By Tom Weber, KWMU / AP
St. Louis, Mo – Former St. Louis County Councilman Kurt Odenwald will soon be Judge Odenwald. Governor Blunt on Wednesday named Odenwald to serve on the Missouri Court of Appeals in St. Louis.
Odenwald, a Republican, lost his seat on the council in last year's election to Barbara Fraser, but he remained a lawyer during his time on the council and before that.
"I think what's helpful for a judge who has actually tried cases himself or herself, who has been in the act of practice of law - it brings a broader perspective than perhaps someone who has sat on the bench and really hasn't been involved in the private practice," Odenwald said, in an interview.
Odenwald, 52, will replace Gary Gaertner, who retired this summer. The other two finalists for the job were Gaertner's son - Gary, Jr. - and lawyer Thomas Weaver.
In a statement, Blunt said Odenwald has broad-based experience from nearly three decades as an attorney.
Odenwald has previously worked as a lawyer for Anheuser-Busch; he's currently a partner at the firm Guilfoil, Petzall and Shoemake. He lives with his wife and four children in Shrewbury.