Sixth Judicial District Judge Denver Dillard retired Tuesday from the bench after 10 years of service, but Dillard has worked in the Linn County Courthouse since 1975 when he started as an assistant county attorney.

Dillard was in private practice and a part-time assistant county attorney until 1983 when he was elected as county attorney after Gene Kopecky retired. He then was appointed to the bench by former Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Former Linn County Attorney Harold Denton said during a Dillard’s retirement reception that Dillard told Gov. Vilsack he would serve as a judge for 10 years and he was true to his word.

Dillard said he will miss being around the people and daily conversations about the cases but looks forward to more time for running, hunting, traveling with his wife and woodworking projects.

Dillard may have retired but you may see him back in the courthouse in the near future. He has applied to take senior judge status.

Congrats, Judge Dillard!