Former Chief Justice Reynoldson remembered for his law legacy

If anyone knew former Iowa Chief Justice W. Ward Reynoldson of Osceola best, it would probably have been his son Bob Reynoldson.

“He didn’t have a hint of arrogance about him,” Bob Reynoldson said. “He was raised on a farm in Nebraska in the Depression. I think he gained some great insight in growing up in that period of time — like a lot of folks.”

The elder Reynoldson died in Des Moines March 28. He was 95.

Life well lived

To say the former chief justice had a life well lived would be an understatement.

Ward Reynoldson served on the Iowa Supreme Court from May 1, 1971, to Oct. 1, 1987. From August 3, 1978, until his retirement, he served as chief justice. He became a senior judge following his retirement.

“He taught me the value of hard work and preparation,” Bob Reynoldson said. “He always seemed to be the best prepared lawyer in the courtroom. He prided himself on his preparation for trial.”

Born at St. Edward, Neb., May 17, 1920, he graduated from the State Teachers College at Wayne, Nebraska, in 1942.

Following service in the United States Navy during World War II (1942-1946) he graduated from the University of Iowa Law School in 1948.

In that year he engaged in private practice at Osceola where he continued until his appointment to Iowa Supreme Court. From 1953 to 1957 he was county attorney of Clarke County. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

He was president of the Conference of Chief Justices and the National Center for State Courts from 1984 to 1985.

Cady statement

This is the statement current Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark S. Cady made after Ward Reynoldson’s passing:

“The Iowa court family is saddened by the passing of former Chief Justice Ward Reynoldson. The nationally recognized court system we have in Iowa today is the result of his vision and leadership in establishing state funding for the courts and creating a system of court administration. He always projected the highest standards in everything he did.”

‘Great mentor’

Bob Reynoldson, who is a partner Reynoldson and Van Werden Law Firm in Osceola, remembered his father as a caring, delightful person with a terrific sense of humor, as well as a great professional mentor.

“Even though he achieved a pretty high station in life in his professional career, he kept a common touch about him,” he said.

The former chief justice will be remembered because of his passion for the Iowa court and judiciary system, and advancing it throughout the 20th century.

“That’s probably one of his greatest legacies — the Bar and the people of Iowa,” Bob Reynoldson said.