Wade E. Warntjes Appointed as New Magistrate Judge for Second Judicial Circuit

May 24, 2021    

Wade E. Warntjes Appointed as New Magistrate Judge

Presiding Judge Robin J. Houwman is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court has approved the appointment of Attorney Wade E. Warntjes as Magistrate Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit, Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties.  Attorney Warntjes will fill the seat vacated by the upcoming retirement of Magistrate Judge Patrick Schroeder.  

 Warntjes was born and raised in Rock Rapids, Iowa, and has resided in Sioux Falls for the last 23 years.  Warntjes graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Finance and earned his JD/MBA joint degree from USD Law School and the Beacom School of Business. Warntjes began his legal career working for the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office. He then transitioned to private practice with Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, and most recently served as the Senior Staff Attorney for the South Dakota State Penitentiary’s five adult campuses. Warntjes and his wife have three adult sons and are currently raising their niece in Sioux Falls.  

Judge Warntjes will take the bench on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 with a formal swearing-in ceremony to follow sometime thereafter at the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls.    

For further information: Court Administration, Second Circuit, 605-367-5920