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24-term coroner seeking re-election

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John T. Griebel

ELKHORN — Walworth County Coroner John Griebel will run for a 25th consecutive term this September.

Griebel of Elkhorn said in a statement that experience and continuing education in the field lead the list of his qualifications.

The Walworth County Coroner’s Office has investigated more than 18,000 deaths during Griebel’s tenure. The office’s caseload has increased from 85 per year when Griebel started to about 1,104 in 2009.

Griebel is a member and past president and director of the Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association. While president, he organized the first standard training seminar in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

The event continues to be held annually.

Griebel also is a member of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and the American College of Forensic Examiners.

In 1979, Griebel was appointed to the Wisconsin Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Project Community Council, an organization responsible for coordinating SIDS investigations and services provided to parents of SIDS victims.

In a statement, Griebel said his office deals with more than just law enforcement agencies in the county.

“We also give service to the families involved,” he said.

The coroner works with the district attorney’s office, insurance investigators, attorneys representing families and public health officials.

Griebel is a graduate of Elkhorn High School and served in the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin National Guard and with the 84th Division of the U.S. Army. He also attended non-commissioned officers’ school in Fort Benning, Georgia, and was discharged a sergeant.

Griebel began his career as a Walworth County deputy sheriff, serving as justice of the peace for three years before his election to the coroner’s office.