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Robert M. La Follette
School of Public Affairs
1225 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706

Telephone:  608.262.3581
Fax: 608.265.3233


Last updated:
August 18, 2011



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Alumni and Friends: La Follette Notes: Spring 2008

1992 alum Steven Semmann dies

Steven Semmann, 44, of McFarland, Wisconsin, passed away in November 2007 at home surrounded by his loving family. He graduated in 1992 from the La Follette Institute of Public Affairs.

Steve Seammann

He worked for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and had a significant hand in developing the Consolidated Court Automation Programs case management system. He continued his career as court administrator for District VI, then assistant director of the Sentencing Commission. He most recently was director of the Statistical Analysis Center for the Office of Justice Assistance.

Part of a close, extended family, Steve enjoyed watching his daughter dance and his sons play hockey and soccer. A member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, he served as Sunday school teacher and as vice president and president of the church council. He was a leading member and soloist of the UW Varsity and Marching Band.

Steve was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer in May 2006. Throughout his journey and struggle with this disease, Steve taught people about faith, courage and grace, all with a touch of humor.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Beverly; daughter Kristin; sons Brian and Jacob; three siblings, Cindi, Tim and Mike; and his parents, Miriam and Ronald Semmann. Ronald received his master’s degree in 1980 from the Center for the Study of Public Policy and Administration, the La Follette School’s precursor.