Rodenberg dons judicial robe

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- An air of excitement filled the corridors of the Brown County Courthouse Friday afternoon as people gathered for the swearing-in ceremony of John Rodenberg to the Fifth Judicial District trial court bench.

Rodenberg's colleagues, family, friends, clients and many others in the community turned out for the event. The Honorable Terri J. Stoneburner, Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge, administered the oath to Rodenberg.

Rodenberg replaces Stoneburner who resigned on April 28, 2000, to become a judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

"I'm honored by your attendance today," Rodenberg said in his speech after he was sworn in, "That I stand before you today is a testament of the gifts I've been given in my life ... I'm certainly looking forward to my new area of service, but I will miss Berens, Rodenberg and O'Connor (law firm). All of the attorneys ... have played an important part of my development. I'm going to miss the challenge of advocacy."

In early September this year, Governor Jesse Ventura announced the appointment of Rodenberg to become a judge in the Fifth Judicial District.

Prior to his appointment, Rodenberg had spent 18 years as a partner with the law firm of Berens, Rodenberg and O'Connor in New Ulm. Rodenberg also served as a part-time assistant to the Brown County Attorney for 18 years.

The Honorable Paul Anderson Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court gave some remarks at the ceremony.

"It's a real tribute to you, John," said Justice Anderson, "The governor does very thorough interviews with the candidates. I want to congratulate you on your appointment."

Partner in Berens, Rodenberg and O'Connor law firm, William T. O'Connor said, "I'm going to miss John as a member of the firm -- he's been here for 18 years."

Rodenberg earned his Juris Doctorate degree cum laude from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul in 1981 and his Bachelor of Arts cum laude degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield in 1978.

Other experience Rodenberg brings with him to the position includes his work as a staff attorney with the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals in Minnesota from 1981 to 1982.

Rodenberg has volunteered his attorney services for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. This year he was called one of the top 25 vote-getters in the "Superlawyer" poll of lawyers in the state.

In addition to his legal service, he has been a volunteer coach for the New Ulm High School Mock trial team. He also coaches for both the New Ulm Junior Baseball Association and the New Ulm Hockey Association.

Rodenberg was born in New Ulm and lives here with his wife Dianne and their three children together - David, Ana and Matthew.

"My intention is to do my best and to serve the people of the Fifth Judicial District," said Rodenberg in his speech, "I'm excited to serve the Fifth Judicial District."