Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of Hon. John J. (Jack) Todd ’50

The Honorable John J. (Jack) Todd ’50, retired Minnesota Supreme Court judge, passed away on September 18, at age 97. He was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended Cretin High School. He started college, but soon after joined the Navy where he served for nearly two years. He returned to Minnesota after World War II and enrolled at the College of St. Thomas where he planned to study medicine but opted for pre-law. After two years, he transferred to the University of Minnesota Law School, where he graduated in 1950, passing the bar two weeks after his graduation.

Todd practiced law in Minnesota for seven decades, notably as a partner in the firm of Thuet and Todd, his own private practice, and the firm Orme and Associates. He was a general practice attorney, covering criminal law, family, and personal injury cases. Early in his career, he also served as a part time municipal judge and on the Minnesota Tax Court. He practiced law alongside future governor Wendell Anderson, who in 1972, appointed Todd as an Associate Justice to the Minnesota Supreme Court, where he served 13 years. There he was an early proponent of adopting technology such as computerized records. In addition to being a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, he was past president of District One of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

 Todd’s Civic contributions included working to establish Wakota (now Doug Woog) Arena and Divine Redeemer Hospital in South St. Paul, and played a lead role in incorporating Lilydale, Minnesota. He is survived by three children and three grandchildren.