2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 69
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Dr. H. Rupert Theobald.
Whereas, Dr. H. Rupert Theobald was born in Berlin, Germany, on March 12, 1930, and died in Madison on November 9, 2005; and
Whereas, after an extensive education in Germany, Dr. Theobald came to Wisconsin in 1950 to study journalism; and
Whereas, a variety of circumstances most fortuitous for the people of Wisconsin led Rupert Theobald to accept a position as research associate with the Legislative Reference Library in 1957, beginning his long devotion to representative government in theory and practice; and
Whereas, Rupert Theobald advanced professionally, becoming research coordinator in 1960 and Chief of the Legislative Reference Bureau in 1964, while continuing his formal education, receiving his master's degree in political science in 1960 and his doctorate in political science in 1971; and
Whereas, Dr. Theobald's 30-year tenure as chief of the LRB was distinguished not just by length, but by breadth of accomplishment, during which he was the legislature's resident expert on computer automation, parliamentary procedure, and redistricting, as well as the institutional memory of the legislative branch; and
Whereas, his counsel was sought by members of both parties and he was known as a wise and honorable source of information and advice; and
Whereas, his role was seen as that of the chief engineer of the machinery of state government, ensuring that the deliberative process functioned smoothly for those entrusted with its operation; and
Whereas, Rupert Theobald was called the "keeper of precedent," the "gatekeeper for the Constitution," and the "alter ego for the leader" by those he served, powerful testimony to the admiration and respect with which he was held; and
Whereas, Dr. Theobald became the first recipient of the Council of State Government's Charles McCarthy Award in 1986, named for his LRB predecessor, like Dr. Theobald an innovator and pioneer in legislative service; and
Whereas, upon retirement Dr. Theobald received the unusual distinction of being honored by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for his service to state government, and by the Wisconsin legislature which directed that a plaque bearing his likeness be installed in the assembly chamber, and that the Legislative Reference Bureau Library be named in his honor; and
Whereas, more than awards or honors, Dr. Theobald's public service was characterized by integrity, dedication, nonpartisanship, and an unparalleled work ethic; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature mourns the passing of Dr. H. Rupert Theobald, one of the unforgettable figures of the legislature, and salutes his legacy of hard work, performed with confidence, warmth and good humor; and
Be it further resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide copies of this joint resolution to Dr. Theobald's widow, Jean, and his children Michael Theobald, Peter Theobald, and Marlies Ganellen.
