity, impartiality, and a steadfast commitment to justice for all.”

Huber, who had served on the bench for 25 years, passed away at age 68 from injuries sustained in a fall.

Raymond S. Huber’s Judicial Legacy

The Honorable Raymond S. Huber, often known as “Ray,” served as a Waupaca County Circuit Court judge for 25 years, leaving a legacy defined by fairness, impartiality, and steady dedication to justice in Wisconsin’s court system.

Born March 13, 1957, in Clintonville, Wisconsin, Huber graduated from Clintonville High School in 1975. He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from Carroll University and his law degree with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School.

Huber began his legal career as an attorney with Linehan Law in Wausau before opening his own practice in Clintonville, where he also served as City Attorney. In 2000, he ran for and was elected to the Waupaca County Circuit Court (Branch II or III, depending on branch designations over time). His campaign emphasized being “fair, firm, and impartial” — principles that colleagues and observers noted he upheld throughout his tenure.

Over his quarter-century on the bench, Huber presided over a wide range of cases in this rural Wisconsin county, including high-profile matters that drew regional attention. Notable examples include:

• The cold-case murder trial of Tony Haase (a 1992 homicide resolved decades later through DNA and other evidence).
• The sentencing in the tragic drunken driving crash involving Scott Farmer, which claimed the lives of four siblings in Weyauwega.

These cases highlighted his ability to handle complex, emotionally charged proceedings with measured judgment. Colleagues described him as a mentor, a good listener, and a kind man whose judicial temperament brought consistency and respect to the courtroom.

Huber’s legacy extended beyond rulings; he remained deeply connected to his roots. He was remembered for his commitment to community, family, and simple joys and generous gestures.

Huber passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 5, 2025, at age 68, from injuries sustained in a fall on ice at his home in Clintonville. His death prompted widespread mourning in Waupaca County, with tributes emphasizing his long service and positive impact.

Huber’s 25-year record reflects a judge who balanced firmness with fairness, earning enduring respect in Waupaca County and beyond.